How Is a Dental Bridge Fitted?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It fills the space with an artificial tooth and is supported by neighbouring teeth, adhesive wings or dental implants.

The exact fitting process depends on the type of bridge being used. A conventional bridge normally requires preparation of one or more supporting teeth, while a resin-bonded bridge may need little or no tooth reduction. An implant-supported bridge follows a different process and requires implant placement before the final restoration can be fitted.

A bridge is designed to restore the appearance of the missing tooth and support functions such as chewing and speaking. However, it may feel different from a natural tooth and requires careful cleaning around and underneath it.

How Is a Dental Bridge Fitted? The Short Answer

For a conventional dental bridge, the supporting teeth are examined and prepared so that crowns can fit over them. An impression or digital scan is then taken, and a temporary bridge may be fitted while the final restoration is being made.

At a later appointment, the dentist removes the temporary bridge, checks the fit, appearance and bite of the final restoration and then cements it into place.

A resin-bonded bridge usually involves much less preparation and is attached to the back of a neighbouring tooth. An implant-supported bridge requires dental implant placement and a separate healing period before the final bridge can be attached.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by spanning the space between the remaining teeth or dental implants.

The artificial tooth that fills the gap is called a pontic. The structures supporting the bridge are called abutments.

Depending on the bridge design, the abutments may be:

• Natural teeth covered with crowns
• A neighbouring tooth supporting an adhesive wing
• One or more dental implants

A bridge is fixed in place, which means the patient does not remove it each day as they would with a removable denture.

Why Might a Missing Tooth Need to Be Replaced?

Replacing a missing tooth may help:

• Restore the appearance of the smile
• Improve chewing
• Support clearer speech
• Reduce food trapping in the gap
• Maintain more balanced contact between the teeth
• Reduce unwanted movement of neighbouring or opposing teeth in selected cases

The effect of leaving a space depends on its position, the patient’s bite, the condition of the remaining teeth and the patient’s priorities. Not every missing tooth automatically requires a bridge.

What Happens Before a Dental Bridge Is Fitted?

The process begins with a dental assessment. The dentist examines:

• The position and size of the gap
• The condition of the neighbouring teeth
• The health of the gums
• The patient’s bite
• The available bone
• Existing fillings, crowns or root canal treatments
• Oral hygiene
• Any history of grinding or clenching

X-rays may be taken to examine the roots, bone levels and supporting teeth.

If decay, gum disease or infection is present, these problems may need to be treated before bridge treatment begins.

How Is a Conventional Dental Bridge Fitted?

A conventional bridge is normally supported by crowns placed over natural teeth next to the gap.

1. Preparing the supporting teeth

Local anaesthetic is normally used before the supporting teeth are prepared.

The dentist reshapes the teeth to create enough space for the crowns that will support the bridge. This preparation is irreversible because some natural tooth structure is removed.

The amount of reduction depends on:

• The bridge material
• The position of the teeth
• The existing tooth shape
• Any existing fillings or crowns
• The amount of space available

2. Taking an impression or digital scan

After the teeth have been prepared, the dentist takes an impression or digital scan.

This records the shape of the prepared teeth, the gap and the surrounding bite. The information is used by the dental laboratory to make the final bridge.

The dentist also selects a shade intended to blend with the surrounding teeth.

3. Fitting a temporary bridge

A temporary bridge may be fitted while the final restoration is being made.

It can help:

• Protect the prepared teeth
• Reduce sensitivity
• Maintain the appearance of the smile
• Allow more comfortable chewing
• Reduce movement of the prepared teeth

Temporary bridges are not as strong as final restorations, so patients may be advised to avoid particularly hard or sticky foods.

4. Checking the final bridge

At the fitting appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and the prepared teeth are cleaned.

The dentist then checks:

• How accurately the bridge fits
• The contact with neighbouring teeth
• The bite
• The shape and appearance
• The shade
• Whether the area can be cleaned effectively

Adjustments may be made before the bridge is permanently fitted.

5. Cementing the bridge

Once the dentist and patient are satisfied with the fit and appearance, the bridge is cemented onto the supporting teeth.

The dentist removes excess cement and checks the bite again. Further adjustment may occasionally be required after the patient has used the bridge for a short period.

How Is a Resin-Bonded Bridge Fitted?

A resin-bonded bridge, sometimes called an adhesive or Maryland bridge, is normally attached to the back of a neighbouring tooth using a metal or ceramic wing.

This type of bridge often requires much less preparation than a conventional bridge. In some cases, little or no natural tooth structure needs to be removed.

