Bridges

Where a tooth has been extracted and a space has been left due to the removal of the tooth, it is possible to restore the space with a bridge. This involves preparing the teeth either side of the space as would be done for a crown, and then making a false tooth that joins those crowned teeth, filling in the space. The whole restoration is then referred to as a ‘bridge’.

By attaching the bridge to the teeth either side of the space, the false tooth is kept stable and is not removed from the mouth once fitted, enabling a client to eat on the false tooth as if it were one of their own teeth.

The disadvantage of this procedure is that it involves preparation of the teeth either side of the space, this can be a less than ideal restoration where these teeth are perfectly healthy. Where the teeth are breaking down or have been restored in the past, a bridge can help to strengthen those teeth at the same time as the space is replaced with a false tooth.

If the teeth either side of the space have not been treated before, an implant may be a better option. This involves embedding a special metal post in the bone of the jaw and using this post to support the false tooth. This has the advantage of avoiding unnecessary damage to the teeth either side of the space, where this would not be advantageous.

Restoring a space that has been created due to the extraction of a tooth is desirable, as over time the teeth either side of the space and opposite the space can move, creating problems with the bite over a client’s life. Where possible it is much better to restore a space than allow these problems to develop which can be much more troublesome to resolve later in life.

The most appropriate restoration for a space needs to be assessed by a dentist where the advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment can be discussed with a client depending on their own individual needs.

If an implant is seen to be the best option a referral will be made to an appropriate specialist, if a bridge is thought to be the most appropriate option, this can be provided at the Studio and indicative prices are as follows:

Restoration of a single tooth space (depending on materials used) - £1701 to £1890.

Where a single bridge can replace more than one tooth, the price will increase depending on the number of teeth to be replaced by approximately £472.50 - £630 per tooth, depending on the materials used.

Where more than one space is to be restored, or more than one bridge is to be placed, a Smile Design Consultation will be required in order to correctly assess the whole mouth and specifically the occlusal factors that may influence the treatment plan, before the necessary treatment can be performed.

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