Restore Missing Teeth with Custom Dental Bridges

Eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.

5.0 41 Google reviews
Dental Clinic in Southwark, London

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed solution used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring a false tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, restoring both function and appearance.

Bridges help you chew and speak comfortably, stop nearby teeth from shifting, and bring back your natural smile. Unlike dentures, they’re cemented in place – so they feel stable and secure.

At Calm Dental, we create custom bridges that perfectly match your natural teeth, offering a simple and lasting tooth replacement in SE1.

When Do You Need a Dental Bridge?

You may need a dental bridge if you’re missing one or more teeth and want a fixed, non-surgical solution. It’s ideal when the gap is between healthy teeth that can support the bridge. Bridges help restore chewing, improve your smile, and prevent teeth from shifting.

Make eating and talking easier. A missing tooth can make chewing or speaking uncomfortable. A bridge fills the space so you can eat and talk more easily.
Keep other teeth in place. By filling the gap, a bridge stops the nearby teeth from drifting or tilting into the empty space, protecting your bite and overall dental health.
Bring back your smile. The bridge replaces the missing tooth with a lifelike false tooth. This can “boost your confidence in your smile” again, making day-to-day activities feel normal.
Enjoy a fixed, comfortable fit. A dental bridge is cemented onto your own teeth, so it stays in place like natural teeth. Many patients find it more comfortable and natural-feeling than a removable denture

Bridges vs Implants

Not sure whether to choose a bridge or an implant? Think of it like this.

A bridge is the speedy option. No surgery, usually done within a few weeks, and ideal when you want a fast, reliable fix. The only trade off is that the teeth next to the gap need to support it.

An implant takes more time, because the jawbone heals around it, but the result feels incredibly natural and helps keep the bone strong.

Both can look great. Bridges win on speed. Implants win on long term strength.

Our Dental Bridge Treatment Process

Consultation & Assessment

We begin with a thorough check-up to assess your teeth, gums, and bite. We’ll explain your options and confirm if a dental bridge is the right solution.

Tooth Preparation

The teeth on either side of the gap are gently shaped to support the bridge. We take precise digital or physical impressions to ensure a perfect fit.

Custom Bridge Creation

Your bridge is crafted to match your natural teeth in colour and shape. While it’s being made, we’ll fit a temporary bridge to protect the area.

Final Fit and Placement

Once your bridge is ready, we carefully fit and bond it in place. We check your bite and make sure everything feels natural and secure.

Ongoing Care and Advice

We’ll guide you on how to care for your bridge and keep the surrounding teeth and gums healthy, with advice tailored to your daily routine.

Your Prosthodontist In Bermondsey, London

Located near Bermondsey High Street, we are very accessible by Bus, Tube or Train:

Eighteen-minute walk from London Bridge tube and rail station (National Rail, Jubilee Line, Northern Line, Windrush)
Nineteen-minute walk from Bermondsey station (Jubilee Line)

We are on many bus routes, including the 1, 78, 188 and N1.

We have good disabled access for all our treatments and services including our well-proportioned bathroom.

We look forward to welcoming you in person very soon!

Begin Your Journey to a Confident, Beautiful Smile Today

Discover how exceptional dental bridges can transform your smile!

FAQs

How long do dental bridges last?

With good care, dental bridges can serve you for many years. They’re not forever – most bridges last around 5–15 years on average but diligent home hygiene and regular check-ups can extend their life. In fact, some patients enjoy well-cared-for bridges for 20–30 years. We emphasise that brushing twice daily, flossing (especially under the pontic) and routine dentist visits are key to a long-lasting bridge.

Is getting a dental bridge painful?

Most people find the bridge procedure surprisingly comfortable. Your dentist will numb the area with a local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the work. You may notice some pressure or vibrations while we prepare your teeth or fit the bridge, but that shouldn’t hurt. After treatment your gums may feel a bit tender, and it can take a week or two to feel totally comfortable, but any soreness usually eases quickly with simple pain relief.

How do I care for a dental bridge?

Caring for a bridge is much like looking after your natural teeth. Brush and floss twice a day, making sure to clean under the false tooth (pontic) every day – using floss threaders or interdental brushes can help remove food and plaque beneath itmy.clevelandclinic.org. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush, and be extra careful around the bridge’s edges. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods (for example, toffees, nuts or ice) that might strain the bridgebupa.co.ukmy.clevelandclinic.org. Keep up with regular dental check-ups and hygienist visits so we can monitor and professionally clean around the bridge.

Can a bridge feel or look natural?

Absolutely. Bridges are custom-made (usually in porcelain or ceramic) to match the colour, shape and size of your natural teeth, so they blend in seamlesslymy.clevelandclinic.org. In most cases no one will notice it’s not a “real” tooth. It might feel a little odd at first – like getting used to a new ring on your finger – but patients generally adjust within a few weeksmy.clevelandclinic.org. Once you’re used to it, the bridge should feel much like your own teeth when chewing or speaking, restoring your confident smile with a natural look.

What are the risks or downsides?

Dental bridges are very safe and effective, but like any treatment they carry some considerations. A traditional bridge requires filing down (preparing) the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to hold the crownscalmdental.co.uk, which permanently alters those teeth. If those supporting teeth (“abutments”) later get decay or damage, it can weaken the bridgemy.clevelandclinic.org. Good oral hygiene is therefore vital – failing to clean properly can lead to cavities around the bridge or gum inflammationmy.clevelandclinic.org. Bridges also can’t stop jaw bone shrinkage in the missing-tooth area the way implants do. That said, for many people bridges work very well, and your dentist will discuss all risks and benefits with you before treatment.

How do bridges compare to implants?

Bridges and implants are both reliable ways to replace teeth, but they have different pros and cons. Implants are surgically placed and fuse with the jawbone, so they tend to last much longer (often 20+ years or a lifetime) and help preserve bonemy.clevelandclinic.org. They also don’t involve altering neighbouring teeth. A bridge, by contrast, is less invasive (no surgery) and can be fitted more quickly, usually at a lower costclinichunter.comclinichunter.com. However, traditional bridges do rely on your adjacent teeth for support. We’ll go through both options with you; in Bermondsey (SE1) many patients choose a bridge when they prefer to avoid surgery or lower upfront cost, while others opt for implants for maximum longevity and bone healthmy.clevelandclinic.org

Will I have to avoid certain foods?

You won’t have to follow a very strict diet, but some caution helps protect your new bridge. Avoid very hard or sticky foods that could dislodge or crack the bridge – for example, chewing on ice, hard sweets, toffees or nuts can be riskybupa.co.ukmy.clevelandclinic.org. Also avoid non-food items like pencils or fingernails. Aside from that, you can generally eat normally. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fibre helps keep your gums healthy, and regular check-ups ensure we catch any minor issues early.

What if a bridge becomes loose or damaged?

Contact us right away if you notice any looseness, cracks, or discomfort. It’s usually an easy fix – many bridges can be re-cemented in place with no problemsmy.clevelandclinic.org. Cleveland Clinic advises seeing your dentist promptly if your bridge feels loose or if you develop new sensitivity or painmy.clevelandclinic.org. We’ll examine the bridge and supporting teeth: sometimes a simple re-cement or minor repair is all that’s needed, while in rare cases a new bridge may be recommended. The key is not to ignore it – getting it checked quickly helps avoid bigger issues laterbupa.co.ukmy.clevelandclinic.org.