Fixed bridge on natural teeth
This is also known as a ‘bridge’ and is different from a removable denture in that it is fixed on the natural teeth. A bridge is not removable as it is cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth with dental cement. The bridge is made of metal and porcelain.
missing tooth
Advantages
- a fixed bridge is consisting of three teeth costs slightly less than a dental implant ( £265 per tooth for more information see our price list )
- it can be completed within 2 weeks, there fore it takes more time than a denture but less time than an implant to be completed
- aesthetically pleasing
- very comfortable, doesn’t move like a denture
- no surgery is needed, some may consider it simpler than placing an implant
- does not cover the roof of the mouth like a removable denture
- does not affect the taste of food
three unit bridge
Disadvantages
- damages adjacent teeth as these need to be prepared to accept the bridge , this in turn can cause long term damage to the nerve of the tooth and may require root canal treatment. Root canal treatment indirectly reduces the lifespan of the tooth
- if the tooth is not root treated it may result in the adjacent teeth becoming sensitive to hot and cold
bridge prior to fitting
- reduces your ability to taste food , the roof of the mouth has taste buds and these are covered by the plastic of the denture
- not as hygienist as a dental implant, cleaning underneath a bridge can be difficult for some patients
- the bone where the tooth is missing will continue to shrink as the bone is not being used.
- can be affected by decay, the margins of the bridge can become decayed over time, reducing the lifespan of the bridge
plaster model showing preparation of teeth
Zirconia bridge
tooth preparation evident needed for fixed bridge
fixed bridge in position
3 unit bridge in position
