A Dental Bridge is a restoration used to replace a missing tooth or teeth.
Missing teeth can affect much more than your smile. They can change the way you speak, the way you chew, and even the shape of your face over time. A dental bridge is one of the most trusted and effective ways to replace missing teeth and restore confidence in your smile. At our practice, we provide custom-made dental bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and bring back complete functionality and aesthetics.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent restoration used to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is made up of replacement teeth, known as pontics, which are held in place by crowns on the neighbouring teeth or by dental implants. Each bridge is individually crafted to match the colour, shape, and alignment of your natural teeth, ensuring a natural look and comfortable fit.
Why You Might Need a Dental Bridge
Tooth loss can happen for various reasons – decay, gum disease, injury, or ageing. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may drift out of place over time, leading to bite problems or further complications. A bridge not only replaces the missing tooth but also helps maintain the shape of your face and prevents uneven wear on the remaining teeth.
A well-fitted bridge can:
Restore your ability to chew and speak properly
Keep your bite balanced and stable
Prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting
Enhance your smile’s appearance
Improve confidence and oral function
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, and the best option for you depends on your specific dental needs and the location of the missing tooth.
Traditional Bridge:This is the most common type, consisting of one or more pontics held in place by crowns cemented onto the adjacent teeth. It’s strong and reliable, often chosen for replacing molars.
Cantilever Bridge:Used when there is only one supporting tooth next to the gap. It’s less common but suitable in specific situations, particularly when space or alignment issues exist.
Maryland Bridge:This conservative option uses a metal or porcelain framework attached to the back of adjacent teeth instead of crowns. It’s a good choice for replacing front teeth where bite pressure is lighter.
Implant-Supported Bridge:Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, this bridge is anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone. It offers excellent stability, durability, and bone support.
The Treatment Process
Getting a dental bridge typically involves two or more appointments. During your first visit, the supporting teeth are prepared by gently reshaping them to fit the crowns. Impressions are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your bridge is custom-crafted. A temporary bridge is usually fitted to protect your teeth while your permanent one is being made.
At your second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and replaced with your new, permanent bridge. Your dentist will check the fit, colour match, and bite alignment to ensure everything feels and looks right before securing it in place.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With good care, a dental bridge can last many years. Daily brushing and flossing are essential to keep the surrounding teeth healthy and prevent gum problems that could affect your bridge. Special floss threaders or interdental brushes can help clean underneath the bridge. Regular dental check-ups and hygienist visits are also important for maintaining its condition.
Book Your Consultation
If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge could be a great solution to restore your smile’s look and function. Our experienced dental team will guide you through every step of the process, from assessment to aftercare, ensuring your comfort and confidence throughout.
Book a consultation today to discuss your options and find out how a custom dental bridge can help you smile again.
The preparation required and the procedure used for a bridge are similar to a crown. However, in this case, the teeth on either side of the gap are reduced. The bridge is cemented onto the prepared teeth, and it carries a dummy crown in the middle to replace the missing tooth.
The conventional bridge is most often used, but there are variations on the theme, e.g. Cantilever, Veneer or Maryland Bridge, which involve less reduction of tooth enamel. These can only be used where stress on the teeth is minimal.
Discover the genuine experiences of our patients through heartfelt videos and written testimonials, showcasing the exceptional care, comfort, and results they’ve enjoyed at our practice.
“My children have had the same Dentist since they started coming. He is always on time, very helpful with advice, and the girls love coming to the practice”.
Houston Happy Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental treatment painful?
Most treatments are painless thanks to modern techniques and gentle care, and we’ll always make sure you’re comfortable.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most treatments are painless thanks to modern techniques and gentle care, and we’ll always make sure you’re comfortable.
Do you accept dental insurance?
Most treatments are painless thanks to modern techniques and gentle care, and we’ll always make sure you’re comfortable.
What if I’m nervous about visiting the dentist?
Most treatments are painless thanks to modern techniques and gentle care, and we’ll always make sure you’re comfortable.
How do I keep my teeth healthy between visits?
Most treatments are painless thanks to modern techniques and gentle care, and we’ll always make sure you’re comfortable.
We have seen Doctor Rafik 4 times now, and both the Doctor and his assistant have always been so helpful. He is friendly and patient with our 14 year old, delivered the dentures before we expected and works with a sense of humour. If we need a check up or an adjustment, Dr Rafik and Houstons are always accommodating.Thanks!
Rafik Mikhaiel removed my back tooth today, it had cracked and the root was curved. He did this very quickly with no pain and the tooth didn’t crack. He got it out in one. He make me feel very calm and relaxed. He is the best dentist I have seen for tooth removal. I would 100% recommend him
Tabitha was really lovely and helped me with my concerns regarding a recent tooth surgery. The receptionists Alice and Diane were both really helpful and polite. Overall a great experience.
The Dentist Rafik is so kind and fun. I absolutely hate dental treatment but spend much of my appointment laughing with him. He is also a fantastic clinician and gentle enough to have many treatments without numbing. Thank you Rafik ♥️
I have been a client with the Housten group for many years and each and everytime I have visted, I felt looked after, my teeth cared for and the experience pleasant.Shout out to Cazra, Rafik and Jay for being great dentists.*Thanking to the whole teamB
I visited the surgery 2 weeks ago for a 6 monthly check up.All was well and apart from 2 X-rays, no treatment required.Last week however, I lost part of a filling and therefore booked in this morning for treatment required.I saw the same Dentist on both occasions who was fabulous at explaining everything.Thank you to Rafik who said no charge today.
