Bridges

Bridges are a permanent and realistic looking way of filling a gap between teeth caused by one or more missing teeth.

A bridge is a false tooth which is held in place by the teeth next to it. It is usually made of a precious metal base such as gold, with tooth coloured porcelain bonded to any visible areas to make it look natural.

Most often, the two neighbouring teeth – one on each side – will need to have crowns fixed onto them. The two crowns are then joined together by placing the false tooth between them and cementing them in place. This is known as a fixed bridge.

Creating a fixed bridge is usually a good option if the teeth either side are strong enough to support the bridge, but are already crowned or have had large fillings.

Sometimes adhesive bridges can be constructed. These have a lot less impact on the neighbouring teeth because the latest bonding techniques are used to hold the false tooth in place.

Why might my dentist advise a bridge?

There are a number of reasons your dentist might advise that you consider having a bridge to fill a space in your mouth. You may:

have a visible space and don’t like the idea of a denture
already have a denture and would prefer a different solution
have gaps at the back of your mouth and feel that you do not chew as well as you might
have gaps which do not worry you but your dentist has noticed that your bite is altering, causing damage or potential damage to other teeth
want to improve the appearance of your smile

How long will a bridge last?

This will depend very much on how strong the supporting teeth are, how heavy your bite is, and how well the bridge is looked after with a good daily oral health regime and a healthy diet which limits the amount of sugary foods and drinks. If all these factors are favourable a bridge will last for many years.

What are bridges made of?

There are a several types of bridge, including all porcelain, porcelain bonded to precious metal, and ceramic. If a supporting tooth is root filled, it may need to have a metal or carbon fibre post fitted first in order to support or retain the bridge. The appropriate type of bridge for your needs will depend on the need for strength and aesthetics. Your dentist will explain the differences and advise which is best for your circumstances. Cost will also be taken into account.

What is the procedure?

You will need 2 appointments. At your first appointment, your dentist will trim and adjust the adjoining teeth to the required shape for crowns to fit over them. An impression will be taken and sent to the technician who will make the bridge. The colour will be carefully chosen to match your other teeth. Temporary crowns or a temporary bridge may be made and cemented on to the retaining teeth, to last until the next appointment.

At your second appointment, the temporary crowns/bridge will be removed, the permanent bridge inserted and carefully assessed for fit, appearance and correct bite. Any necessary adjustments will be made and, when perfect, the bridge will be permanently cemented to the supporting teeth cores.

Can missing teeth always be replaced with a bridge?

Not always. There must be sufficient adjacent teeth and they must be strong enough to support the extra chewing forces they will be asked to take. Also the bone supporting the adjacent teeth must be strong enough.

How else can a gap be filled?

Other options for filling a space are a removable denture and a titanium implant.

What does a bridge cost?

This will depend on the number of teeth involved, the complexity of the situation and the dental technician’s fee. The technician’s fee will reflect the material used for each bridge. Your dentist will explain the cost to you in each case.

Looking after my bridge

Your dentist or hygienist will advise you on the best way to care for your bridge. This will involve daily cleaning with floss or some other means that we will show you, since an ordinary toothbrush cannot reach the supporting teeth under the bridge.

Other General Dental Treatments

PREVENTIVE CARE

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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

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BONDING

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FLEXIBLE DENTURES

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CHILDRENS DENTISTRY

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MOUTHGUARDS

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FILLINGS

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CROWNS

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ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS

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ORTHODONTICS

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DENTURE STABILISATION

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HYGIENIST

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ORAL CANCER SCREENING

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AIR ABRASION

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We Have You Covered

If you require a dentist in London or any type of dental treatment in Dulwich, Aldgate, Anerley, Barbican, Battersea, Bow, Bromley,Camden Town, Canary Wharf, Charing Cross, Chinatown, Covent Garden, Deptford, Eden Park, Elephant and Castle, Finchley,Finsbury, Fitzrovia, Fulham, Hackney, Perry Vale, Forest Hill, Peckham Rye, Sydenham, Nunhead, Gipsy Hill, Crofton Park, Brockley, Ladywell, Tulse Hill, Penge, New Cross, Thornton Heath, Catford, Rushey Green, South Norwood, Balham, Clapham, Tooting, Lewisham, Brixton, Crystal Palace, Camberwell, Herne Hill, Honor Oak, Orpington, Peckham, Streatham or Upper Sydenham contact Dulwich Dental Office.

Testimonials

The Dentist, Hygienist, Dental Nurses & Especially the Receptionist staff are very Polite, Friendly & most importantly they try to fit you in quickly in the event of an emergency. Recently I couldn’t get the time of work for an emergency appointment for my 81 year old Mum so I called an Uber for her & told the receptionist this. The young Black Lady called me when she ordered & place my Mother in a cab – so she went above & beyond her duties with a lot of Customer Care & Respect for my Mother- Thank You so much

Zehra M.

Friendly staff and a very good turn around for appointments , next step to meet the hygienist if he’s as lovely as the rest of the staff it will be great

Wendy D.

Had a tooth out which is never fun, but he was great, never even needed pain killers afterwards

Vince A.

Great service! Im usually so nervous when coming in to the dentist but my dentist was so pleasant and polite ! Dulwich Dental Office will definitely be my dentist for life

Tomike O.

I lost my two front teeth whilst at school and had complications for years. Unfortunately I ended up needing an implant – which I had been avoiding! I wish I had done it sooner. Dr Patel was fantastic and guided me through each stage. He was always contactable to answer any queries or concerns. Very happy with the end result and would reccomend.

Tom O.

Registered and seen on the NHS within 2 weeks – amazing. Really friendly staff, would definitely recommend

Tom C.

I have recently finished an invisalign program with Pooja at dulwich dental office and couldn’t be happier. The treatment was easy and pain free and the results are great. Pooja’s experience and friendliness made me feel at ease throughout. I would 100% recommend for anyone considering similar treatment.

Toby B.

A great surgery; Dr Cavan in particular spent time with me to make sure my new night guards fitted well and were up to the job

Dentist Pooja Pillay is excellent and was very patient with me as I I took a long time (years!) deciding whether or not to take the plunge and have Invisalign to straighten my teeth. It didn’t take too long and was easier than I thought it would be. Pooja kept a close eye on how it was all progressing and we even went a bit longer with it just to really perfect the result. I’m delighted with the outcome. Everything was included in the price, even the extra aligners and appointments when we decided to go on a bit longer. All staff at the practice have been excellent. Highly recommend.

Susie F.

I had my Invisaligns done by Dr Pillay and she really took the time to make sure my teeth are lovely and straight. She has always been available with any queries or follow up treatment I needed – and made me feel well looked after from the beginning and end of the treatment. I really recommend seeing her if you want to get Invisaligns done.

Stella C.

Dr. Cavan is super attentive and thoughtful and great at putting is patients at ease. I hate going to the dentist but havent dreaded it once. Everyone is super friendly and clinic is nice. I could not recommend more.

I am undergoing a course of Invisalign treatment with Dulwich Dental Office and I am so pleased with the results, even at this early stage. It is great that I can take the braces out to eat and clean my teeth. I am looking forward to the end result.