Dental Bridge

Are you missing one or more teeth? Is it affecting your ability to speak, eat, or smile? At National Dental Care Brisbane, we understand the importance of a healthy and complete smile. That's why we offer quality dental bridges to restore both the look and functionality of your teeth.

If you're looking to improve your smile, consider scheduling a consultation with our Brisbane dental team today.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge fills the gap between two teeth using false teeth. Unlike a dental implant, it doesn’t need to be implanted into the jaw. Instead, the bridge connects a false tooth to the natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Dentist inspecting a patients dental bridge before application

Dental bridges are a great alternative to dental implants, whether you simply don’t want one or your gums or jaw are not in good enough condition to receive an implant. Dental bridges can be made up of metal, porcelain, zirconia, or a combination of any of the three.

There are three types of dental bridges:

1. A traditional bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It involves placing dental crowns on the teeth that sit on either side of the gap and attaching a ‘pontic’ (a false tooth) between them.
2. A cantilever bridge is less common. When there is only one tooth next to the gap, the dentist will place a crown over that tooth and attach the pontic to it. However, this method is less stable than attaching the pontic on both sides, which is why it’s not recommended for back teeth that bear a lot of pressure.
3. The Maryland bridge style is named after the University of Maryland where it was invented. It’s similar to a traditional bridge, where a false tooth is attached to the teeth on each side of the gap. However, instead of using crowns, it uses 'wings' that attach to the back of each tooth next to the gap. It is important to note that this style is not recommended for back teeth and is only suitable for people with good oral health.

No matter the style, a dental bridge at National Dental Care Brisbane will give you all the functionality of a full set of teeth, as well as a beautiful smile.

The pros and cons of a dental bridge

A dental bridge is a great way to replace a missing tooth for a number of reasons:

1. No invasive implants: Dental implants are affixed to the bone below the gum line, which is a more invasive procedure. Also, implants are not suitable for those with poor gum or jaw health.
2. A full beautiful smile: Missing teeth can impact your confidence and make you feel self-conscious about your smile. A bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth with a natural-looking solution.
3. Normal functionality: A dental bridge offers full functionality, meaning you’ll be able to eat, drink, and talk normally.
4. Better oral health: A missing tooth can cause your other teeth to deteriorate faster, as well as leading to tooth movement. A dental bridge can prevent this, resulting in better dental health.

Here’s what else to consider when comparing dental bridges to other treatments:

1. Traditional bridges occasionally require putting crowns over perfectly healthy teeth. The adjacent teeth that support the bridge will require reshaping and covering, which means a portion of their healthy tooth enamel will need to be removed. This can increase the risk of damage to healthy teeth.
2. Maryland bridges are less sturdy and can cause damage to the existing teeth. Maryland bridges can cause permanent damage to healthy teeth due to the removal of enamel at the back of the teeth. Plus, these bridges are less resistant to chewing pressure compared to other types of bridges.
3. Bridges don't prevent bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth is missing or removed, the jaw bone that previously supported it can start to deteriorate. Unlike implants, which have an artificial root anchored into the jaw bone, bridges sit above the gum line and don’t have roots. As a result, bridges don’t prevent bone loss like implants do.
4. Bridges may not last as long as implants. Dental bridges may not last as long as implants. A dental bridge will only last as long as the teeth that support it.If there are problems with these teeth in the future, such as decay or gum disease, the bridge will be compromised.

How much does a dental bridge cost?

The cost of a dental bridge will vary depending on the type of bridge you get and the materials used, as well as some other factors.

At National Dental Care Brisbane, your dentist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate once they have a better idea of your situation and oral health.

Keep in mind that your insurance may pay for some of the treatment, so it’s worth checking with your provider.

What to expect from a dental bridge treatment

Before your dental procedure at National Dental Care Brisbane, it's advisable to eat and drink something. We also recommend that you brush and floss your teeth.

Here's what you can expect during the first dental bridge appointment at our practice:

• Local Anaesthetic: Your dentist will begin by applying a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area.
• Enamel Adjustment: A thin layer of enamel will be removed from the abutment teeth.
• Impressions: Precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth will be taken to be sent to the dental lab.
• Temporary Bridge: The initial appointment will finish with your dentist fitting a temporary bridge to protect your teeth until the permanent bridge is ready.

Your next visit, typically scheduled about 2-4 weeks later, will involve the following steps:

• Local Anaesthetic: Your dentist will once again numb the area using a local anaesthetic.
• Temporary Bridge Removal: The temporary bridge will be removed.
• Permanent Bridge Fitting: Your dentist will assess the fit of the permanent bridge.
• Cementing in Place: If the bridge fits well, it will be securely fixed in place using dental cement.
• Custom Shaping: The dental crowns and bridge will be carefully shaped to ensure they match your bite perfectly.
• Numbness: Expect the area to remain numb for several hours following the procedure.
• Follow-up: Your dentist will monitor the bridge's condition during your subsequent appointment.

Our goal is to keep you comfortable and satisfied throughout your dental bridge procedure. If you have a gap in your teeth and think a dental bridge might be right for you, the team at National Dental Care Brisbane can help.

Take the first step towards a restored smile and schedule a consultation with us today.