What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. As the name suggests, a bridge spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth, using adjacent natural teeth or dental implants for support.
Beyond restoring the appearance of your smile, dental bridges help maintain proper oral function. They enable you to chew and speak comfortably while preventing surrounding teeth from shifting out of place. By keeping your bite aligned and supporting facial structure, bridges contribute to both dental health and overall confidence.
Custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth, dental bridges offer a seamless and functional solution to tooth loss.
Begin your journey to a beautiful smile at Gentle Dental Centre.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
Dental bridges are designed to replace missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the surrounding natural teeth or dental implants. The process typically involves a few key steps to ensure a secure, comfortable, and natural-looking result.
Step 1: Preparation of Adjacent Teeth
To support the dental bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap—called abutment teeth—are carefully prepared. This involves reshaping them to accommodate crowns that will hold the bridge in place. If implants are being used instead of natural teeth, they will be surgically placed in the jawbone.
Step 2: Impressions and Custom Design
Once the abutment teeth are prepared, digital or traditional impressions are taken to create a custom-made bridge. The bridge is designed to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth for a seamless blend with your smile.
Step 3: Temporary Bridge Placement
While your permanent bridge is being crafted in a dental lab, a temporary bridge or temporary denture may be placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums. This allows you to function normally while waiting for your final restoration.
Step 4: Fitting and Final Placement
Once your permanent bridge is ready, it is carefully fitted to ensure a comfortable bite and natural appearance. After making any necessary adjustments, the bridge is cemented securely into place, restoring the function and aesthetics of your smile.
With proper care, a dental bridge can last for many years, helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
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Common Dental Problems That Dental Bridges Can Address
Dental bridges are a reliable solution for a variety of dental concerns, particularly those related to missing teeth and bite alignment. Here’s how they can help:
Bite Problems – When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift out of place, leading to misalignment and uneven pressure when chewing. Over time, this imbalance can cause jaw discomfort, difficulty eating, and even excessive wear on certain teeth. A dental bridge helps restore proper bite function by evenly distributing pressure across your teeth.
Missing Teeth – Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other dental issues, a gap in your smile can impact both appearance and function. Missing teeth can make it harder to chew, speak, and maintain proper oral hygiene. Dental bridges fill these spaces with a natural-looking replacement, restoring both aesthetics and the ability to eat and speak comfortably.
By addressing these common concerns, dental bridges help maintain your overall oral health while giving you a complete, confident smile.
Why Choose Gentle Dental Centre for Dental Bridges?
At Gentle Dental Centre, we understand that restoring your smile is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your dental bridge treatment:
Experienced Dental Professionals – Our skilled team has extensive experience in restorative dentistry, ensuring that your dental bridge is crafted with precision and care. We take a patient-focused approach, tailoring every treatment to your unique needs.
Advanced Technology for Precision and Comfort – Using the latest dental technology, we create custom bridges that fit seamlessly, providing natural function and appearance. Our modern techniques ensure a smooth, comfortable process from start to finish.
A No-Judgment, Welcoming Environment – Whether it’s been months or years since your last dental visit, you’ll find a supportive, compassionate team ready to help. We prioritise your comfort and work with you to restore your smile at a pace that feels right for you.
High-Quality, Long-Lasting Materials – We use only durable, high-quality materials for our dental bridges, ensuring a strong and lasting solution for missing teeth. Our restorations are designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth, offering both function and aesthetics.
At Gentle Dental Centre, we’re here to help you achieve a healthy, complete smile with expert care and a personalised approach.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges come in different types, each designed to address specific needs based on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of the surrounding teeth. At Gentle Dental Centre, we offer the following bridge options:
Traditional Bridges –
The most common type of dental bridge, a traditional bridge consists of a false tooth (or teeth) held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent natural teeth. This option provides a strong and stable solution for missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Cantilever Bridges –
Unlike traditional bridges, cantilever bridges are supported by a single adjacent tooth. This type of bridge is used when there is only one neighbouring tooth available for support, making it a good option for certain areas of the mouth where less pressure is applied.
Resin-Bonded Bridges (Maryland Bridges) –
A minimally invasive alternative, resin-bonded bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is ideal for replacing missing front teeth, as it preserves more of the natural tooth structure while still providing a secure restoration.