The process may include:

1. Assessment of the gap, supporting tooth and bite
2. Limited preparation of the back surface where required
3. An impression or digital scan
4. Laboratory construction of the bridge
5. Cleaning and conditioning of the supporting tooth
6. Bonding the wing to the back of the tooth
7. Checking the bite and cleaning access

Resin-bonded bridges are often considered for front teeth. However, they are not suitable for every bite or every gap and may become detached over time.

If a resin-bonded bridge comes loose without being damaged, it may sometimes be possible to rebond it.

How Is a Cantilever Bridge Fitted?

A cantilever bridge is supported from only one side of the gap.

It may be considered where there is only one suitable supporting tooth, but the design places additional leverage on that tooth.

Because of the forces involved, cantilever bridges are selected carefully and are not appropriate for every part of the mouth.

How Is an Implant-Supported Bridge Fitted?

An implant-supported bridge is attached to dental implants rather than natural teeth.

This may be an option when several teeth are missing or when the neighbouring teeth are not suitable for supporting a conventional bridge.

1. Implant assessment

The dentist or implant clinician examines the gums, bone, medical history and overall suitability for implant treatment.

Scans may be required to assess the position and volume of the available bone.

2. Implant placement

The implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. Temporary teeth may sometimes be provided, depending on the clinical situation.

3. Healing period

The implants normally require time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone.

The required healing period varies according to the implant site, bone quality, whether additional procedures were needed and the clinician’s treatment plan.

4. Impressions or digital scans

Once the implants are stable, impressions or digital scans are taken so the final bridge can be designed.

5. Attaching the final bridge

The final bridge is connected to the implants or implant abutments. Depending on the design, it may be secured with screws or dental cement.

The dentist checks the fit, bite, appearance and the patient’s ability to clean underneath the restoration.

Does a Dental Bridge Require Root Canal Treatment?

A dental bridge does not automatically require root canal treatment.

If the supporting teeth are healthy and the dental pulp is not infected or damaged, they may be prepared without root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment may already be necessary where a supporting tooth has:

• Deep decay
• An infected or damaged nerve
• A previous large restoration
• A fracture extending towards the pulp
• Existing symptoms requiring investigation

Preparing a vital tooth for a conventional bridge also carries a small but meaningful risk that the nerve may later become inflamed or lose vitality.

Root canal treatment may therefore occasionally be required months or years after a bridge has been fitted. This does not happen in every case.

Does Getting a Dental Bridge Hurt?

Local anaesthetic is normally used when natural teeth are prepared, so significant pain is not expected during the procedure.

Patients may still notice:

• Pressure
• Vibration
• Temporary gum tenderness
• Short-term tooth sensitivity

Some sensitivity after preparation or fitting can occur while the teeth and gums adjust.

Persistent pain, worsening sensitivity, swelling or pain when biting should be assessed. The bridge or bite may need adjustment, or a supporting tooth may require further investigation.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Bridge?

A conventional or resin-bonded bridge commonly requires at least two appointments.

The first appointment may involve tooth preparation, impressions or scans and the fitting of a temporary restoration. The final bridge is fitted at a later appointment after it has been made.

The total time depends on:

• The type of bridge
• The number of teeth involved
• Whether additional treatment is required
• Laboratory production times
• Whether the bridge requires further adjustment

An implant-supported bridge takes longer because implant placement and healing occur before the final bridge is fitted.

What Happens After the Bridge Is Fitted?

A new bridge may initially feel unfamiliar. The tongue, cheeks and bite may take time to adapt.

The dentist may advise avoiding very hard or sticky foods while the patient adjusts, particularly where the bridge has only recently been cemented.

The patient should contact the practice if:

• The bite feels too high
• The bridge moves or feels loose
• Pain becomes worse
• The gums remain inflamed
• Food repeatedly becomes trapped
• The bridge feels difficult or impossible to clean

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

There is no guaranteed lifespan for a dental bridge.

Some bridges remain functional for many years, while others require earlier recementation, repair or replacement.

Longevity depends on:

• The type and design of the bridge
• The health of the supporting teeth or implants
• The patient’s bite
• Oral hygiene
• Gum health
• Grinding or clenching
• The materials used
• Regular dental maintenance

A bridge may fail if a supporting tooth develops decay, gum disease, fracture or loss of vitality, even when the artificial tooth itself remains intact.

Who May Be Suitable for a Dental Bridge?

