A dental bridge is a fixed, non-removable way to replace one or more missing teeth, anchored to the healthy teeth either side of the gap. At Gartside Street Dental Lounge in Spinningfields, our bridges are crafted from premium ceramics and matched to your natural teeth — closing the gap in your smile and restoring comfortable chewing.
How a Bridge Works
A conventional bridge (from £950) uses crowns on the teeth either side of the gap to support the replacement tooth between them — strong, fixed and proven. Where the neighbouring teeth are healthy and unfilled, a Maryland bridge (from £1,498) bonds to the back of the adjacent teeth instead, avoiding the need to crown them — a more conservative option, particularly for front teeth.
Bridge or Implant?
The honest answer: it depends on the teeth next to your gap. If those teeth already have large fillings or crowns, a bridge puts them to work and restores the gap quickly — no surgery required. If they are healthy and untouched, a dental implant replaces the missing tooth without involving its neighbours at all, and protects the jawbone beneath. We will walk you through both options with transparent pricing at your consultation, and our Manchester fee guide lists every cost openly.
The Bridge Procedure
Treatment usually takes two to three visits. First, we prepare the supporting teeth under local anaesthetic and take precise digital impressions; you wear a temporary bridge while our laboratory crafts the final restoration. At the fitting appointment we check the fit, bite and shade against your natural teeth, make any adjustments and cement the bridge permanently. Most patients are complete within two to three weeks.
Caring for Your Bridge
A well-maintained bridge lasts 10 to 15 years or more. The key is cleaning beneath the replacement tooth, where a normal brush cannot reach — we will show you how to use floss threaders or interdental brushes at your fitting. Regular hygiene appointments keep the supporting teeth healthy, which is what ultimately determines how long your bridge survives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. Bridges restore your smile and ability to chew properly.
How long do dental bridges last?
A well-maintained dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or more. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to maximising the lifespan of your bridge.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain. You may experience minor sensitivity in the days following the fitting, which usually resolves quickly.
What is the difference between a bridge and an implant?
A bridge uses adjacent teeth as anchors to hold an artificial tooth in place, while an implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone to support a single crown. We can help you decide which option is best for your situation.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Special floss threaders or interdental brushes are used to clean underneath the bridge where a regular toothbrush cannot reach. We will show you the best cleaning technique at your appointment.
How many appointments are needed for a dental bridge?
A dental bridge usually requires two to three appointments — one to prepare the supporting teeth and take impressions, and another to fit the finished bridge. A temporary bridge is worn in between.
Why Choose Gartside Street Dental for Your Bridge?
Because a bridge involves preparing healthy teeth, the decision deserves honest advice — we will tell you plainly when an implant or even a partial denture would serve you better. When a bridge is right, our digital impressions and premium ceramics laboratory deliver a restoration that fits precisely and disappears into your smile.