We saw Kalpana today for an emergency appointment for my son, and she was incredible with him from start to finish! She talked him through what was happening which eased his uncertainty, and although he had to have a tooth removed, he left not apprehensive about returning! She is a gem!!
I can honestly say this tooth implant has changed my life. I finally feel confident smiling again, and the result looks so natural that no one would ever know. From start to finish, everyone was incredibly kind, helpful, and professional, which made the whole experience so reassuring. I’m beyond grateful for the care I received and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone considering dental implants.
Had an excellent appointment with RAFIK today for a tooth extraction. He took the time to explain the procedure in detail and really put me at ease. Considering how nervous I had been the process couldn't have gone more smoothly and that was down to his expertise and genuine kindness. Honestly the best dentist I've seen. Thank you.
Thank you to the Houstons Dental group!! Reshmi&Irina, both of you are soo kind and proffesional. I suffered with my canine tooth for a long time and within 2 treatments you've resolved a ongoing problem and also done an additional filling for me which other dentistries may not of even noticed, both of you are very kind and polite.I thank you once again and recommend Houstons to everyone of all ages!!!!Thank you once again and see you soon!!
I was extremely nervous and anxious about having my wisdom tooth extracted. I really got my self into a bit of a, state over it. RAFIK was absolutely amazing. He talked me through the whole process and reassured me all the way. He was so gentle despite it being an extremely difficult tooth to extract. Through the whole process he checked how I was doing. I was extremely impressed by his kindness and expertise. What a brilliant doctor of dentistry x highly recommend RAFIK.
Really impressed!I only phoned Monday and was given an appointment next day Tuesday morning i have Hannah Thomas as mine she’s fabulous her assistant is also fantastic i got my check up and xray done Tuesday then re booked the next day again Wednesday in for several teeth sealed, really impressed quick and efficient and explained everything and i actually felt really relaxed.Everyone i met was very friendly with an obvious upbeat attitude all around,I cannot fault a thing and very impressedThank you again for a great experience😌
I've had several procedures with Dr.Hashim over the past few months since joining Houstons, and they've all gone really smoothly and pain free. Always greeted with a friendly face, and everything is explained well in terms of what is happening with your teeth, any procedures you need, and any costs. It's also really easy to get an appointment that fits around you. Every member of staff is helpful and polite, from receptionist to dental assistant.Dr.Hashim is a great dental therapist, with a friendly and gentle manner. He is an absolute credit to the Houstons team. Being someone that was always terrified of the dentist before joining Houstons, I now go into appointments no longer feeling like a anxious wreck. I feel like I've always been in a safe pair of hands with him, and I can't thank him enough for all of his care with sorting my smile out these last few months 😌
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Hashim. His professionalism, precision, and care in handling my dental treatment were truly impressive. I am very satisfied with the results and highly recommend him to anyone seeking quality dental care.
“I had a great experience with Dr Bossy. She is very confident and straightforward, which I really appreciate because it made me feel like I was in safe hands. She explains everything clearly, makes sure I understand the treatment, and doesn’t waste time. Her attention to detail and professionalism are excellent. If you want someone who knows exactly what they’re doing and will guide you firmly toward better dental health, Dr.Bossy is the right choice!”
I attended Houstons Dentist in Weston-super-Mare. I was seen by Dr Bosy Matthews and her assistant Aji. I wanted to share the incredibly good service I received from both. Dr Bosy was very professional, upfront and honest. Throughout the consultation she shared the scans, took extra x-rays when needed to get a more clear insight into what the right treatment pathway was for my teeth (she was trying to go for the least invasive which I very much appreciated). They were also very accommodating. When I explained I was going away and so needed to fit in my filling before I left, Dr Bosy scheduled me into her lunch break so I can be treated before I left, rather than having to wait a few weeks without treatment. I was both surprised and very grateful that they offered to do this for me. It speaks to the high level of patient care they have. I wanted to convey my sincere thanks for the excellent service I received and so decided to leave this review. I should note I am an NHS patient too, not a private one. So this extra care was not motivated by money at all. Just genuine kind people who offer excellent service, going above and beyond!
After 20 years of being a patient, I had to use another dentist when they were in transition a while ago. On the off chance I called in as was allowed to re-register. Today I had a fairly substantial clean and some surface fillings. My treatment byHannah and her assistant was nothing short of extraordinary, she was so gentle and had the patience of a saint. I'm so glad to be back in the loop. The practice manager and the three different receptionists I spoke to were helpful and pleasant. Five stars all round from me.
I had a fantastic experience at Hustons Dental Practice with Dr. Simran Osahan and her assistant Kayleigh Griffiths. From the moment I arrived, they both made me feel incredibly welcome and at ease. They were polite, professional, and explained everything clearly, which really helped me feel comfortable throughout the appointment.The work was carried out with great care—nothing felt rushed, and it was clear they take pride in doing things properly. Their communication was excellent from start to finish. I highly recommend Simran, Kayleigh, and the whole team at Hustons. Thank you both for making my visit such a positive one!