Dental Bridge: What is a dental bridge?

A Dental bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth by using the teeth either side of the gap as anchors. It is fitted into place, meaning it doesn’t need to be taken out at night and shouldn’t be confused with dentures. 

Bridges can be a great alternative to dental implants or dentures. For example, if the teeth either side of the gap are damaged, a bridge not only fills the gap, but also treats the teeth either side in the process. 

Protecting and conserving your natural teeth

However, a dental bridge is not always the first choice if the teeth either side of the gap are completely healthy, as is usually the case after trauma. As dentists, our first priority is to protect and conserve teeth, so we’re always reluctant to remove enamel from healthy teeth, simply to fit a bridge. If a bridge is not appropriate due to the teeth either side being unfilled and completely healthy, the dentist may chose to advise you to have a Dental Implant

Types of bridges:

Full coverage dental bridge:

The teeth either side of the gap need to be drilled down.

Resin Retained Bridge:

if the teeth are healthy either side and an implant is not an option. This is also a bridge that is glued in but it is just stuck on to the teeth either side of the gap so no damage is done. The generally don’t last so long and are cheaper.