Fixed Bridge choices for you, for 2026 onwards...

Fixed Tooth Bridges and dental bridgework are fixed-in tooth replacement options that replace missing teeth or can even replace your dentures if there are just a few teeth missing.
Dr Kilcoyne is a qualified and experienced Specialist for complex bespoke work, which involves detailed analysis of your bite, smile, abutments, design and long-term stability.

This page discusses many bridge types including tooth-supported bridges, cosmetic bridges, tooth-coloured bridges, metal-free bridgework, implant-supported bridges, temporary bridges, splinted bridges, adhesive bridges (Rochette/Maryland/sandblasted/cantilever), bridge repairs, fractured bridges, mini-implant support options, semi-fixed/flexible bridges, specialist attachments and advanced adhesive techniques.
See our other page on newer Ceramic Bridges separately.

NOTE - 10% discount in addition to our Special Offers , if you pay in advance with BITCOIN or ETH!

Do you need a fixed tooth bridge or an implant-retained bridge?

If there has been tooth-loss, but there are still strong teeth close to the space, bridgework could be a possible fixed-in solution. Placing a bridge after a tooth has been lost can prevent knock-on problems that affect your entire mouth. Teeth need each other for support. When one tooth is lost, forces change on neighbouring teeth and they can begin to shift, tilt or drift. When a tooth no longer has anything to chew against, it can erupt and move out of position — and you can eventually risk losing that tooth too.

As your bite changes, it gets harder to chew your food. This can contribute to jaw joint strain and make function difficult. It is also harder to clean teeth that have shifted, allowing plaque and tartar to accumulate in new hard-to-reach areas, increasing risk of decay, gum disease and bone loss. Like “road bridges”, a dental bridge uses support “abutments” (teeth or implants) either side of the gap to carry the missing tooth replacement and hold it in place.

Bridges are custom-crafted in a dental laboratory to precisely fit your teeth. There are many bridge designs and materials — and this is an area we specialise in. While some tooth substance is usually reshaped to create the crowns that carry the missing tooth, this can sometimes benefit teeth that were already heavily filled, worn, cracked or failing. A detailed examination is required to assess your individual teeth and gap, plus the overall bite and long-term stability.

It is very common for people with missing teeth or long-standing gaps to feel nervous, embarrassed or convinced their mouth is “too far gone”. We understand. Our job is not to criticise the past, but to help you move forwards at a pace that feels manageable. When we plan bridge treatments, we focus on what matters most to you – comfort, chewing ability, appearance and long-term value. Whether we can strengthen existing teeth to support carefully designed bridges, combine them with implant options, or use other solutions that suit you best, our experience helps you understand all choices clearly before deciding.

Want to see how we make a really advanced bridge?

These pictures show a special “semi-fixed” attachment made of gold and palladium, with cosmetic porcelains bonded on top to look natural in the mouth. This flexible attachment allows the bridge to accept larger forces without damaging teeth, while beautifully replacing the missing upper side tooth.

Without the above pictures, could you tell we had replaced the upper second-from-back tooth with a fixed bridge?

Bridgework does involve reshaping the outside layer of a tooth to make room for the hand-made crowns that carry the replacement tooth. While we always aim to preserve tooth structure, many “bridge teeth” are already heavily filled, worn or fractured, and a bridge can reinforce them as well as replace a missing tooth. If this is the case for you, a bridge may be a solution that addresses several problems at once.

A missing tooth really changes a person's smile — but a bridge is one good way to get your smile back!

See the series of pictures below which show how we replaced an already well-designed upper metal ring denture with a much smaller and cosmetically superior mini-bridge. Which would you prefer, considering the metal ring denture was already far less bulky than a standard plastic denture?

Bridgework is one option to replace missing teeth. Other options include implants, precision dentures and alternative bridge designs.

All options have advantages and disadvantages, as well as different costs and treatment times — see our “Bridge Alternatives” for more details.

Bridges depend on other teeth being suitable to support and carry the replacement tooth/teeth. We see many patients told their teeth are not suitable for bridgework — sometimes that is true, but in other cases modern designs and specialist techniques may still allow a bridge to be a realistic option.

For example, it used to be thought that teeth with 50% bone support loss could not support bridgework (Ante’s Law). With gum disease stabilised, careful bite control and advanced design features, more teeth can be bridged than originally thought possible.

