Dental bridges
About dental bridges
A dental bridge essentially bridges a gap in your mouth. It involves replacing a missing tooth with a false tooth which is bonded to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. There are two main types of dental bridge. The most common type consists of two crowns, made of porcelain or metal, which are permanently bonded to your natural teeth either side of the space, with the false tooth (or teeth) in the middle.
If the teeth either side of your missing teeth are strong and healthy, you may be able to have an adhesive bridge. An adhesive bridge is a false tooth with ‘wings’ either side of it. These wings are bonded to the inner surfaces of the supporting teeth. This avoids the need to prepare the neighbouring teeth for full coverage crowns.
What types of dental bridges are available?
Maryland bridge: a false tooth is placed into your gap, the false part is held in place by 1-2 metal wings covering part of the adjacent tooth/teeth.
Cantilever bridge: A cantilever bridge is similar to a three-unit bridge. However, the false tooth in the gap is only supported by a single tooth next to the gap (not both).
Standard three-unit bridge: Sometimes called a conventional or traditional three-unit bridge, this involves a false tooth (typically made of porcelain) being placed into a gap and held in place by crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap.
How much do dental bridges cost?
Because every smile is different and every dental bridge treatment requires a tailored approach, the exact cost of your dental bridge will depend on a few different factors.
These include which tooth or teeth are missing, the size of your missing teeth (e.g. smaller front teeth vs larger back teeth), how long your dental bridge needs to be and which materials are most appropriate for your treatment.
Typical prices for dental bridges using porcelain and zirconia are:
- A Maryland bridge (usually 2-3 porcelain units with a metal wing) costs between £225 - £1,050
- A cantilever bridge (usually 2 units made from zirconia) costs between £1,200 - £4,000
- A conventional bridge (3+ units made from zirconia) costs between £2,000 - £4,000*
An in-person consultation is required to determine an exact price, and your dentist will keep you informed each step of the way. Please note that bridges that require the use of gold may cost more. Our Bupa Dental Care staff will discuss your options with you and give you an exact price before beginning treatment.
Spread the cost of your treatment
Patient finance is available for treatments that cost between £250 and £50,000 at 0% APR** when you choose a repayment term of between 3 months and 36 months (subject to the amount of credit), this means that you can spread your treatment cost over a term that suits you, and you don’t pay back any more than you would pay otherwise.
Once you have agreed your treatment plan with your dentist, you’ll have the option to apply.
Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about patient finance.
What are the benefits of dental bridges?
Dental bridges offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dental implants, bridges can replace missing teeth without surgery. And with porcelain finishes available, your new tooth could be almost indistinguishable from the natural teeth surrounding it.
Having a dental bridge can boost your confidence in your smile and make day to day activities such as eating and talking easier. Replacing a missing tooth can also help protect your remaining teeth. When you have gaps, remaining teeth may lean over or move into the space, affecting the way you bite. Food can also get trapped in spaces, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
Dental bridges are an investment in your confidence, quality of life and oral health.
Contact your nearest Bupa Dental Care practice to find out more about bridges. Our dental care experts will be happy to discuss your options with you.
How are dental bridges fitted?
To create the bridge, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. This involves creating a plaster mould of your teeth and gums, so the bridge can be made to fit your mouth as closely as possible. At this stage, your dentist will also determine the right shade for your bridge, so it matches your natural teeth.
The bridge is then custom-made by a specialised lab technician according to the dentist’s instructions. Your dentist can fit a temporary solution, such as a plastic bridge or crown, while you're waiting for your bespoke bridge to be made.
Once it's ready, your dentist will fit your new bridge. You will be given a local anaesthetic injection before the procedure begins, which will block any pain from your gums, but you will stay awake during the procedure. Your dentist will ensure the fit is comfortable by checking that you bite correctly with the bridge in place.
The dental professionals at your local Bupa Dental Care practice will be happy to answer any questions you may have about dental bridges.
After your bridge has been fitted
Following the placement of a dental bridge, there can be some soreness from the gum or perhaps slight sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks. The new tooth may also feel slightly strange because it’s filling the gap that was present. However, these issues should pass within a few days. Occasionally, new teeth might feel a little high when you bite together. Your dentist can make alterations to correct minor problems like this in follow-up appointments.
Bridges are permanently fixed in place, so you don’t remove them for cleaning. To keep your natural teeth healthy, you need to clean the gap under a bridge with a special dental floss. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to floss under your bridge. If it is well looked after, a bridge can last for many years.
What are the alternatives to dental bridges?
There are several ways to replace missing teeth. It’s important to explore all the options and discuss them with your dentist. Alternatives to bridges include:
- Full or partial dentures (false teeth) – Removable plastic or metal frameworks that have false teeth attached
- Dental implants – An imitation porcelain tooth (a crown) fitted on top of a titanium implant that is fixed directly into your jawbone
Your dentist will help you decide which option is best for you. Dentures and bridges are only offered on the NHS if it is considered to be clinically necessary to replace teeth, but dental implants are usually only available privately.
Bupa Dental Care provides dental bridges on the NHS and privately. Contact your local practice to discuss your options.
Why choose Bupa Dental Care for your dental bridge?
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Dental professionals work for Bupa Dental Care
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You don’t need insurance Everyone can use a Bupa Dental Care practice. You don’t need to be a Bupa member or have insurance.
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NHS and private services Our dentists provide both NHS and private services. Pop into your local practice to find out more.
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Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England and Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
Oasis Dental Care Limited has a number of trading names including Bupa Dental Care. Please see the list of our different trading names.
*Terms and conditions
A consultation will be required to confirm suitability and determine an exact price before treatment. Prices quoted apply to standard dental bridge treatments only; complex cases or additional procedures may incur extra costs.
The stated price ranges exclude any optional add-ons or follow-up treatments. Results may vary depending on individual oral health and lifestyle factors.
Prices may differ by location and individual practice policies. Dental bridge treatments are subject to clinical assessment and may not be suitable for all patients.
**Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans are subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply. Finance is available on private dental treatments only.
The minimum spend for finance is £250 and the maximum is £50,000. 0% APR representative is available on repayment terms of up to 36 months subject to the amount of credit. Finance taken at repayment terms of 48 or 60 months is subject to 7.9% APR representative.
Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA registration number 710559. Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491. The register can be accessed through www.fca.org.uk.
