You’ve probably landed here because you’re missing a tooth and thinking about your options. Perhaps you have been recommended dental bridges by your dentist, friend, or family member. It’s a good recommendation because dental bridges are one of the most trusted solutions for restoring your smile. As the name suggests, dental bridges fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth.

Besides improving appearance and giving you the confidence to smile again, they also help with chewing, speaking, and keeping surrounding teeth in place. We will walk you through everything you need to know about dental bridges, including types, benefits, costs, procedure steps, and aftercare.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

So, you know that a dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. How it works is, your dentist anchors an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Benefits of this “bridge” include:

• Restoring your smile;
• More confidence;
• Improves chewing;
• Clearer speech;
• Helps maintain proper alignment of your remaining teeth on either side of the gap.

Conversely, without a bridge, nearby teeth can shift into the empty space, potentially leading to bite issues and jaw discomfort over time.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridge

This is the most common type. It consists of a false tooth (or teeth) held in position by crowns cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Pros:

• Strong and durable
• Great for restoring molars

Cons:

• Requires reshaping the adjacent healthy teeth

Cantilever Dental Bridge

Used when there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap. The false tooth is anchored by a crown on a single supporting tooth.

Pros:

• Useful when only one adjacent tooth is present

Cons:

• Less stable than other options
• Not ideal for back teeth due to pressure from chewing

Maryland Dental Bridge

This dental bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge, uses either a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. No crowns involved.

Pros:

• Minimally invasive (no need to file down nearby teeth)
• Good for front teeth

Cons:

• Less durable than crown-supported bridges
• Can debond over time

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

Supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth. Implants are placed in the jawbone to hold the bridge in place.

Pros:

• Very stable and long-lasting
• No need to affect surrounding teeth

Cons:

• Requires surgery
• Higher cost and longer treatment time

How to Know if You Need a Dental Bridge

If you smile at yourself in the mirror and you don’t like what you see—a gaping hole due to one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge may be a worthwhile investment. But, as you can see from the previous section, it’s not one-size-fits-all. However, rest assured, your dentist will assess several factors before recommending the appropriate bridge, including:

• Number of missing teeth – Bridges are typically used to replace one to three teeth in a row.
• Size and location of the gap – A small to moderate gap in a stable part of the mouth is ideal.
• Health of surrounding teeth – Bridges need strong, healthy teeth on either side to act as anchors.
• Jawbone condition – Unlike dental implants, bridges don’t require strong jawbone density.
• Your age and lifestyle – Younger patients or those wanting a non-surgical solution may prefer bridges.

The best first step you can take is an obligation-free, professional dental assessment. It is the best way to determine if a bridge is right for your situation.

Dental Bridge Procedure: Step-by-Step

The steps involved in getting a dental bridge will depend on the type of bridge you’re receiving. Here’s what you can generally expect for each:

Traditional or Cantilever Bridge

1. Consultation and Preparation

Your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment options. If a traditional or cantilever bridge is suitable, the surrounding teeth (called abutment teeth) need to be healthy enough to support it.

2. Tooth Preparation and Impressions

After applying local anaesthesia, your dentist will gently reshape the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. This allows the crowns of the bridge to fit properly. Impressions are then taken and sent to a dental lab to craft your permanent bridge.

3. Temporary Bridge Placement

While your custom bridge is being made (usually 2–4 weeks), a temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain appearance.

4. Final Bridge Fitting

Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return for a second appointment. The dentist will remove the temporary bridge, check the fit and colour match of the new one, and permanently cement it in place.

Maryland Bridge

1. Consultation and Evaluation

This bridge is typically used for front teeth and doesn’t require reshaping of adjacent teeth. Your dentist will confirm if your teeth are suitable for this type.

2. Impressions and Lab Work

After light preparation of the back surfaces of the neighbouring teeth (to help the metal or ceramic wings bond securely), your dentist will take impressions for the lab to craft the bridge.

3. Placement Appointment

At your next visit, the wings of the bridge are bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth using dental resin. The colour-match, fit and comfort will be checked before final placement.

Implant-Supported Bridge

1. Surgical Consultation and Planning

This type of bridge involves dental implants and is used when several teeth are missing. After a full assessment, a treatment plan is created.

2. Implant Placement (Surgical Procedure)

During a surgical appointment, dental implants are placed into the jawbone. Healing and integration (called osseointegration) take about 3–6 months.

3. Impressions for Bridge Creation

Once the implants have fused with the jaw, the dentist attaches temporary connectors (impression copings) and takes an impression or a digital scan to create your custom bridge.

4. Final Bridge Placement

In the last step, the abutments and permanent bridge are attached to the implants, either with dental cement or small screws. The fit, bite, and aesthetics are checked before securing it in place.

Dental Bridge Costs in Australia

We’ll aim to average costs as the price of dental bridges in Australia can vary widely depending on the type of bridge, the materials used, and your individual dental needs.

