Losing a tooth changes more than just your smile. It affects how you eat, speak, and even how your face holds its shape over time. If you’ve got a gap where a tooth used to be, a dental bridge is one of the most straightforward ways to fill that space.
Whether you’ve lost a tooth to decay, gum disease, or an accident, a bridge can get things back to normal without needing surgery.
What Exactly Is a Dental Bridge?
Think of a dental bridge as exactly what it sounds like, it bridges the gap where your tooth used to be. It’s basically fake teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns that attach to the teeth on either side, or sometimes by dental implants.
Once it’s in, it’s permanent. You won’t be taking it out at night like dentures, and if you look after it properly, it’ll last you 10 to 15 years, maybe even longer.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Missing Tooth
Leaving a gap untreated can lead to bigger problems:
Neighbouring teeth start to shift. Without support, teeth next to the gap can drift or tilt inward, throwing off your bite and making cleaning harder.
Your chewing becomes uneven. This puts extra strain on certain teeth, leading to faster wear and damage.
Bone loss occurs. The jawbone underneath starts to shrink because it’s no longer being stimulated by a tooth root.
Speech may be affected. Depending on which tooth is missing, you might notice changes in how you pronounce certain words.
Your face can lose volume. Over time, bone loss can cause your face to look sunken or aged.
A dental bridge prevents these complications by maintaining the structure and alignment of your teeth and jaw. If you’ve recently had a tooth removal, addressing the gap sooner rather than later can save you from these issues.
Types of Dental Bridges Available
Your dentist will recommend what works best based on where the gap is, how healthy your other teeth are, and your overall situation.
1. Traditional Fixed Bridge
This is the most common one. It uses dental crowns on both sides of the gap to hold up the fake tooth in the middle. Traditional bridges are strong and durable, perfect when you’ve got healthy teeth on either side of the missing one.
The teeth supporting it need to be reshaped a bit so the crowns fit properly. Yeah, this means removing some enamel, but it creates a solid base that can handle everyday chewing without issues.
- Cantilever Bridge
This one’s anchored on just one side using only one supporting tooth. It’s less common and usually used near the front of your mouth, where there’s not as much chewing pressure.
Because it’s only supported on one end, it’s not great for back teeth—too much biting force could damage that single supporting tooth.
- Maryland Bridge (Resin-Bonded Bridge)
The Maryland bridge is a bit gentler, often used to replace a single front tooth. Instead of full crowns, it uses a metal or porcelain frame with little wings that stick to the back of the teeth next to the gap.
Since it doesn’t require reshaping your supporting teeth, it’s less invasive. But it’s not as tough as a traditional bridge, so it’s best for areas that don’t cop too much pressure.
- Implant-Supported Bridge
If you have gaps from missing teeth, we recommend getting Implant-Promoted Bridges. If you have weak neighboring teeth around gaps, getting an Implant-Promoted Bridge is a suitable option. If you value long-lasting stability, this is the option for you. However, keep in mind surgical treatment and a longer treatment time are required.
How the Dental Bridge Procedure Works
First Visit: Assessment and Preparation
The first thing we need to figure out is an adequate treatment plan. This is where we figure out the right treatment plan. To do this, we will need to get a set of X-rays. Look for any possible issues, record the state of the teeth and gums. Check the layout of the jaw to look for possible surgical gaps. If we are ready to go, we will also need to do a bit of reshaping for the neighboring teeth. This helps the crowns to sit properly.
Second Visit: Fitting the Bridge
About two weeks later, your permanent bridge is ready. You come back in, and the dentist checks how it fits, whether the colour matches, and if your bite feels right.
If it all feels good and looks natural, they cement it in. That’s it—you’re done.
Follow-Up
You might have a follow-up appointment to make sure the bridge is settling in well and your bite feels right. Your dentist will also run through how to look after it properly.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Restore full chewing function. You’ll be able to eat the foods you love without discomfort.
Improve your speech. If the missing tooth was affecting how you talk, a bridge helps you speak clearly again.
Keep your smile looking natural. Modern bridges blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Prevent teeth from shifting. By filling the gap, a bridge stops neighbouring teeth from drifting.
Support your facial structure. A bridge helps maintain the natural contours of your face.
Fixed and stable. Unlike removable dentures, a bridge stays put. You don’t have to take it out or worry about it slipping.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Bridge
Your supporting teeth need to be in good shape. If they’re weak or decayed, they’ll need treatment first. If you’ve had a root canal without crown, that tooth might not be strong enough to support a bridge without additional reinforcement.
For traditional bridges, some enamel has to be removed from those supporting teeth, and that’s permanent.
You’ll need to put in a bit more effort cleaning under the bridge daily with floss threaders or interdental brushes to avoid decay and gum problems. And bridges don’t last forever—with proper care, you’ll get 10 to 15 years out of one, but eventually it’ll need replacing.
Depending on your situation, dental implants or dentures might actually work better for you.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge
- Looking after your bridge properly means it’ll last as long as possible.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially where the bridge meets your gums.
- Clean under the bridge every day using floss threaders or interdental brushes.
- Try not to chew really hard stuff directly on the bridge, things like ice, hard lollies, or nuts.
- Get to your dentist every six months for check-ups and a proper clean.
- If something feels loose or uncomfortable, or your bite feels different, ring your dentist straight away.
How Do Bridges Compare to Other Options?
|
Option |
Pros |
Considerations |
|
Dental Bridge |
Fixed in place, no surgery required, restores function quickly |
Requires healthy supporting teeth, some enamel removal needed |
|
Dental Implant |
Most permanent option, doesn’t affect other teeth, prevents bone loss |
Higher cost, requires surgery, longer treatment time |
|
Removable Denture |
Lower upfront cost, non-invasive, easy to adjust |
Can feel bulky, may slip when eating or speaking |
The best choice depends on your specific situation, your budget, and what you’re comfortable with. Your dentist can help you weigh up the pros and cons based on your oral health.
What’s the Cost in Australia?
The cost varies depending on what type of bridge you need and where you are. A traditional bridge usually runs between $2,000 to $5,000 for a three-unit fixture. An implant-supported bridge can set you back anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Dental bridges work really well if you’ve got strong, healthy teeth on either side of the gap and want a fixed solution that doesn’t involve surgery. They’re especially good if you want something sorted relatively quickly without much downtime.
But if your surrounding teeth are weak or already heavily filled, you might be better off looking at implants or dentures instead.
Final Thoughts
Missing teeth affects more than how you look. They mess with your comfort, your confidence, and the long-term health of your mouth. A dental bridge is a proven, practical way to get things back to how they should be.
If you’re thinking about getting a bridge, book in with a dentist who can look at your individual needs. With the right care and regular check-ups, a bridge can serve you well for years, helping you eat, speak, and smile without thinking twice about it.
If you’re in Fairfield, Queensland, the team at Najmi Dental can walk you through the whole process and help you make the best call for your oral health.
