A missing tooth affects more than just your appearance.
A missing tooth can affect more than just your appearance — it can change how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. At Spixworth Dental Practice, dental bridges offer a proven, reliable way to fill the gap and restore both function and aesthetics.
Whether you've lost a single tooth or several, our team will assess your needs and recommend the best bridge option for a natural-looking, long-lasting result.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that literally "bridges" the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of a false tooth (called a pontic) held in place by crowns on the neighbouring teeth (called abutments).
Unlike dentures, bridges are fixed permanently in place — you don't remove them for cleaning or at night. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and with proper care they can last many years.
Bridges are an excellent option for patients who want a stable, comfortable replacement without the longer treatment time associated with dental implants.
Types of Bridges We Offer
At Spixworth Dental Practice, we offer several types of dental bridges to suit different clinical situations and patient preferences.
Traditional Bridge
The most common type of dental bridge. A false tooth is held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap.
- Strong and reliable for both front and back teeth
- Excellent longevity with proper care
- Restores full chewing function
- Available in a range of materials
Traditional bridges are the gold standard for replacing one or more missing teeth when healthy adjacent teeth are available for support.
Cantilever Bridge
Similar to a traditional bridge, but anchored on one side only rather than both. Used when there is only one adjacent tooth available to support the restoration.
- Ideal when only one supporting tooth is present
- Suitable for areas with less biting force
- Less preparation than a traditional bridge
- Effective for front teeth replacements
Cantilever bridges are a practical solution when the gap is at the end of a row of teeth or when preserving an adjacent tooth is preferred.
Adhesive (Maryland) Bridge
A false tooth with metal or porcelain wings that are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. This conservative approach requires minimal preparation of the neighbouring teeth.
- Minimal drilling or reshaping of adjacent teeth
- More conservative and tooth-preserving approach
- Often used for replacing front teeth
- Quick and comfortable to fit
Maryland bridges are an excellent choice for patients who want to replace a missing front tooth with minimal impact on the surrounding healthy teeth.
The Procedure
Assessment — your teeth are thoroughly examined and X-rays taken to determine the best approach.
Preparation — the supporting teeth are carefully shaped to receive the crowns that will hold the bridge.
Impressions — precise moulds are taken of your teeth and sent to the dental laboratory for fabrication.
Temporary bridge — a temporary restoration is fitted to protect your prepared teeth while your permanent bridge is being made.
Final fit — your custom-made bridge is checked for fit, bite, and appearance, then permanently cemented in place.
How Long Do Bridges Last?
With proper care, dental bridges can last 10–15 years or even longer. The longevity of your bridge depends on several factors:
- Good oral hygiene is essential — brush carefully around and under the bridge daily using interdental brushes or floss threaders
- Regular dental check-ups help us monitor the bridge and the health of the supporting teeth
- Avoiding very hard or sticky foods can help prevent damage to the bridge
- The material used and the location in your mouth also affect how long the bridge lasts
We'll show you exactly how to clean and care for your bridge so you can enjoy a healthy, confident smile for years to come.
NHS or Private?
NHS Bridges
Available when clinically necessary. NHS bridges are typically made from metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal, providing a durable, cost-effective solution. Treatment falls under NHS Band 3 charges.
Private Bridges
Access to all-ceramic or zirconia options for enhanced aesthetics, especially for visible front teeth. Private treatment also offers faster turnaround times and greater flexibility with appointment scheduling.
We'll help you understand your options and choose what works best for your clinical needs, appearance goals, and budget.
