All 39 Clinics that provide Bridges in Dorset

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?

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.

A guide to dentistry in the UK

The UK has some of the world's longest established medical and dental organizations. It has played a central role in shaping the ethical and scientific face of modern dental practice. The practice and structure of the profession in Britain serve as a model for many countries' dental profession.

Benefits of British Dentistry

Regular checkups are a vital part of good oral healthcare and a local dentist is by far the best choice. A trusting relationship with your local dentist has emmense benefits: dental emergencies can be dealt with by a healthcare professional who knows your medical history inside out. Even for more expensive treatments the value of this close working knowledge can far outweigh price considerations, ensuring an ongoing beneficial, oral regimen.

Dentists in the UK - Qualifications

A 5 year dental curriculum can be followed at any of UK's 13 dental schools. Successful graduates receive a Bachelor of Dental Science degree (BDS).

There are a large number of specialties that can be followed following standard dental practice including: Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics and Endodontics.

Dentists in the UK - Patient Rights

Organizations

The General Dental Council regulates the dental profession in the UK. It keeps an up-to-date register of dental professionals: dentists, dental nurses, clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental technicians, dental therapists, and orthodontic therapists.

The British Dental Association is the primary representative organization for dentists in the UK.

Dental Ethics

The General Dental Council publishes ethical guidelines for the profession. These cover a dentists duty to continually update their skills, promote dental health, their duty to the profession and their patients as well as the proper manner in which to advertise their services and how to charge for treatment. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in censure, suspension or removal of the right to practice.

Continuing education

Mandatory, continuing education was introduced in 2001. 250 hours of training and seminars must be completed every 5 years to maintain the right to practice dentistry in the UK.

Complaints

There is a comprehensive system for dealing with complaints. The Dental Complaints Service (DCS) is the primary mechanism for patient complaints. Questions about a particular dentist's fitness to practice may be handled by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) and judged against the Fitness to Practise Procedures (FTP). These are all under the auspices of the General Dental Council.

Data Protection

Dentists in the UK:

London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leicester, Coventry, Bradford, Cardiff, Wakefield, Plymouth, Reading, Stockport, Huntly, Huddersfield

Resources

General Dental Council
37 Wimpole Street,
London,
W1G 8DQ

Tel: +44 (0)84 5222 4141
Fax: +44 (0)20 7224 3294
Email: ces@gdc-uk.org
Web: www.gdc-uk.org

Ethical Guidelines

Ethical guidelines of the GDC

British Dental Association
Web: www.bda.org

The Information Commissioner's Office
Web: www.ico.gov.uk

Dental Practice Board for England and Wales: http://www.dpb.nhs.uk

NHS dentist advice guide: www.adviceguide.org.uk/h_nhs_dental_treatment.pdf

Postgraduate and Specialty training: www.rcseng.ac.uk/ (Maintained by the Royal College of Surgeons)

Healthcare Commission: www.healthcarecommission.org.uk

World Dental Federation on the UK (including a list of all UK dental schools): www.fdiworldental.org/

Association of Dental Implantology: www.adi.org.uk

The biggest choice of bridges clinics in Dorset with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best bridges for you in Dorset.