Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed restorative treatment used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between healthy teeth or implants. It usually consists of:
- Abutment crowns – placed on the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap to provide support.
- Pontic (false tooth/teeth) – the replacement tooth that fills the empty space.
How does it work?
The supporting teeth are carefully shaped to allow crowns to fit over them. These crowns are attached to the replacement tooth in the middle, creating one connected structure that is securely bonded in place.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed restorative treatment used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between healthy teeth or implants. It usually consists of:
- Abutment crowns – placed on the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap to provide support.
- Pontic (false tooth/teeth) – the replacement tooth that fills the empty space.
How does it work?
The supporting teeth are carefully shaped to allow crowns to fit over them. These crowns are attached to the replacement tooth in the middle, creating one connected structure that is securely bonded in place.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge:
✔ Restores your smile and confidence
✔ Improves chewing and speaking
✔ Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting
✔ Maintains facial shape and bite alignment
✔ Fixed in place (does not need to be removed)
Types of dental bridges:
- Traditional bridge – supported by crowns on both sides
- Cantilever bridge – supported on one side only
- Maryland bridge – uses metal or ceramic wings bonded behind adjacent teeth
- Implant-supported bridge – secured with dental implants instead of natural teeth
Is a bridge right for me?
A dental bridge may be suitable if you have one or more missing teeth and healthy supporting teeth or implants. Your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss the best option for restoring your smile.
Zirconia Bridge
£550 per unit
The best blend of Cosmetics and Strength a Zirconia Bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between healthy supporting teeth or dental implants. It is made from zirconium dioxide, a strong, metal-free ceramic material that offers an excellent balance of durability and appearance.
Zirconia bridges are often recommended for patients looking for a strong, natural-looking and long-lasting alternative to traditional metal-based bridges.
How does a zirconia bridge work?
A Zirconia Bridge usually consists of:
- Supporting crowns placed over the teeth or implants on either side of the gap
- Pontic (false tooth/teeth) positioned in the space of the missing tooth
These are joined together as one solid restoration and securely fitted in place.
Benefits of zirconia bridges
✔ Strong and highly durable
✔ Metal-free for improved aesthetics
✔ Natural tooth-coloured appearance
✔ Resistant to chipping and cracking
✔ Suitable for both front and back teeth
✔ Long-lasting with proper care
Why choose zirconia?
Zirconia bridges are known for their exceptional strength, making them ideal for areas of the mouth that experience heavier biting forces. Unlike metal ceramic bridges, they do not have a dark metal core, which means there is no risk of dark margins showing at the gumline over time.
They also provide a cleaner, more natural cosmetic result while maintaining excellent function.
Things to consider
Although zirconia offers excellent aesthetics, it is slightly more opaque than E-Max ceramic, so it may not provide the same level of translucency for highly cosmetic front tooth work.
Bridge fees are charged per unit / per tooth, and the suitability of a bridge depends on the health of the supporting teeth and your overall bite.
Is a zirconia bridge right for me?
If you have missing teeth and are looking for a strong, fixed and natural-looking replacement, a zirconia bridge may be an excellent option. Your dentist will assess your oral health, bite and cosmetic goals to determine the most suitable type of bridge for your smile.
Metal Ceramic Bridge
£375 per unit
A cheaper cosmetic option. Metal Ceramic Bridges are a strong and reliable way to replace one or more missing teeth using a fixed restoration supported by neighbouring teeth or implants.
Metal Ceramic Bridges are often chosen as a more affordable alternative to Zirconia, offering a good balance between strength, function and appearance.
A metal ceramic bridge is made with a strong metal framework underneath, with a tooth-coloured porcelain layer on top to improve the cosmetic finish. This gives the bridge durability while still helping it blend with the surrounding teeth.
How does a Metal Ceramic Bridge work?
A metal ceramic bridge usually consists of:
- Supporting crowns attached to the teeth beside the gap
- Replacement tooth or teeth (pontics) joined in between
The bridge is custom-made in one piece and bonded securely into place.
Benefits of metal ceramic bridges
✔ Strong and durable for everyday chewing
✔ More affordable than Zirconia or other premium ceramic options
✔ Fixed in place and does not need to be removed
✔ Improves chewing, speech and appearance
✔ Suitable for replacing one or more missing teeth
Why choose a Metal Ceramic Bridge?
Metal Ceramic Bridges have been used successfully in dentistry for many years and remain a dependable option for restoring missing teeth. The metal framework provides excellent strength, making them suitable for areas where there is greater biting pressure.
They can also offer a good cosmetic result while being more budget-friendly than full ceramic alternatives.
