Dental bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by joining a false tooth to crowns on the healthy teeth either side of the gap. It is fixed in place, so you don't take it out. At Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows, we check the supporting teeth first.
What is dental bridges?
When a tooth is missing, the teeth beside it can lean into the space, the tooth above or below can drift towards it, and chewing on that side gets harder. A bridge is one way to close the gap. It has a false tooth in the middle, held in place by crowns that fit over the teeth on either side. Those supporting teeth need to be healthy and strong, because they carry the bridge. Getting a bridge usually involves more than one appointment. The supporting teeth are gently shaped and an impression is taken, a temporary bridge may be placed, and the finished bridge is made by a dental laboratory, then fitted, adjusted and bonded. A bridge is not the only option. An implant or a denture can also replace a missing tooth, and the right choice depends on the teeth around the gap, your gums and bone, and what matters to you. The information on this page is general education, and your dentist will assess what suits your mouth.
When might you need dental bridges?
A single missing tooth
A bridge can fill the gap when the teeth on either side are healthy enough to support it.
Neighbouring teeth that already need crowns
If the teeth beside the gap are heavily filled or weakened, crowning them as part of a bridge can do two jobs at once.
When an implant doesn't suit
Some people prefer not to have surgery, or their bone or general health makes an implant less suitable.
Teeth drifting into a gap
Filling the space helps stop neighbouring and opposite teeth moving out of position.
What happens, in short
Assessment
We examine the gap and the supporting teeth, take any x-rays needed and talk through a bridge, an implant and a denture.
Preparing the supporting teeth
The teeth either side of the gap are numbed and gently shaped so the crowns of the bridge can fit over them.
Impressions and a temporary
Impressions are taken so the bridge fits your bite, and a temporary may protect the teeth while the laboratory makes it.
Fitting
The bridge is tried in, adjusted for your bite and bonded in place.
Looking after it
We show you how to clean under the false tooth, which an ordinary toothbrush can't reach.
What does it cost?
A three-unit dental bridge is from $2,800. The total depends on how many teeth are involved and any work the supporting teeth need first, and you get a written quote before treatment starts.
You get a written, itemised quote with item numbers before any treatment starts, so you can check it with your health fund. Health funds · Payment options
Is a bridge or an implant better for a missing tooth?
Neither is better for everyone. A bridge relies on the teeth either side of the gap; an implant replaces the root in the bone and leaves those teeth alone.
Your dentist will look at the supporting teeth, your gums and bone, and your preferences, then explain the trade-offs of each option.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
The teeth are numbed while they're prepared, so it shouldn't hurt.
The supporting teeth can feel a little tender or sensitive for a few days afterwards.
How do you clean under a bridge?
Food and plaque collect under the false tooth, so it needs cleaning every day with a floss threader or a small interdental brush.
We'll show you which suits your bridge at the fitting appointment.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good care, a bridge can last many years.
How long depends on the health of the supporting teeth and gums, your bite, habits like grinding, and how well it is cleaned.
More about dental bridges
Other questions people ask
Can a bridge be removed?
Not by you. A fixed bridge is bonded to the supporting teeth. If it ever needs replacing, your dentist removes it.
What happens to the teeth under a bridge?
They are shaped to take the crowns, so they will always need a crown or bridge over them. Keeping them clean matters, because decay or gum disease there can put the bridge at risk.
What if my temporary bridge comes off?
Keep it, avoid chewing on that side and call us so we can re-fit it. The prepared teeth need protecting.
My bridge feels high when I bite. Is that normal?
It shouldn't once the numbness wears off. Call us and we'll adjust it.
Can I claim a bridge on my health fund?
If your extras cover includes major dental, you can often claim part of it. We claim on the spot through HICAPS.
Can I eat normally with a bridge?
Yes, once it's fitted and any tenderness settles. Avoiding very hard foods helps protect it.