Dental Bridges
A replacement for missing teeth in a row

You can browse a list of clinics that provide dental bridges here on RevaHealth.com. If you need any help deciding which clinic to choose, just ask us for help.

A dental bridge is a replacement for some or many missing teeth in a row. It is basically like a small denture that is permanently fixed into place by attaching it to the adjoining teeth.

What are Dental Bridges?

In a lot of ways a bridge is like a crown. However, whereas a crown will sit upon whatever tooth structure remains, the bridge normally replaces more teeth than can be supported by the underlying root structure. Bridges can easily last ten years or more.

What different types exist?

You might need a dental bridge if you have one or more missing teeth. These are the normal types of bridges available:

Normal Fixed Bridge

This is the traditional mechanism where the bridge is bonded to two crowns that are attached to the adjacent teeth. The crowns can be gold, porcelain fused to metal, or just porcelain.

Resin Bonded Bridges

This process is normally used for front teeth and only when the adjacent teeth are strong and healthy.  The bridge is connected to metal bands which are glued with a resin to the natural teeth.  This procedure requires less preparation of the natural teeth and is generally less expensive.

Cantilever Bridge

These are bridges which are only attached to the teeth on one side. They can be used when it is replacing one of the front teeth.

What is the procedure like?

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The procedure for a bridge is similar to that of a crown. The teeth that are going to anchor the bridge must be prepared for the bridge. This is normally done under mild sedation. An impression is then made and the mould is sent to a laboratory where the bridge can be fabricated.

You should be given a temporary bridge to wear until your next visit.  During the next visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is fitted and checked. If everything is right, it is cemented into place.   

What affects the price?

There are a variety of factors that determine the price. It is important that when you are comparing prices, you are comparing like with like. Look for details like:

• The number of teeth that the bridge will be replacing
• The type of bridge you are getting
• Additional work that may need to be performed

Price Comparison

Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. The follow list gives some indicative costs for bridges across the world:

Dental bridge work is a good way of replacing some or many missing teeth in one go. As with any dental procedure, you should always consult your dentist before deciding on any particular treatment.

Dentists in Spain
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Spain

Spain makes a compelling dental travel destination: The harmonisation of qualifications and equipment standards across Europe allows patients to compare treatments on a price basis while being assured of quality.

A large number of destinations are available from the less explored natural beauty of the north to the bustle of the southern resort towns. Spain's islands, including Tenerife, offer other enticing destinations for high quality dental care.

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

Benefits of travelling to Spain

Spain is one of the world's most mature tourism destinations. A large number of regional airports and a good system of internal transport links allow easy travel to all areas of this diverse country. Large numbers of visitors as well as a substantial expatriate community, particularly along the Costa del Sol, mean travellers enter a country well used to dealing with their needs. A lower cost base in rent and staff fees allow Spainish dentists to offer substantial savings for most dental procedures over their Northern European counterparts.

Dentists in Spain - Prices

The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in Spain. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your dentist directly.

*Exchange rates from 08/2007

Dentists in Spain - Qualifications

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Dental training lasts 5 years. Currently, 10 public and 4 private Colleges produce about 900 dental graduates each year. The quality of training and verification of degrees is overseen by the Ministry of Health.

There is no compulary requirement at present though a system of monitoring skills development and training is currently in development. Currently, many courses and degrees are available and a commitement to furthering of skills and updating of procedures is a central tenant of the Consejo General's code of practice for it's dentists (accounting for over 90% of dentist's in Spain).

Dentists from other EU nations may practice in Spain without any linguistic examination - allowing for instance English dentists to open practices catering to expat communities without having to master the Spanish language.

Dentists in Spain - Additional Information

Organizations

Consejo General de Colegios de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos de España (Spanish Dental Association) has a membership accounting for over 90% of Spanish dentists. It maintains an up to date register of all dentists qualified to practice in Spain.

Dental Ethics

The Dental Association regulates its members and publishes a code of ethics. This emphaises the dentist's obligation to the health and welfare of their patients and their own commitment to continuing training and perfection of their skills.

Complaints

Initial complaints of an ordinary nature should be refered to the Regional Colegio or Municipal Consumer Offices. Etiher party may appeal decisions or progress to civil authorites if disputes are not resolved. Severe disiplinary decisions such as removal from the register of dentist were previously rare but recently a more hardline approach to serious incidents has lead to an increase in harsher punishments.

Data Protection

Patient records are protected by a number of statuets and are in line with EU legislation. A dedicated agency, the Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD), oversees data protection in Spain. The digital processing of patient data must be registered with AEPD and the agency will ensure that proper safety procedures are in place to protect the data. Details are available on the Spanish Dental Association's website.

Resources

Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health: Pº Prado, 18-20.
28071-Madrid
phone: 901400100
fax: 34-91-596.44.80
website: Website:www.msc.es

Spainish Dental Association
website: http://www.consejodentistas.org/ (in Spainish)

Data Protection
http://www.consejodentistas.org/codigotipo.pdf (in Spainish)

Council of Euopean Dentists
CED/DLC Code of Ethics (Word Doc)