Things to consider
Although metal ceramic bridges look natural, they are not as aesthetic as Zirconia bridges.
Because of the metal substructure:
- Shade matching may not be quite as natural
- Dark margins can sometimes become visible near the gumline over time
- The porcelain layer can chip, although the metal underneath remains strong
Is a metal ceramic bridge right for me?
If you are looking for a strong, reliable and cost-effective way to replace missing teeth, a metal ceramic bridge may be a suitable option. Your dentist will assess the supporting teeth, bite and cosmetic expectations to help you choose the best solution for your smile.
Metal Alloy Bridge
£200 per unit
Functional but not cosmetic. Metal Alloy Bridges are a strong and practical option for replacing one or more missing teeth using a fixed restoration supported by neighbouring teeth.
Metal Alloy Bridges are usually chosen when strength and function are the main priorities, rather than cosmetic appearance.
A Metal Alloy Bridge is made entirely from a durable non-precious metal alloy, making it one of the strongest bridge options available. These restorations are designed to cope well with heavy biting forces and can provide long-lasting support.
How does a Metal Alloy Bridges work?
A Metal Alloy Bridge usually consists of:
- Supporting crowns fitted to the teeth on either side of the gap
- Replacement tooth or teeth (pontics) connected between them
The bridge is made as one solid piece and fixed securely into place to restore function.
Benefits of Metal Alloy Bridges
✔ Extremely strong and durable
✔ Resistant to wear and fracture
✔ Long-lasting with proper care
✔ A practical and cost-effective fixed solution
✔ Ideal for areas with heavy biting pressure
Why choose a Metal Alloy Bridge?
Metal alloy bridges are often used for back teeth where appearance is less important but strength is essential. Because they are made entirely from metal, they are less likely to chip or crack compared to porcelain-based alternatives.
They are a dependable option for restoring chewing ability and maintaining the position of surrounding teeth.
Things to consider
Although highly functional, metal alloy bridges are not designed for cosmetic purposes.
Because they are metallic in appearance:
- They do not blend in with natural teeth
- They are more visible than ceramic options
- They are generally more suitable for back teeth than front teeth
Is a Metal Alloy Bridges right for me?
If you need a strong, reliable and long-lasting bridge for a back tooth or an area under heavy chewing pressure, a metal alloy bridge may be a suitable choice. Your dentist will assess your supporting teeth, bite and treatment goals to help recommend the best option for your smile.
Maryland/Adhesive
£380 2 units
Not as strong as other bridges but less damaging to teeth, Maryland Bridges, also known as Adhesive Bridges, are a conservative and minimally invasive way to replace a missing tooth. Unlike traditional bridges, they do not usually require full crowns on the neighbouring teeth.
Maryland Bridges are often used as a more tooth-preserving option, particularly for replacing front teeth where biting forces are lighter.
A Maryland Bridges consists of a replacement tooth with small metal or ceramic wings attached to the back of the neighbouring teeth. These wings are bonded into place using dental adhesive, holding the false tooth securely in position.
How does a Maryland Bridge work?
A Maryland Bridge usually includes:
- A replacement tooth (Pontic) to fill the gap
- Bonded wings attached to one or both neighbouring teeth
Because there is less drilling involved, it is often considered a more conservative option than a traditional bridge.
Benefits of Maryland Bridges
✔ Minimal preparation of neighbouring teeth
✔ More conservative than traditional bridges
✔ Can be a quicker treatment option
✔ More affordable than some other fixed options
✔ Natural-looking replacement for missing teeth
✔ Fixed in place and does not need to be removed
Why choose a Maryland Bridge?
Maryland bridges can be an excellent option when the supporting teeth are healthy and you want to avoid unnecessary removal of tooth structure.
They are commonly used for front teeth because the biting forces are lower, making the bonded wings more suitable.
Things to consider
Although Maryland bridges are less invasive, they are generally not as strong as traditional bridges.
This means:
- They may not be suitable for back teeth with heavy biting pressure
- The bonded wings can sometimes loosen over time
- They may not be suitable for patients with certain bite patterns or habits such as grinding
Is a Maryland bridge right for me?
If you are missing a tooth and want a fixed, conservative and more affordable replacement option, a Maryland bridge may be a suitable choice. Your dentist will assess your surrounding teeth, bite and overall oral health to decide if this is the best option for your smile.
Phone
Location
Shettleston Smile Dental Surgery
948-950 Shettleston Road
Glasgow
G32 7XW
Store Hours
Monday - Friday:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Late Opening Thursday
9:00am - 7:00pm