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Dental Bridges (classic bridge options, pros/cons, longevity)

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Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth to neighbouring teeth.

Bridges restore function and appearance, but they require careful planning to ensure long-term predictability.

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FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the treatment?

A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by using the adjacent teeth for support. These supporting teeth are prepared for crowns, which hold the replacement tooth securely in place.

Unlike dentures, bridges are fixed in position and are not removed by the patient.

Who is it suitable for?

A dental bridge may be suitable if you:

Are missing one or more teeth.
Have healthy supporting teeth on either side of the gap.
Prefer a fixed (non-removable) solution.
Are not suitable for implant treatment.
Have neighbouring teeth that already require crowns.

Each case is assessed individually to determine whether a bridge is the most appropriate solution.

What does treatment involve?

Clinical assessment of teeth, gums, and bite.
Digital scans (no traditional impressions).
Preparation of the supporting teeth.
Placement of temporary crowns.
Laboratory fabrication of the bridge.
Careful fitting and bite adjustment of the final restoration.

Attention is paid to comfort, cleaning access, and bite stability.

What are some benefits of a dental bridge?

Fixed and stable.
Restores chewing ability.
Improves appearance.
No surgery required.
Predictable in suitable cases.

What are the limitations of dental bridges that patients should understand before choosing this treatment?

Supporting teeth must be prepared.
Cleaning under the bridge requires good technique.
The failure of one supporting tooth can affect the entire bridge.
Bridges do not prevent bone loss beneath the missing tooth.

For these reasons, bridges are selected carefully rather than routinely.

Which is the better option between bridges and implants?

In many cases, dental implants are now considered the preferred option for replacing missing teeth, as they do not involve neighbouring teeth. However, bridges remain appropriate when:

Implants are not suitable.
Medical factors limit surgery.
Bone volume is insufficient.
A fixed, non-surgical option is preferred.

Your dentist will discuss the advantages and limitations of each option clearly.

About bridges

Types of dental bridges

There are several types of bridges:

Conventional bridges – supported by crowns on adjacent teeth
Cantilever bridges – supported on one side only (used selectively)
Maryland (adhesive) bridges – bonded to the back of neighbouring teeth with minimal preparation

The choice depends on tooth position, bite forces, and long-term risk.

Planning and responsibility of care

Bridge treatment requires careful assessment of bite forces, supporting teeth, and long-term prognosis.

In most cases, your treating dentist will carry out your bridge treatment. Where bridge work forms part of a wider restorative or complex treatment plan, or where bite stability needs careful management, Dr Kevin Gilmore may be involved in reviewing and overseeing the planning to ensure durability and predictability.

Patient takeaway

Dental bridges can be an effective and reliable solution for missing teeth when carefully selected and properly maintained.

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Smiles transformed, stories shared.

We’re proud to be a trusted part of our patients’ oral health journeys. Explore their testimonials to see how we’re creating positive dental experiences – one smile at a time.

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Our Smile Transformations

We’re proud to be a trusted part of our patients’ oral health journeys. Explore their testimonials to see how we’re creating positive dental experiences – one smile at a time.

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I required some extensive dental work, which I had been catastrophising in my head for some time now. Having finally plucked up the courage, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been cared for so professionally & competently by Lorna…

Colin K

I had a great experience with Lorna. She was very competent, gentle and took the time to explain everything clearly. I’d highly recommend Lorna to anyone who feels anxious about visiting the dentist!

Amy T

I’ve been a patient at Harcourt Dental Clinic for about 5 years now, and I couldn’t be happier with the service I’ve received. From the friendly and welcoming staff to the professional and skilled dentists, every visit has been a…

Adrian V

Martina is an excellent hygienist, professional, kind, and thorough. She made me feel completely at ease and did a fantastic job with my cleaning. I highly recommend her!

Ana R

I would highly recommend this dental practice. They are very professional in every sense. Special shout-out for Cianna & Kevin, two highly skilled dentists.

