Dental Bridges Rustington
Replace a missing tooth with a fixed bridge, mainly made from tooth-coloured zirconia and fitted over two visits following assessment.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth fixed in place using support beside the gap. Unlike a removable denture, it is not taken out for daily cleaning. At Calm & Gentle Dental Care in Rustington, our bridges are mainly made from tooth-coloured zirconia. Bridge treatment takes two visits after assessment, with the design and supporting teeth carefully considered before preparation.
Benefits
- Replaces a gap with a restoration fixed in place
- Can help restore chewing where teeth are missing
- Tooth-coloured zirconia can complement neighbouring teeth
- May help with speech affected by a missing tooth
- Does not need removing each night like a removable denture
- A possible alternative to implants when support is suitable
Healthy supporting teeth matter
A bridge relies on natural teeth beside the gap. Their strength, gum health, position and your bite determine suitability. Decay or gum disease may need treatment first. Not every gap can be restored safely with a bridge.
Some bridge designs require supporting teeth to be prepared by removing tooth tissue. We explain this irreversible step and weigh it against alternatives. Material and design depend on clinical suitability; not every bridge type is appropriate for every patient.
£875 per unit — not per whole bridge
The current bridge fee is £875 per unit. A unit is one tooth-sized part of the bridge, including replacement teeth and supporting crowns where used. The overall cost depends on the number of units, bridge design and support required, plus any additional preparatory treatment. Your dentist provides an individual plan and explains the full fee before you proceed. See our crown and bridge pricing guide.
Cleaning, risks and ongoing care
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean beneath the replacement tooth and around supports using the aids your dental team recommends, such as a floss threader or interdental brushes. A bridge does not prevent decay or gum disease. Supporting teeth can become sensitive or later need root canal treatment; the bridge can loosen, chip or fracture. Regular reviews help monitor it. Contact us if it moves, food repeatedly traps, your bite feels uncomfortable or you develop pain or swollen gums.
Discuss a bridge at our Rustington clinic
Our clinic is at 7 Broadmark Lane, Rustington, BN16 2NW, and welcomes patients from nearby Littlehampton. We can talk through the effect of the gap, your priorities and any worries about dental treatment. Request a bridge assessment or call 01903 856888 to ask about the next step.
What to Expect
Assess the gap and supporting teeth
We examine the teeth and gums, assess your bite and take X-rays if needed. We discuss bridge suitability, alternatives, cleaning requirements and an individual costed plan before treatment begins.
First visit: preparation and records
Supporting teeth are prepared where the agreed design requires it, with local anaesthetic where appropriate. Impressions or a digital scan record the teeth and bite. A temporary restoration may be used where appropriate.
The bridge is made ready
Your bridge is made to the agreed design using the recorded tooth shapes and bite. We arrange the second visit once it is ready and explain any care needed between appointments.
Second visit: fitting and aftercare
We check the bridge's fit, appearance and bite before securing it in place. Your dentist makes any necessary adjustments and shows you how to clean beneath it and around the supporting teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown covers and rebuilds an existing tooth. A bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth and needs support beside the gap. Crowns may form part of a bridge's support, but a single crown cannot replace a tooth that is absent.
Are your bridges made and fitted on the same day?
No. Bridge treatment at our practice takes two visits after assessment: preparation and impressions or scanning, then fitting once the bridge is ready. Our CEREC same-appointment crown process does not mean we offer same-day CEREC bridges. The interval is discussed individually.
What material do you mainly use for bridges?
We mainly use tooth-coloured zirconia. Your dentist considers the gap, supporting teeth, bite and appearance when recommending material and design. Zirconia is not automatically suitable for every case, so the final recommendation follows a clinical assessment.
Does £875 cover the complete bridge?
No. £875 is the fee per unit, not for the whole bridge. Replacement teeth and supporting crowns can each count as units. The total depends on units, design, support and any extra treatment needed; your written plan sets out the proposed cost.
Will my neighbouring teeth need to be shaped?
Some bridges require preparation, permanently removing tooth tissue. The amount and suitability depend on the design and supporting teeth's condition. We explain the trade-offs before you consent; preparation is not always the best choice.
What are the alternatives to a bridge?
Dental implants or removable dentures may replace missing teeth without the same natural-tooth support. Each has different clinical requirements, maintenance and costs. We can also discuss leaving the gap, helping you make an informed choice.
How long will a bridge last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. Gum health, supporting teeth, cleaning, bite forces and grinding influence how it performs. A bridge may eventually need repair or replacement. If a support tooth develops a problem, the whole bridge may be affected.
Ask about this treatment
Send us an appointment request or call the practice. Our team can answer initial questions and help you understand the next step.
From £875 per unit
01903 856888Opening Hours
Get Started
Explore your options for a missing tooth
Request an assessment with our Rustington team to discuss a bridge, supporting-tooth health, alternatives and the full cost of your individual treatment plan.