A bridge may well be the answer — worth a conversation with us first.

Losing a tooth changes more than the look of a smile. The teeth either side start to drift, chewing shifts to the other side, and speech can alter more than people expect. A bridge closes the space and stops that drift.

Whether it is one tooth or several, we will look at what is there to work with and recommend the design that will actually last.

A false tooth — the pontic — held in place by crowns on the teeth either side, which are called abutments. The whole thing is cemented in and stays there.

Unlike a denture, there is nothing to remove at night and nothing to soak. It behaves like your own teeth and, looked after properly, keeps doing so for many years.

It suits people who want the gap dealt with permanently but without the time and surgery an implant involves.

Which one suits you comes down to where the gap is and what the neighbouring teeth are like.

• Strong enough for back teeth as well as front
• The longest-lasting of the three designs
• Chewing returns to normal
• Choice of materials to suit the position

This is what we reach for when there are sound teeth either side of the gap to take the load.

• Works with a single supporting tooth
• Best where biting forces are lighter
• Less preparation than a traditional bridge
• Often used towards the front

A sensible option when the gap sits at the end of a row, or when we would rather leave the tooth on one side alone.

• Barely touches the neighbouring teeth
• The most conservative option by some margin
• Usually front teeth
• Quick to fit and comfortable

If a front tooth is missing and the teeth beside it are healthy, this is very often the right answer.

1. Assessment: a proper look plus x-rays, so we know what the supporting teeth can take.
2. Preparation: the abutment teeth are shaped to receive the crowns that will carry the bridge.
3. Impressions: accurate moulds go off to the laboratory.
4. A temporary: fitted to protect the prepared teeth while yours is made.
5. Fitting: checked for fit, bite and appearance, adjusted if needed, then cemented for good.

Ten to fifteen years is the usual span, and often longer. What decides it:

• Cleaning underneath it every day — interdental brushes or floss threaders, not just a toothbrush
• Coming to check-ups so we can watch the supporting teeth
• Going steady on very hard or very sticky food
• The material chosen and where in the mouth it sits

We will show you exactly how to clean around it, which is the part that makes the difference.

We will set out what each option means clinically, cosmetically and in cost, then leave the decision with you.