Every Smile Deserves the Best
Missing teeth can impact not just your smile, but also your ability to chew and speak properly. If left untreated, gaps in your teeth can lead to shifting, bite problems, and even jawbone loss. At Melbourne Street Dental Studio in South Brisbane, we provide custom-made dental bridges to replace missing teeth and help restore chewing function and appearance.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration supported by neighbouring teeth or dental implants. It fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth and cannot be removed at home. Its lifespan depends on the health of the supporting teeth or implants, your bite and ongoing oral care.
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Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge not only improves the appearance of your smile but also plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and function.
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Restores chewing and speaking ability: Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat or pronounce certain words properly. A bridge can help restore chewing and speaking.
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Helps maintain tooth position: A bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth and may help limit movement of neighbouring teeth.
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Supports appearance: A bridge replaces visible missing teeth. Its effect on lip or cheek support depends on the location and number of teeth being replaced.
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Durable and long-lasting – Bridges can last many years but may need repair or replacement. How long depends on the supporting teeth, bite and oral hygiene.
If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge is one option for replacing missing teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges Available at Melbourne Street Dental Studio
At Melbourne Street Dental Studio, we offer different types of quality dental bridges, customized to suit your needs and preferences.
1. Traditional Dental Bridges
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The most common type, consisting of a false tooth (pontic) held in place by crowns on adjacent natural teeth.
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A strong and stable option for replacing one or multiple missing teeth.
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Requires the reshaping of the supporting teeth for crown placement.
2. Cantilever Bridges
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Used when only one adjacent tooth is available for support.
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Less common but beneficial in specific cases, such as replacing a front tooth.
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Not recommended for molars due to excessive chewing pressure.
3. Maryland Bonded Bridges
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A conservative option using metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, instead of full dental crowns.
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Consideredfor front teeth replacement, preserving natural tooth structure.
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Less invasive but not as strong as traditional bridges.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges
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Use dental implants rather than neighbouring natural teeth for support.
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Replace multiple missing teeth, with lifespan influenced by implant health, your bite and ongoing care.
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Require surgery to place the implants, followed by a healing period before the final bridge is fitted. Treatment timing varies between patients.
Our team at Melbourne Street Dental Studio will assess your oral health and recommend the suitable dental bridge based on your specific needs.
The Dental Bridge Procedure – What to Expect
The process of getting a dental bridge typically involves two to three visits to our clinic:
Step 1: Consultation & Treatment Planning
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A thorough examination and digital imaging to assess the missing tooth area.
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Discussion of bridge options, materials, and expected results.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
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The adjacent teeth (if used for support) are reshaped and prepared for crowns.
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An impression is taken to create a custom-made bridge that fits your bite.
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A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while your final bridge is being made.
Step 3: Final Bridge Placement
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Once the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed.
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The new bridge is checked for fit, bite alignment, and aesthetics.
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The bridge is then cemented into place, restoring your smile and function.
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Caring for Your Dental Bridge
To ensure the longevity of your dental bridge, proper oral care is essential:
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Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to maintain bridge cleanliness.
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Floss regularly using bridge floss or an interdental brush to clean underneath the bridge.
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Avoid biting on hard foods (such as ice or hard candies) to prevent damage.
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Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor the health of your bridge and surrounding teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long does a dental bridge last?
A well-maintained dental bridge can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care and regular dental checkups.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Preparing the supporting teeth removes tooth structure. Local anaesthetic is used and some sensitivity afterwards is common.
Can a dental bridge be replaced?
Yes! A worn or damaged bridge may be able to be repaired or replaced, depending on the supporting teeth.
How do I clean underneath a dental bridge?
Special floss threaders or interdental brushes can help clean under and around the bridge, preventing plaque buildup and gum disease.
What is the difference between a dental bridge and an implant?
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Dental Bridge – Uses adjacent teeth for support; a quicker and non-surgical option.
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Dental Implant – A stand-alone solution that preserves jawbone health but requires surgery.
Your dentist will help determine the best option based on your oral health and personal preferences.
At Melbourne Street Dental Studio in South Brisbane, our team recommends bridge options based on your oral health, the position of missing teeth and the support available from neighbouring teeth or dental implants.
Restore Your Smile with a Custom Dental Bridge – Book Your Consultation!