Dental Bridges for West Finchley Patients | Restore Your Smile

A dental bridge works well when you have one or more missing teeth in a row. You are a good candidate if the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy and strong enough to support the bridge. Many patients from West Finchley choose this option when they want a fixed, non removable solution that is often quicker to complete than a dental implant. It is also suitable if you have been advised against implants due to bone health or other factors. A bridge restores not only the look of your smile but also the function for comfortable eating and speaking.

The bridge process usually takes two visits over two to three weeks. First, in a 60 to 90 minute appointment, we reshape the supporting teeth a little to make room for the crowns. We then take a precise digital scan of your teeth, which is sent to our lab to create your custom bridge. You will leave this first visit with a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth. About two weeks later you return for a final fitting of around 30 minutes. We remove the temporary bridge, check the fit and colour of the new one, and then permanently bond it in place, giving you a fully restored smile.

There is minimal recovery time after a bridge is fitted. For the first few days you might notice some sensitivity in the supporting teeth, which is normal and usually settles within a week. Avoid very hard or sticky foods at first as you adjust to the new restoration. Long term care is important for the bridge to last, typically ten to fifteen years. Clean under the false tooth daily with a floss threader or interdental brushes. If pain persists or the bridge feels loose, call our practice during office hours for an assessment.

While bridges work well, other options exist. A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone that acts as an artificial tooth root. Implants are the gold standard because they do not affect adjacent healthy teeth and help preserve the jawbone. However they take longer and have a higher upfront cost. A removable partial denture is the most budget friendly option. It is a plate with one or more false teeth you can take out for cleaning. It is less stable than a bridge and may not feel as natural. We will discuss the pros and cons of each during your consultation at our Finchley practice.

To decide what is right for you, here are key questions to ask any dentist, whether at our practice or another in North London: What material do you recommend for my bridge and why? How long can I expect the bridge to last with proper care? What cleaning tools will I need to maintain it? Does the quoted cost cover all visits including the fitting and any adjustments? What risks affect the supporting teeth and how can they be minimised?

The price of a private dental bridge at our Finchley practice depends on the material used and how many teeth are being replaced, but it typically ranges from £1,500 to £2,500. The price covers all visits, the tooth preparation, digital scans, the temporary bridge, and the final fitting of the permanent restoration. There are no hidden fees. We are a fully private practice and do not offer NHS treatment, but we accept insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us to discuss your needs and receive a personalised quote.