Dental Query - Private vs NHS Bridge Work- what's the difference

lostinthewoods

My dentist suggests that a two tooth bridge at the back top may need to be replaced. There is a slight shadow on the x-ray that could be a crack in the tooth where the bridge is mounted.

But she does not know what is there unless she looks and will know what work to do. Apparently it is a very fient shadow.

My alternative is £900 ish for private treatment to replace the bridge or NHS which I am told 'is not as good' cosmetically.

I am fairly sure this bridge was NHS and has lasted for ten to fiften years.

What's the difference?

brook2jack

Discuss with your dentist. If there's a problem under the one tooth it may be that a bridge may not be possible again.

In general the difference is in the time taken to do the bridge by the dentist and the time and materials used by the lab to make a bridge. There is a far wider chioce of materials and the lab, instead of making the cheapest possible bridge in the shortest possible time, can make the best in the most appropriate material. Ditto the dentist.

lostinthewoods

Thank you Brook2Jack

I suppose I want to know if there is a qualitative difference. Will the private work last longer and what does it tend look like compared to NHS bridgework?

I do not have any concerns about the dentist. She is honest enough to say she does not know what (if anything at all) she will find. It is such a faint (spelled right this time) mark. But it will need doing sometime.

I just don't have a benchmark for private vs NHS work. Is it Ford vs Honda or is it Ford vs Rolls Royce?

brook2jack

if you don't look after the bridge properly in terms of flossing etc it could be made by the best people in the world and it will fail quickly.

Lab work varies from lab to lab but in general a really good private bridge will take at least four or five times as long to make as nhs and can be made out of materials that will look more natural,more accurately fitting and use the most modern materials. NHS work is not supposed to be cosmetic and technicians cannot spend the time or materials to make the bridge cosmetically perfect with anatomical carving and staining.

I used to say re nhs vs private that it was like ford vs rolls royce both will get you there but one in more style, however nowadays I don't think that holds true. The little nhs work I do (I'm mostly private) I use a good quality lab and pay more for lab work than most full time nhs dentists could afford to do. For top quality work the choice could be more like backstreet Cairo taxi vs Rolls royce. It depends on the dentist and lab.

Gloomendoom

Mrs G recently has just had a three front tooth NHS bridge replaced. She opted for the private option in the end. They are a vast improvement on her old bridge and match her real teeth perfectly.

Her only concern is that she can feel a slight movement in the bridge.

londondent

brook2jack wrote: »

if For top quality work the choice could be more like backstreet Cairo taxi vs Rolls royce. It depends on the dentist and lab.

lol, i use a similar comparison in my work, although i would compare nhs work to a reliant robin. its a bit wobbly, may look a little strange but it'l get you there in the end.

Private labwork is usually of a much better quality, with better materials and the techneican spends much more time making sure its manufactured correctly. You can also get much more lifelike appearences, espeically with todays metal-free options.

brook2jack

Not sure I'm that happy with metal free bridges long term especially if heavy grinder. Gold is metal of choice and gives warmer look to porcelain.