Of course, there are other options too — only a thorough assessment can determine what is possible for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fixed Dental Bridges

1) What is a fixed dental bridge and how does it replace a missing tooth?

A fixed bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching a laboratory-made replacement tooth (or teeth) to supporting abutments. Abutments are usually natural teeth that are carefully shaped and covered with crowns, or dental implants. The bridge is cemented or fixed in place, so it does not come in and out like a denture.

2) Is a bridge better than an implant?

It depends on your teeth, bite, bone levels, gum health and priorities. Implants avoid reshaping adjacent teeth, but they require suitable bone and careful hygiene. Bridges can be excellent where neighbouring teeth already need crowns, where you want a faster solution, or where implants are not ideal. A specialist assessment helps you compare the most predictable option for your mouth.

3) How long do fixed bridges last?

A well-designed bridge can last many years and sometimes decades, but longevity depends on bite forces, gum health, home cleaning, regular maintenance and whether the supporting teeth/implants remain stable. We focus on long-term predictability: correct design, high-quality labwork and a bite that protects the bridge.

4) Will you need to drill healthy teeth to do a bridge?

Often the supporting teeth are reshaped to create room for crowns, but many bridge teeth already have large fillings, cracks or wear — and crowns can protect them. If the neighbouring teeth are completely intact, we may discuss alternatives such as implants or adhesive bridge options where suitable.

5) Can you repair a bridge if it chips or comes loose?

Many bridge issues are repairable depending on the cause. Minor porcelain chips can sometimes be polished or repaired. If a bridge comes loose, it’s important to avoid re-cementing without checking why — decay under a crown or bite overload can be the underlying cause. We assess and advise the safest, most reliable fix.

6) What types of bridges do you offer (Maryland, cantilever, implant bridges, etc.)?

Options can include conventional crown-retained bridges, implant-supported bridges, cantilever bridges, resin-bonded (Maryland/Rochette) bridges, and specialist semi-fixed designs where indicated. The “best” bridge depends on your bite, aesthetics, enamel quality, gum health and how many teeth are missing.

7) How do I clean around a bridge to avoid gum problems?

Cleaning is critical. We usually recommend a combination of brushing, interdental brushes and bridge floss/superfloss to clean under the replacement tooth (the pontic). Regular hygiene visits help maintain the gums and reduce risks of decay on supporting teeth. We provide tailored advice based on your bridge design.

Dr Kilcoyne is a fully registered UK Specialist in Prosthodontics, which includes implants, crowns, veneers, dentures, bonding and advanced restorative dentistry — helping you restore or replace teeth functionally and cosmetically so you can have a smile you can be proud of, without compromise.

Dr Kilcoyne has won National Prizes for the Quality of Patient Services, so you don’t have to compromise. Please ask your regular dentist for a Specialist referral — or you may also refer yourself directly.

Our SmileSpecialist® Centre Dental Practice is on Station Road, opposite the Steam Railway Station at the bottom of the village hill, just opposite the new Co-Op store.

Dr Kilcoyne has won National Prizes for the Quality of Patient Services, so you don't have to compromise! Please do ask your regular Dentist for a Specialist referral, or you may refer yourself directly.

*Dr Kilcoyne is a fully GDC Registered, trained dentist and Specialist* in the functional & cosmetic aspects of Tooth Implants, Crowns, Bridges, Precision Dentures, mini-implants, Ceramics, Veneers, Occlusion, Bonding and Restoring Smiles.

The Importance of good Aftercare and Maintenance!

Please follow your aftercare advice, reduce sugar attacks and maintain toothbrushing and flossing techniques that reduce bacterial plaque. Want to know more? Click: Tooth Brushing Information or Dental flossing techniques or Preventing Gum Diseases.

If no natural teeth remain to support a bridge, please see our Precision Dentures page for specialist options for restoring full arches with or without dental implants.

*Dr Kilcoyne is a UK registered Specialist in Prosthodontics (GDC No.58373) which includes crowns, implants, bridges, veneers, fillings, dentures and bonding.
Please go to our MAKE an APPOINTMENT page if you'd like to access his expertise, or call 01535 644005.

Best wishes from the whole SmileSpecialist Team