About Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is one option to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is anchored using crowns on the teeth next to the gap, with a false tooth (or teeth) placed in between. Bridges are made to match neighbouring teeth as closely as clinically possible. Treatment risks and considerations can be found here.
Introduction
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a false tooth held in place by crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. It is a fixed option that does not need surgery.
Features of dental bridges
- Fixed in place: a bridge is cemented and does not come out like a denture.
- No surgery: a bridge may suit patients who prefer not to have, or are not suitable for, dental implants.
- Fills the gap: replacing a missing tooth may help with chewing and speech and reduce movement of neighbouring teeth into the space.
- Matched to your smile: made to match neighbouring teeth as closely as clinically possible.
- Usually completed in two visits.
Results vary from person to person and all treatment carries risks.
Read the risks and considerations below, or on our
Treatment Risks page.
What to expect
- Assessment of the supporting teeth.
- Preparation of the teeth either side of the gap, which is irreversible, and a digital scan.
- Temporary bridge, then fitting of the final bridge.
- Advice on cleaning under the bridge.
Once cemented, a bridge is fixed in place, unlike a denture, and is made to match neighbouring teeth as closely as clinically possible.
Treatment is provided by our registered dentists. See Meet the team for each dentist’s registration details.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Bridges?
A bridge may be considered for patients who have lost teeth due to decay, injury or extraction and who want a fixed solution. It may suit some patients who are not suitable for dental implants. Your dentist will assess whether a bridge is suitable.
What a bridge involves
- A bridge replaces missing teeth with a fixed restoration.
- The teeth either side are prepared and crowned to support it, which removes tooth structure and is irreversible.
- Bridges need careful cleaning underneath and regular reviews.
- Bridges are not permanent and may need to be replaced.
Risks and considerations
Bridge preparation removes structure from the supporting teeth, which is irreversible. Risks include sensitivity, nerve irritation that may need root canal treatment, decay under or around the bridge, gum problems, loosening, fracture or failure of the bridge, and loss of a supporting tooth. Bridges need careful cleaning underneath and regular reviews and may need replacing. Alternatives include an implant, a partial denture or no treatment.
Meet Dr. Bhanu
Dr Bhanu Shamdasani is a registered general dentist with a focus on implant dentistry. He also provides general and cosmetic dentistry, including veneers and clear aligners, to patients of all ages at The Dental Studio at Molonglo in Wright, Canberra.
Dr Bhanu Shamdasani, Dentist, General registration, AHPRA DEN0002585869. Qualifications: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Dentistry and Master of Dentistry, La Trobe University.
Meet Dr. Bhanu →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental bridge and how does it work?
A dental bridge is a fixed, non-removable solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. It’s made up of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) supported by crowns on the natural teeth either side of the gap. Once cemented, a bridge is fixed in place, unlike a denture. It is made to match neighbouring teeth as closely as clinically possible.
Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?
A bridge may suit you if you have lost a tooth through decay, injury or extraction and would like a fixed replacement. The neighbouring teeth need to be healthy and strong enough to support it, which we’ll check with you at your consultation.
Why is it important to replace a missing tooth?
A gap can affect neighbouring teeth, your bite, chewing and speech. Your dentist can explain what this may mean for you and what options are available.
What does the dental bridge procedure involve?
The process is usually completed over a couple of visits. At your first appointment, the supporting teeth either side of the gap are gently prepared, and an accurate impression or digital record is taken. You’ll wear a temporary bridge while your custom bridge is being crafted to match the shape, size and colour of your surrounding teeth. At your next visit, we check the fit and bite, then bond the final bridge securely into place.
Will my bridge look and feel natural?
Bridges are made to match the shape and shade of neighbouring teeth as closely as clinically possible. The final result may differ from a preview.
How do I care for my dental bridge?
Caring for a bridge is straightforward, but it does need a little extra attention underneath the false tooth. Brush twice a day and clean under and around the bridge daily using floss threaders, super floss or an interdental brush — your dentist will show you how. Regular check-ups and cleans are essential so we can keep the bridge and supporting teeth in great shape. How long a bridge lasts varies between patients and depends on individual circumstances and maintenance.
The Dental Studio at Molonglo
Hours Of Operation
- Monday - Friday: 9AM - 7PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed