Dental bridges: replacing a gap with fixed teeth

A conventional dental bridge fills a gap by attaching an artificial tooth (the pontic) to crowns on the teeth either side. Those supporting teeth need to be reshaped to hold the crowns. Other designs include resin-bonded bridges, which attach to the back of a neighbouring tooth with less preparation, and implant-supported bridges, which rest on implants instead of natural teeth.

Bridges can often be completed more quickly than implants because there is usually no surgical healing period. On the other hand, a conventional bridge relies on the health of the supporting teeth, and preparing them removes tooth structure permanently.

Which option is most appropriate depends on the condition of the teeth next to the gap, your bone, your bite and your preferences. A clinician should explain bridges alongside implants and dentures so you can make an informed choice.

A bridge may be suitable if you are missing one or a few teeth and the neighbouring teeth or implants can support it. A dentist will need to assess the supporting teeth in person.

• You have a gap of one or more missing teeth.
• The teeth either side are healthy enough to support crowns, or would benefit from crowns anyway.
• You would prefer a fixed option and may not want or be suited to implant surgery.
• Your gums are healthy, or gum disease is under control.
• You are willing to clean carefully under the bridge every day.

If the neighbouring teeth are healthy and unrestored, some clinicians may prefer an implant to avoid preparing them. If supporting teeth are weak, a bridge may not be advisable. This is general information, not a diagnosis.

1. 01

   Assessment

   The dentist examines the gap and supporting teeth, takes X-rays and discusses bridge designs and alternatives.

2. 02

   Preparation of supporting teeth

   Under local anaesthetic, the supporting teeth are reshaped to take crowns. Resin-bonded designs need much less preparation.

3. 03

   Impressions and temporary bridge

   Scans or impressions are taken and a temporary bridge is usually fitted while the permanent one is made.

4. 04

   Try-in and fitting

   The permanent bridge is checked for fit, bite and appearance, then cemented or bonded in place.

A tooth-supported bridge can often be completed in a single trip lasting several days.

Typically there is one appointment to prepare the teeth and take scans, and a second a few days later to fit the bridge.

An implant-supported bridge follows the implant timeline instead, usually with two trips separated by several months of healing. If the gap follows a recent extraction, the gum may need time to settle before a final bridge is made.

What can change the timeline

• Tooth-supported or implant-supported design
• Whether extractions are needed and how recent they are
• The number of teeth involved
• Laboratory time
• Any preparatory treatment such as root canal or gum treatment

The cost of a bridge depends on its design and on the condition of your teeth.

• The number of units (crowns plus artificial teeth)
• Material and laboratory used
• Tooth-supported, resin-bonded or implant-supported design
• Any preparatory treatment needed
• X-rays or scans
• Your travel and accommodation

We do not publish prices on this page. Each clinic sets its own fees and provides an indicative range, which can only be confirmed once a dentist has examined you and reviewed your scans. Ask for a written, itemised plan before you book anything, and check what is and is not included.

Bridges are well established, but they have specific limitations.

• Preparing supporting teeth is irreversible and may, over time, affect the nerve of those teeth.
• If a supporting tooth develops decay or fails, the whole bridge may need to be replaced.
• Food can collect under the artificial tooth, so cleaning needs extra care.
• Bridges can chip, crack or come loose.
• Bone where the tooth is missing may gradually shrink, which can affect appearance over time.
• Implant-supported bridges carry the usual implant risks, such as failure and peri-implantitis.

The supporting teeth and gum under a bridge need daily attention.

• Clean under the bridge daily with special floss, a floss threader, interdental brushes or a water flosser.
• Brush twice a day, focusing on where crowns meet the gum.
• Keep regular check-ups so supporting teeth can be monitored.
• Share records and X-rays with your home dentist.
• Agree with the clinic who handles adjustments, repairs and complications after you return.

No verified partner clinics list this treatment yet. Start an assessment and your coordinator will tell you what's available.