Dental bridges are used to replace a missing tooth with an artificial tooth. Natural teeth ‘anchor’ a dental bridge on either side of the gap. It is fitted into place and attached to teeth on either side, making it a fixed solution. Besides filling the gaps, this treatment also benefits the teeth either side during the treatment as it prevents them from moving to close the gap.
Although dental implants have revolutionised teeth replacement options, bridges still are a popular alternative to dental implants, proving to be a long term solution. Unlike dental implants, bridges are a lot more straightforward as they don’t require oral surgery. It is also much faster to get a dental bridge rather than a dental implant as most bridges can be fitted within a few days. Price wise, bridges are often more affordable than an implant.
In some instances, a bridge may not be the best suited treatment option, especially if the teeth either side of the gap are healthy. That’s because to fit a bridge; we have to remove the tooth surface of adjacent teeth. We are always reluctant to remove enamel from healthy tooth, only to provide a bridge. In these instances, we will always present you with a different option such as a dental implant.