Brian R

I strongly recommend this dental practice. The reception staff are always friendly and polite. Dr Lorna Mahon and her assistant have been excellent in treating a quite difficult dental issue with great care and professionalism.

Matthew V

Contact us today!

If you have a broken tooth or a cracked tooth, contact us for an assessment and a clear plan.

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4.8

Harcourt Dental Clinic

4.8

Anne Bacon Byrne

18:17 23 Dec 25

I have been attending harcourt Dental for many years.. it’s always a pleasure to attend as all the staff are so friendly and professional…

Ruth

18:28 07 Nov 25

I’ve been going to harcourt dental for many years and always had a great experience. Dr. Lorna is such a great dentist, very attentive and reassuring and provides advice on how to maintain oral health. I’ve had other procedures with their oral surgeon and endodontist such as extractions and root canals and all have been very good. Very happy with them.

Kevin Smith

16:05 08 Oct 25

I was in with Martin’s O’keeffe (hygienist ) last week and as visits to a dentist go it was very enjoyable . Martina is very good at her job and is very professional and always makes me feel at ease and we even manage to have a bit of banter. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending her or anyone else I’ve dealt with over the years . Keep up the good work Harcourt Dental Clinic 👏👏

Patricia Hinch

19:39 31 Aug 25

Lorna from Harcourt Dental Clinic is amazing. Her approach to managing my teeth is brilliant, I am 58, with a mount full of large filings and Lorna's work has made such improvements. She is so professional and communicates really well, setting out a plan. I am so relaxed when I go to the dentist that I fell asleep when I was getting a large back filling!Reception lady is very nice and helpful and dental nurse was so friendly when I was in with Lorna on 29/9.

Angela Krav

20:15 29 Aug 25

I again attended hygienist Rosie this week to have my teeth cleaned and just to say it was a really nice experience. Rosie is excellent in her job and is very careful and kind in every way. Thank you Rosie see you in 6 months.

Elena

21:08 24 Aug 25

I highly recommend Harcourt Dental Clinic. Everyone was very polite and professional. I’m always quite anxious about dental visits, but the Doctor I had my appointment with, made me feel completely at ease. She was really kind, and explained everything clearly.

Brian Rohan

22:22 13 Aug 25

I would highly recommend this dental practice. They are very professional in every sense. Special shout out for Cianna & Kevin, two highly skilled dentists.

Amy Todd

19:13 26 Jul 25

Colin Kelly

12:11 22 Jul 25

I required some extensive dental work which I had been catastrophising in my head for some time now. Having finally plucked up the courage, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been cared for so professionally & competently by Lorna and the team. Lorna has a wonderful kind manner, communicates very clearly, is a truly exceptional dentist and is a kind, empathic person. I cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you Lorna & team!

Terri G

18:23 17 Jul 25

I had a back tooth removed and a dental implant inserted. The entire process took several months. I received excellent care from Cianna O’Brien and her dental assistant at Harcourt Dental Clinic. They were both professional, warm and caring from the start of the process to the end.

Ana Reis

13:20 05 Jun 25

Martina is an excellent hygienist, professional, kind, and thorough. She made me feel completely at ease and did a fantastic job with my cleaning. I highly recommend her!

Eileen Lally

17:16 18 May 25

Great experience in Harcourt Dental Clinic. The hygienist Martina is great. She does a great job on my teeth every 3 to 4 months I'm very happy with her.

Adrian Vacaru

11:48 03 Apr 25

I've been a patient at Harcourt Dental Clinic for about 5 years now, and I couldn't be happier with the service I've received. From the friendly and welcoming staff to the professional and skilled dentists, every visit has been a positive experience.The clinic's communication is excellent, with clear explanations of treatments and costs. Appointments are always available at convenient times, and I've never had to wait long to be seen.The prices are very reasonable, and I appreciate the transparency around costs.Overall, I highly recommend Harcourt Dental Clinic to anyone looking for a reliable, trustworthy, and friendly dentist. Thank you to the whole team!

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