If you have missing teeth, you may be thinking about replacing them to improve the way you look. Replacing missing teeth can also help to keep your other teeth healthy, as well as helping you to eat more comfortably and speak more clearly.

Replacing missing teeth can help you smile with confidence, eat more comfortably and keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

If only one or two of your teeth are missing, and an implant isn’t suitable for you, your dentist may recommend a bridge. There are two main types of bridges.

The most common type consists of two crowns, which are permanently bonded to your natural teeth either side of the space, with the false tooth (or teeth) in the middle.

If the teeth either side of your missing teeth are strong and healthy, you may have the other type of bridge. This is a false tooth with ‘wings’ either side of it. These wings are bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth. With both these types of bridges, your new false tooth is held firmly in place by your own teeth.

Your bridge will be permanently fixed in place, so you don’t remove it for cleaning. To keep your natural teeth healthy, you need to clean the gap under a bridge with a special dental floss. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to floss under your bridge.