Dental Bridge Cost London

At our Medical & Dental clinics in London, fixed dental bridges start from £995 per unit. The most common configuration, a 3-unit bridge (two crowns on the adjacent teeth and one replacement tooth between them) replacing a single missing tooth starts from £2,985. Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges start from £1,030, and cantilever bridges from £2,060. SPMD dental members receive a reduced fee (membership terms apply). Your individual fee is confirmed in writing after consultation because the final cost depends on how many units are needed, the materials chosen and any preparatory work required.

A conventional fixed bridge replaces a missing tooth (or several missing teeth) by joining one or more replacement teeth, called pontics, to crowns that fit over the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The crowns and pontic are made as a single piece in the laboratory and cemented in place. A Maryland bridge uses bonded wings instead of crowns, and an implant-supported bridge uses dental implants instead of natural teeth for support.

There are four main types. A conventional fixed bridge uses crowns on the teeth either side of the gap — this is the most common option. A cantilever bridge is supported by a crown on only one side and is usually limited to front teeth. A Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge bonds to the back of adjacent teeth with metal or porcelain wings, requiring much less tooth preparation, and is normally used for replacing a single front tooth. An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants instead of natural teeth as the support, which avoids preparing healthy neighbours. Your dentist will explain which options are appropriate for your case at consultation.

A well-made and well-maintained conventional bridge typically lasts around 10 to 15 years, and sometimes longer. Cantilever and Maryland bridges generally have shorter average lifespans because they have less support. Longevity depends on the health of the anchor teeth, oral hygiene, bite forces, grinding habits and routine dental review. No dental restoration lasts forever, and bridges may eventually need replacement, recementation or repair.

For a conventional fixed bridge, yes — the teeth either side of the gap have to be prepared (filed down) to make room for the crown portions of the bridge. This is an irreversible change to those teeth. Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges require much less preparation, often just minor adjustment of the back surface of the adjacent teeth. An implant-supported bridge avoids preparing any natural teeth. Your dentist will explain exactly what is involved for your case before any treatment goes ahead.

Both can be excellent options and the right choice depends on your individual circumstances. A bridge is faster (usually a few weeks rather than several months), avoids surgery and does not require sufficient jaw bone. However, it requires preparing the adjacent teeth, which is irreversible. A dental implant avoids preparing healthy neighbours and is generally considered the most conservative option for replacing a single missing tooth — but it requires minor surgery, healing time and adequate jaw bone. Cost, longevity, surgical considerations and the condition of the adjacent teeth all factor into the decision. Your dentist will explain the most appropriate option for you at consultation.

The main risks are: irreversible preparation of the anchor teeth (for conventional bridges); the small possibility that an anchor tooth may later need root canal treatment if the nerve is affected by preparation; decay or gum problems developing under or around the bridge if cleaning is not thorough; the bridge debonding or working loose over time, particularly Maryland bridges; chipping or fracture of the porcelain; and the eventual need for repair or replacement. We discuss these risks in writing before treatment starts.

You cannot floss between a pontic and an anchor crown in the usual way because the bridge units are joined together. We will show you how to use superfloss, floss threaders or small interdental brushes to clean under the pontic and around the margins of the crowns. Good cleaning is essential to prevent decay developing on the anchor teeth at the edge of the crowns, which is the most common cause of bridge failure.

A conventional bridge usually takes 2 to 3 appointments over 2 to 4 weeks: a preparation appointment (where the anchor teeth are shaped and impressions or digital scans are taken, and a temporary bridge is placed), and a fitting appointment for the final bridge. Sometimes a try-in stage is added. Maryland bridges follow a similar timeline. Implant-supported bridges take significantly longer because the implants need time to integrate with the bone.

The preparation appointment is carried out with local anaesthetic so you should not feel pain during the procedure. It is normal to have some tenderness in the gums and mild sensitivity of the anchor teeth for a few days afterwards. Fitting the final bridge is usually straightforward and does not normally require anaesthetic.

Depending on the number and position of missing teeth and the condition of your remaining teeth, the main alternatives are a dental implant (a titanium root supporting a single crown, with no preparation of adjacent teeth), a removable partial denture (lower cost, removable), or — for several missing teeth — an implant-supported bridge or larger denture. Each option has different cost, longevity, surgical considerations and impact on neighbouring teeth. Your dentist will explain the most appropriate option for you at consultation.

No dental practice in the UK can guarantee a specific outcome or lifespan with bridges. Longevity, comfort and appearance depend on the health of the anchor teeth, your bite, your oral hygiene, lifestyle factors and individual healing. We will be honest about what is realistic for your case in writing before you commit to treatment.

For larger bridge cases (4-unit and above) or treatment combining bridges with implants or root canal work, payment options can be discussed at your consultation. Single 3-unit bridges are normally paid in two stages aligned with the preparation and fitting appointments.

You can book online or call us on 020 7183 2362. We will start with a clinical assessment of the gap and the adjacent teeth, discuss your options (including implant alternatives where appropriate), and provide a clear written quote before any treatment goes ahead.