Dental Bridges in Welwyn Garden City | Knightsfield Dental Practice

Dental Bridges in Welwyn Garden City | Knightsfield Dental Practice

29th June 2026

Custom-made dental bridges in Welwyn Garden City. Resin-bonded & zirconia
bridges to fill the gap and restore your smile. Fixed, natural-looking results — book today.

Dental Bridges

A fixed, natural-looking way to fill the gap

A missing tooth is about more than appearance. Gaps can affect how you bite and chew, put
extra strain on your remaining teeth and even cause neighbouring teeth to drift out of
position over time. A dental bridge is a fixed solution that “bridges” the gap left by one or
more missing teeth, restoring your smile and the full function of your bite.
Unlike dentures, a bridge isn’t removable — it’s permanently fixed in place, so it looks, feels
and works much like your natural teeth.

Types of bridges we offer

We offer different types of bridge so we can recommend the most appropriate option for
your situation:

Resin-bonded bridges (Maryland bridges) — A minimally invasive option that’s ideal for
replacing a single tooth, particularly at the front of the mouth. Instead of crowning the
neighbouring teeth, the false tooth is held in place by a thin metal or ceramic “wing” that’s
bonded to the back of an adjacent tooth. Because very little — if any — natural tooth needs
to be removed, this is one of the most conservative ways to replace a missing tooth.

Zirconia bridges — A premium, metal-free option made from zirconia, an exceptionally
strong and durable ceramic. Zirconia bridges combine outstanding strength with a natural,
translucent appearance that mimics real tooth enamel. They’re an excellent choice for both
front and back teeth, offering long-lasting results with superb aesthetics and full
biocompatibility.

The treatment process
Fitting a bridge usually takes place over two or more appointments:

1. Consultation and assessment — We examine the gap and the surrounding teeth,
   take any necessary X-rays and discuss the most suitable type of bridge for you.
2. Preparation — Depending on the bridge type, we either gently prepare the
   supporting teeth or, for a resin-bonded bridge, simply clean and condition the
   bonding surface.
3. Impressions — We take precise moulds (or a digital scan) so your bridge can be
   made to fit exactly.
4. Temporary protection — Where needed, we fit a temporary restoration while your
   bridge is crafted in the laboratory.
5. Fitting — We check the fit, bite, shade and comfort of your new bridge before
   securely bonding it in place.
   The benefits of a bridge
    Fills the gap with a fixed, non-removable restoration
    Looks and functions like natural teeth
    Restores comfortable, confident biting and chewing
    Helps maintain the shape of your face and smile
    Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position
    Resin-bonded bridges preserve more of your natural tooth structure
    Zirconia bridges offer outstanding strength and lifelike aesthetics
   

The benefits of a bridge
 Fills the gap with a fixed, non-removable restoration
 Looks and functions like natural teeth
 Restores comfortable, confident biting and chewing
 Helps maintain the shape of your face and smile
 Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position
 Resin-bonded bridges preserve more of your natural tooth structure
 Zirconia bridges offer outstanding strength and lifelike aesthetics

Caring for your bridge
With good care, a well-made bridge can last many years:
 Brush twice a day and clean carefully around and underneath the bridge.
 Use floss threaders, interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean beneath the
pontic, where food can gather.
 Avoid biting directly on very hard foods or objects, especially with resin-bonded
bridges.
 Keep up with regular check-ups and hygiene appointments so we can monitor the
bridge and the supporting teeth.

Good oral hygiene is key, as the health of the teeth and gums supporting your bridge
determines how long it lasts.

Cost of Dental Bridges

Final costs depend on the number of units required and the complexity of your case. We’ll
always provide a clear, written treatment plan before any work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a dental bridge last?
   With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, bridges commonly last 10–15 years or more.
   Their lifespan depends largely on how well you care for the bridge and the health of the
   supporting teeth and gums.
2. What’s the difference between a resin-bonded bridge and a zirconia bridge?
   A resin-bonded bridge is bonded to the back of a neighbouring tooth using a thin wing,
   requiring little to no tooth preparation — ideal for single front teeth. A zirconia bridge is a
   stronger, full-coverage ceramic bridge suited to both front and back teeth, offering greater
   durability.
3. Is getting a bridge painful?
   The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during
   treatment. Some mild sensitivity afterwards is normal and usually settles quickly.
4. Will my bridge look natural?
   Yes. Bridges are custom-made to match the colour, shape and size of your surrounding
   teeth. Zirconia in particular offers a highly natural, translucent finish that closely resembles
   real enamel.
5. Are resin-bonded bridges strong enough?
   For replacing a single tooth — especially at the front, where biting forces are lower — resin-
   bonded bridges are a reliable, conservative choice. For teeth under heavier load, we may
   recommend a zirconia bridge instead.
6. How do I clean under a bridge?
   Because a bridge is fixed, you can’t floss it in the usual way. Instead, use a floss threader,
   interdental brush or water flosser to clean beneath the false tooth and keep the area
   healthy.
7. Can I eat normally with a bridge?
   Yes. Once your bridge has settled, you can eat most foods comfortably. We’d recommend
   taking extra care with very hard or sticky foods, particularly with resin-bonded bridges.
8. Bridge or implant — which is better?
   Both are excellent ways to replace missing teeth. A bridge relies on the neighbouring teeth
   for support, while an implant is a standalone solution that doesn’t affect adjacent teeth.
   We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each at your consultation to help you decide.
9. Do the teeth either side need to be prepared?
   It depends on the bridge type. A resin-bonded bridge requires little or no preparation of the
   adjacent tooth, whereas a conventional or zirconia bridge usually involves reshaping the
   supporting teeth so they can hold the bridge securely.
10. What happens if my bridge becomes loose or damaged?
    Get in touch as soon as possible. In many cases a loose bridge can be re-bonded or repaired.
    Prompt attention helps protect the supporting teeth and prevents further problems.

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