Dental Bridge

Are you missing one or more teeth? Is it affecting your ability to speak, eat, or smile? At National Dental Care Darwin, we recognise the significance of a healthy smile. That's why we provide quality dental bridges to restore both the functionality and aesthetics of your teeth.

Our knowledgeable team is committed to assisting you in achieving your smile goals.

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.

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; Traditional, Cantilever, and Maryland bridges.

1. A traditional bridge is the most common and involves placing dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap and attaching a ‘pontic’ (a false tooth) between them.
2. A cantilever bridge is less common. This is when there is only one tooth next to the gap, so the crown is placed over that tooth and the pontic is attached to it. It’s less sturdy than being attached at both sides, so is not a good option for back teeth that need to deal with a lot of pressure.
3. Finally, there is the Maryland bridge style, named after the University of Maryland where it was invented. This involves a similar concept to the traditional style by connecting a false tooth to the teeth on each side of the gap, but instead of using crowns for the attachment, it uses ‘wings’ that attach to the back of each tooth next to the gap. Again, this is not ideal for back teeth, and is only really an option for those with good oral health.

At National Dental Care Darwin, our experienced dentists can discuss the different types of bridges available and advise you on the best option for your needs.

What to expect from a bridge treatment

Before your dental procedure at National Dental Care Darwin, we advise having something to eat and drink. You’ll also need to brush and floss your teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.

Here's what you can expect during your first dental bridge appointment:

• Local Anaesthetic: Your dentist will begin by applying a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area.
• Tooth Preparation: 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: Your first 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 a week later or whenever your custom bridge is ready, will involve the following steps:

• Re-Anesthetic: 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.
• Custom Shaping: The dental crowns and bridge will be carefully shaped to ensure they match your bite perfectly.

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, give our friendly team a call.

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 Darwin, 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.

At National Dental Care Darwin, we aim to make dental care accessible to everyone. That’s why we partner with leading health funds to help you manage your dental costs.

By working closely with major health fund providers, we make it easy for you to use your dental benefits and claim rebates directly at our clinic.

Pros and cons of dental bridges

The positives of a dental bridge

• Non-Surgical Alternative: Dental bridges are an alternative to invasive dental implants, which involve anchoring the tooth to the bone beneath the gum line. This may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with underlying gum or jaw issues.
• A Complete 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.
• Restored Functionality: A dental bridge offers full functionality, meaning you’ll be able to eat, drink, and talk normally.
• Improved 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.

The negatives of a dental bridge

• Adjacent Teeth: Traditional bridges sometimes require crowns on healthy adjacent teeth, which may involve reshaping and covering them. This can lead to the removal of some healthy enamel and potentially cause lasting harm to initially healthy teeth.
• Risks of Maryland Bridges: Maryland bridges, while less invasive, can damage existing teeth due to the metal cemented at the back of the teeth. They are also less resilient to chewing pressure compared to other bridge types.
• Ineffectiveness Against Bone Loss: 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.
• Shorter Lifespan: 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

It's important to think about these pros and cons when considering whether a dental bridge is right for you. Your dentist at National Dental Care Darwin can help you make the best decision based on your individual circumstances.

Ready to restore your smile? At National Dental Care Darwin, we offer dental bridges to help you regain your smile and improve its functionality. Book a consultation with us today.