A bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It’s fixed in place, so unlike a partial denture it doesn’t come out at night. We talk through bridges alongside implants and dentures, so you can compare all three before deciding.
A bridge is a false tooth held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. Those supporting teeth are usually shaped and covered with crowns, and the whole piece is cemented on.
The teeth on both sides are crowned and the false tooth sits between them. The most common type.
Supported from one side only. Used in limited situations, usually a single front tooth.
Held by a thin wing bonded to the back of a neighbouring tooth. Very little tooth is removed.
Implants hold the bridge instead of natural teeth, where several teeth are missing in a row.
We look at the teeth and gums either side of the gap, take x-rays and talk through your options. You get a written, itemised quote before anything starts.
Under local anaesthetic the supporting teeth are shaped and a digital scan is taken. A temporary bridge protects them while the final one is made.
Usually a couple of weeks later, we check the fit, bite and colour, then cement the bridge in place.
Shaping the supporting teeth is permanent. A supporting tooth can need root canal treatment later, and if one fails, the whole bridge usually has to be replaced. The gum under the false tooth can also shrink over time, leaving a small gap.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. This page is general information only and not a substitute for an examination. Individual results vary.
Food and plaque collect under the false tooth, and decay in a supporting tooth is one of the main reasons bridges fail. How long a bridge lasts varies a lot between people.
Some sensitivity to cold and tenderness on biting are common and usually settle within a few days.
Clean under the false tooth every day with a floss threader, super floss or an interdental brush. We’ll show you how at the fitting appointment.
Regular check-ups and cleans let us spot problems with the supporting teeth early. If you grind your teeth, a night guard helps protect the bridge.
Replaces the tooth without touching the neighbours. Needs surgery and several months of healing.
The least invasive option. Removable, and some people find it less comfortable to wear.
Possible, but nearby teeth can tip or drift into the space over time.
The main factors are how many teeth are involved, the material (porcelain, zirconia or metal-ceramic), the type of bridge, and whether any teeth need treatment first.
Your health fund rebate is processed at the counter.
Afterpay, Humm, National Dental Plan and DentiCare.
An itemised plan and full cost before we begin.
The teeth are numbed before they’re shaped, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity for a few days afterwards is common.
Most bridges take two appointments a couple of weeks apart.
Yes. Front teeth are often a good place for a resin-bonded or cantilever bridge, and we match the colour to your other teeth.
Yes. We check the supporting teeth first, because if one has decay or has weakened, the plan may change.
Most bridges are done by general dentists in the practice. If your case would be better managed elsewhere, we’ll tell you and arrange a referral.
Many funds with major dental cover contribute, and we process it through HICAPS at the counter.
Book an examination. We’ll check the teeth either side of the gap and talk you through a bridge, an implant and a denture before you decide.