A bridge may be considered when:

• One or more teeth are missing
• The supporting teeth are strong enough
• The gums are healthy or appropriately treated
• The bite is suitable for the proposed design
• The patient can clean around and underneath the bridge
• The patient understands the preparation and maintenance required

The dentist should also consider whether a bridge is the most conservative option.

For example, preparing healthy neighbouring teeth for a conventional bridge may not always be preferable where a resin-bonded bridge or dental implant is suitable.

Who May Not Be Suitable for a Dental Bridge?

A bridge may be unsuitable or require additional treatment where there is:

• Untreated tooth decay
• Active gum disease
• Weak or heavily damaged supporting teeth
• Insufficient enamel for an adhesive bridge
• Poor oral hygiene
• Uncontrolled grinding or clenching
• A complex bite problem
• Insufficient bone for implant treatment without additional procedures

Benefits of a Dental Bridge

• It can replace one or more missing teeth.
• It can restore the appearance of the smile.
• It may improve chewing and speaking.
• It is fixed in the mouth.
• It can be made to blend with the surrounding teeth.
• Some bridge designs can be fitted without implant surgery.
• A resin-bonded bridge can be relatively conservative in selected cases.

Possible Disadvantages of a Dental Bridge

• A conventional bridge requires preparation of the supporting teeth.
• Tooth preparation is irreversible.
• The supporting teeth may become sensitive.
• A supporting tooth may later require root canal treatment.
• Decay or gum disease can develop around the abutment teeth.
• Cleaning underneath the bridge requires additional care.
• A resin-bonded bridge may detach.
• The bridge may eventually require repair or replacement.

How Do You Clean Under a Dental Bridge?

The bridge itself cannot develop tooth decay, but the natural supporting teeth can still decay. Plaque can also collect under the pontic and around the gum line.

The dental team should demonstrate how to clean beneath the bridge and around the supporting teeth.

Suitable cleaning aids may include:

• Floss threaders
• Super floss
• Interdental brushes
• Single-tufted brushes
• A water flosser where appropriate

The most suitable method depends on the size of the space and the bridge design.

Regular dental hygiene appointments may help maintain the gums and supporting teeth.

How to Look After a Dental Bridge

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean underneath the bridge every day.
• Use the cleaning aids recommended by the dental team.
• Attend regular dental examinations.
• Attend hygiene appointments where advised.
• Avoid chewing ice, pens or other hard objects.
• Wear a protective appliance if recommended for grinding.
• Report looseness, pain or food trapping promptly.

What Are the Alternatives to a Dental Bridge?

Dental implant

A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a crown or bridge. It does not normally require preparation of neighbouring teeth, but it involves surgery and requires suitable bone and gum health.

Removable denture

A removable denture can replace one or more teeth and is taken out for cleaning. It may be considered where a fixed bridge or implant is not suitable or preferred.

Resin-bonded bridge

A resin-bonded bridge may offer a more conservative option than a conventional bridge in selected cases, particularly for a missing front tooth.

Leaving the space

In some situations, leaving the space may be acceptable. The dentist should assess the effect on appearance, chewing, the bite and the risk of tooth movement before recommending this option.

Questions to Ask Before Getting a Dental Bridge

• Which type of bridge is recommended and why?
• Will the neighbouring teeth need to be prepared?
• How much natural tooth structure will be removed?
• Could a resin-bonded bridge be suitable?
• Could a dental implant be an alternative?
• Is root canal treatment currently required?
• What are the future risks to the supporting teeth?
• How should the bridge be cleaned?
• What maintenance may be needed?
• What is included in the treatment cost?

Why Choose Glow Dental for a Dental Bridge?

At Glow Dental, treatment begins with an assessment of the missing tooth, neighbouring teeth, gums, bone and bite.

We consider the available bridge designs and whether an implant, removable denture or another option may preserve more healthy tooth structure.

Where a bridge is appropriate, we explain the preparation involved, the expected stages and the maintenance required after treatment.

Book a Dental Bridge Assessment at Glow Dental

The most suitable way to replace a missing tooth depends on the condition of the neighbouring teeth, gum health, bone levels and the patient’s bite.

Glow Dental provides dental bridge assessments at our practice on Northcote Road in Battersea, close to Clapham Junction. We welcome patients from Battersea, Clapham, Wandsworth, Chelsea and surrounding areas of South West London.

During your consultation, we can explain whether a conventional, resin-bonded or implant-supported bridge may be appropriate and compare it with implants or removable dentures.

Book a dental bridge assessment at Glow Dental.