Average Price Range

• Traditional or cantilever bridge: $2,000 to $5,000 to replace one missing tooth
• Maryland bridge: $1,500 to $3,000
• Implant-supported bridge: From $10,000 (depending on number of implants and teeth replaced)

It’s important to note that these estimates apply to private patients without health insurance. If you have private health cover with extras for major dental, you may be eligible for a partial rebate. This can sometimes cover up to 60% of the cost. Best to check with your provider and policy limits.

Factors That Influence the Cost

• Number of teeth being replaced
• Type of bridge chosen
• Material (porcelain, metal, zirconia, etc.)
• Whether preparatory work (like extractions or root canals) is required
• Lab fees and dentist’s expertise

Dental Bridges vs Implants

While implants tend to cost more upfront, often $6500+ per tooth, they can last longer than bridges and don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support. However, tooth-supported bridges are typically quicker and more affordable, especially when multiple teeth are involved or surgery isn’t preferred.

Again, you are best to consult your dentist, who can recommend the best option for your goals, budget, and oral health.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Although we’ve already touched on some of the advantages, it’s worth taking a closer look at how dental bridges can improve your oral health and quality of life.

• Restore your bite – A dental bridge helps distribute chewing forces properly, making it easier (and more comfortable) to eat a wider range of foods.
• Improve speech – Missing teeth, especially at the front, can affect the way you pronounce certain words. Replacing them can help restore clarity in speech.
• Enhance your smile – A well-crafted bridge blends naturally with your existing teeth, restoring confidence and facial harmony. This improvement to one’s well-being makes bridges worth it alone.
• Prevent teeth from shifting – Gaps can cause surrounding teeth to move out of alignment over time. A bridge helps keep everything in place.
• Maintain facial structure – Missing teeth can lead to bone loss and facial sagging. While not as effective as implants in this regard, bridges can help preserve your natural facial shape.
• Quick, non-surgical solution – Compared to dental implants, bridges usually involve less invasive treatment and faster results.

The Risks of Dental Bridges

Like most good things, dental bridges are not without risks. One of the most common issues we see is that plaque and food can become trapped under the bridge, increasing the chance of decay or gum disease if they are not cleaned properly. However, this should not be an issue if you have a healthy teeth-brushing habit.

Furthermore, supporting (abutment) teeth may weaken over time or become damaged, especially if they’re already compromised. In rare cases, the bridge can chip or fracture, requiring repair or replacement. However, this usually occurs after they’ve had a decent long-term run.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

On that note, how long can you expect a dental bridge to last? With proper care, and we mean brushing your teeth at least twice a day, most dental bridges last between 5 and 15 years. Sometimes we see them last even longer.

But several factors can influence their longevity, including:

• Oral hygiene habits – Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential.
• Material used – Porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia bridges often last longer than resin-based options.
• Location in the mouth – Bridges in high-pressure chewing areas may wear faster.
• Diet and lifestyle – Avoiding hard foods and teeth grinding can help extend the life of your bridge.

Aftercare & Maintenance

Continuing on from the previous section, proper aftercare is key to getting the most out of your dental bridge. Here are the healthy habits to adopt to ensure your bridge’s longevity and your mouth stays healthy overall.

• Recovery time – Most patients adjust to their new bridge within a few days. Mild sensitivity or discomfort is normal but should ease quickly.
• Oral hygiene – Brush twice a day and floss daily using special bridge floss or interdental brushes to clean under the bridge and around abutment teeth.
• Foods to avoid – Steer clear of very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could dislodge or damage the bridge—especially in the first few weeks.
• Professional care – Keep up with regular dental check-ups and professional cleans to monitor your bridge and prevent issues like decay or gum disease.

With consistent care, your dental bridge can serve you well for many years, possibly up to 15 years or beyond.

When to See a Dentist

Even with the best care, dental bridges can experience wear over time. Regular dental visits are essential to monitor your bridge and ensure everything is functioning properly. Watch for signs such as:

• Discomfort while chewing;
• Sensitivity around the bridge;
• Visible cracks;
• Feeling that the bridge is loose.

In summary, if you’re missing a tooth, or weighing up your options, dental bridges are a reliable, non-surgical way to restore your smile, improve daily function, and protect your oral health. Book a consultation with KB Village Dental today. Our friendly and professional team will guide you through your options and help you find the best solution for your smile.

FAQs

What is the downside of a dental bridge?

Dental bridges can increase the risk of decay in supporting teeth and may require you to replace missing teeth over time.

What are the downsides of bridges?

They rely on healthy supporting teeth for support and can sometimes loosen or trap food if not cleaned properly.

Who is not a good candidate for a dental bridge?

People with poor oral hygiene, weak supporting teeth, multiple dental crowns, or untreated gum disease may not be suitable candidates.

How long does a bridge last on your teeth?

With good care, a dental bridge typically lasts 5 to 15 years or longer if you keep healthy teeth by brushing with fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay.