Missing one or more teeth can affect the appearance of your smile and make everyday activities such as eating more difficult. A dental bridge is a fixed tooth replacement that fills the gap left by missing teeth.
At Preston Circus Dental Practice in Brighton, we offer dental treatment options to help replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of your smile. A porcelain fixed bridge is designed to blend with your natural teeth and is secured in place rather than being removed for cleaning.
The most suitable treatment will depend on the number and position of missing teeth, the condition of your remaining teeth and gums, and your individual needs.
What Is a Porcelain Fixed Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that fill a gap in your smile. A traditional fixed bridge is supported by crowns fitted to neighbouring teeth, with the replacement tooth or teeth held between them.
Porcelain is commonly used because its tooth-coloured appearance can complement your natural teeth. Your dentist will explain which type of bridge may be suitable following an examination.
Why Might You Need a Dental Bridge?
Your dentist may recommend discussing a dental bridge if you have one or more missing teeth.
A fixed bridge may help to:
- Fill the gap left by a missing tooth.
- Improve the appearance of your smile.
- Restore aspects of biting and chewing function.
- Support clearer speech where missing teeth affect pronunciation.
- Reduce the risk of neighbouring teeth drifting into the space in some circumstances.
Whether a bridge is the right choice depends on your oral health and the condition of the teeth that would support it.
What Does Getting a Fixed Bridge Involve?
Treatment usually requires two or more appointments, depending on your treatment plan.
1. Consultation and assessment
Your dentist will examine your mouth, assess the gap and the supporting teeth, and discuss the options available. They will explain the proposed treatment, its benefits and limitations, and the expected costs.
2. Preparing the supporting teeth
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared to accommodate the crowns that hold the bridge in place. Impressions or scans are taken so the dental laboratory can make a bridge that fits your mouth. A temporary bridge may be fitted while the permanent one is being made.
3. Fitting your permanent bridge
At a later appointment, your dentist checks the bridge’s fit, appearance and bite before securing it in place. In some cases, it may initially be fitted temporarily before being permanently cemented at a subsequent appointment.
Your dentist will explain how to care for the bridge and clean around it.
How Do You Look After a Dental Bridge?
Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining your bridge and the teeth and gums that support it.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily. Your dentist or hygienist can show you how to clean underneath the replacement tooth and around the supporting crowns, using suitable interdental cleaning aids.
Attend regular dental reviews as advised, and contact the practice if your bridge feels loose, becomes damaged or causes persistent discomfort.
Dental Bridge Costs in Brighton
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge, the number of replacement teeth and the treatment required.
Preston Circus Dental Practice lists bridges from £500 per unit on its fees page. Your dentist will confirm the proposed treatment and total cost before you decide to proceed.
You can also ask the practice about available finance options. Approval and terms depend on the finance provider.
Are There Alternatives to a Fixed Dental Bridge?
A bridge is one of several ways to replace missing teeth. Depending on your circumstances, alternatives may include:
- Dental implants: A replacement tooth can be supported by an implant placed in the jawbone, without relying on neighbouring natural teeth for support.
- Dentures: A removable appliance can replace one or more missing teeth.
- Other treatment options: Your dentist can discuss whether replacing the missing tooth is advisable and which approach best suits your oral health.
Each option has different benefits, limitations, costs and treatment requirements. An assessment will help you understand what is suitable for you.
Book a Dental Bridge Consultation in Brighton
If you are considering a porcelain fixed bridge to replace missing teeth, Preston Circus Dental Practice can help you explore your options.
Contact our team to arrange an appointment and discuss a suitable treatment plan.
If you have any questions or concerns about bridges, please contact our practice.
