Dental Bridges: A Fixed Solution for Missing Teeth

A missing tooth is more than a cosmetic concern — it can change how you bite, how neighbouring teeth sit, and how confident you feel smiling. A dental bridge is one of the most reliable, long-established ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth, fixed permanently in place and designed to look and feel like your own.

At Spixworth Dental Practice, we offer bridges as both an NHS and a private treatment, with a range of material and design options to suit your situation.

🧠 What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge literally “bridges” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It uses your adjacent natural teeth (or in some cases, implants) as anchors to hold a false tooth — called a pontic — firmly in the gap.

Unlike a denture, a bridge isn’t removable. Once it’s fitted, it stays put and is cleaned like a natural tooth.

🦷 Types of Bridges We Offer

Traditional Bridge

The most common type. A crown is fitted over the teeth either side of the gap, with the replacement tooth fused between them. Strong, long-lasting, and suitable for most situations where the neighbouring teeth are healthy.

Cantilever Bridge

Used when there’s only a natural tooth on one side of the gap. Supported from a single adjacent tooth, it’s less common today but still useful in specific cases.

Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridge

A minimally invasive option where the false tooth is attached using thin metal or porcelain “wings” bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. Very little natural tooth needs to be removed, making it a conservative choice for front teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Where multiple teeth are missing or the adjacent teeth aren’t strong enough to support a traditional bridge, dental implants can be used as anchors. See our Dental Implants page for more.

💬 What to Expect

1. Assessment — we check the health of the supporting teeth and take X-rays
2. Preparation — the anchor teeth are shaped to receive their crowns
3. Impressions — digital or traditional moulds are taken
4. Temporary bridge — worn while your permanent bridge is crafted in the lab
5. Final fit — the bridge is checked, adjusted and cemented in place

Typically completed over 2 visits, 1–2 weeks apart.

🛡️ How Long Do Bridges Last?

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, a bridge can last 10–15 years, sometimes longer. The key is looking after the supporting teeth — decay or gum disease in those teeth is the main reason bridges fail.

⚖️ NHS vs Private

• NHS: bridges are available under Band 3 where clinically necessary, typically in metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal
• Private: full porcelain, zirconia, and Maryland options, with faster turnaround and a choice of materials to match your existing teeth as closely as possible

Book a consultation and we’ll talk you through the best option for your case.