Dental bridges: how they work, what they cost and who they suit

Part of Tooth replacement in Kenya: implant, bridge or denture?, Restorative dentistry

A dental bridge fills a gap by anchoring a false tooth to the natural teeth on either side. It stays fixed in your mouth, so unlike a denture it does not come out. It is quicker and cheaper than an implant, but it involves reshaping healthy teeth.

What will this cost me?

Bridges at Arrow Dental start from KES 25,000 per unit. Each tooth in the bridge counts as a unit, including the anchor teeth, so replacing one tooth with a typical three-unit bridge starts from KES 75,000. Your dentist confirms the design and price after an examination.

Bridges count as restorative work, so check your scheme. See how SHA treats major procedures.

How does a bridge work?

The teeth next to the gap are reshaped and fitted with crowns. A false tooth, or several, is joined between those crowns, and the whole piece is fixed in place.

The usual steps are:

1. Examination and X-rays
2. Numbing and preparing the anchor teeth
3. An impression or scan, and a temporary bridge
4. Fitting and fixing the permanent bridge

Who is a bridge right for?

A bridge often suits you if the teeth either side of the gap are strong, especially if they already need crowns, and you want something fixed without surgery. An implant may be better if those teeth are healthy and untouched, and you have enough bone. A denture may be better if several teeth are missing.

See the full comparison.

How do you look after a bridge?

Food and plaque can collect under the false tooth, so clean under it daily with floss threaders or an interdental brush. Decay in an anchor tooth is the most common reason a bridge fails, so keep up regular check-ups.