Choosing the right type of dental bridge depends on your individual needs, and our team will work closely with you to determine the best option for restoring your smile.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges offer more than just a way to fill the gap left by missing teeth—they provide functional, aesthetic, and long-term oral health benefits.
Restores the Ability to Chew and Speak Properly – Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat certain foods and may affect speech clarity. A dental bridge helps restore natural chewing function and allows for clearer speech.
Prevents Remaining Teeth from Shifting – When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space over time, leading to misalignment and bite issues. A dental bridge keeps teeth in their correct position, maintaining a balanced bite.
Enhances Smile Aesthetics and Boosts Confidence – A complete, natural-looking smile can significantly improve self-esteem. Dental bridges are custom-made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, seamlessly blending with your smile.
Supports Facial Structure and Prevents a Sunken Appearance – Missing teeth can lead to bone loss and changes in facial structure over time, causing a sunken or aged look. Dental bridges provide support to maintain your natural facial shape.
Provides a Durable, Long-Term Solution – Made from high-quality materials, dental bridges are designed to last for many years with proper care. They offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for replacing missing teeth.
By choosing a dental bridge, you’re not only restoring your smile but also protecting your long-term oral health and overall well-being.
Who Can Get Dental Bridges in Perth?
Dental bridges are a great option for anyone missing one or more teeth and looking for a long-term solution to restore their smile. They are typically suitable for:
People with Missing Teeth – If you have gaps in your smile due to tooth loss, a dental bridge can restore function and appearance.
Those with Healthy Surrounding Teeth – The adjacent teeth need to be strong enough to support the bridge, as they act as anchors for the restoration.
Patients Looking for a Fixed, Non-Removable Option – Unlike dentures, dental bridges are securely placed and do not need to be removed for cleaning.
At Gentle Dental Centre, we understand that tooth loss can be a sensitive topic, and we are here to provide care without judgment. No matter your age or background, our goal is to help you feel confident in your smile again. Our friendly team will guide you through the process, ensuring a comfortable experience tailored to your needs.
What Should I Expect After Getting Dental Bridges?
After your dental bridge is placed, you may experience a short adjustment period as your mouth gets used to the new restoration. Here’s what to expect:
Mild Sensitivity – It’s common to have some sensitivity to hot and cold foods in the first few days, but this should subside as your mouth adapts.
Adjustment to Eating and Speaking – Your bite may feel slightly different initially, and you may need a little time to adjust to chewing and speaking with your new bridge. Eating softer foods at first can help make the transition easier.
Long-Term Care – Dental bridges require regular oral hygiene to stay in great condition. Brushing, flossing (including under the bridge), and attending routine dental check-ups will help maintain your bridge and overall oral health.
At Gentle Dental Centre, we provide guidance on how to care for your bridge to ensure it remains comfortable and long-lasting. If you have any concerns after your procedure, our team is always here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take care of my dental bridges?
Maintaining your dental bridge is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing (using a floss threader or interdental brush), and routine dental visits are essential. Keeping the area around your bridge clean helps prevent decay and gum disease, ensuring the longevity of your restoration.
Are dental bridges removable, and can they be replaced?
Dental bridges are typically fixed and designed to stay securely in place. Unlike removable dentures, they are bonded to the supporting teeth or implants. However, bridges may need to be replaced over time due to normal wear, damage, or changes in your oral health.
Are dental bridges painful?
The procedure itself is painless, as local anaesthesia is used to ensure comfort. Some mild sensitivity or discomfort may occur in the first few days as your mouth adjusts, but this typically subsides quickly. Over-the-counter pain relief can help ease any initial soreness.
How much do dental bridges cost?
The cost of a dental bridge varies based on the type, materials used, and the complexity of the procedure. During a consultation, we can provide a personalised estimate and discuss options that suit your budget and needs.
Dental Bridge vs. Implant: Which is better?
Both options replace missing teeth, but they serve different needs. Dental implants are a permanent, independent solution that does not rely on surrounding teeth, while bridges are a non-surgical, faster option that can be more cost-effective. The best choice depends on factors like bone density, budget, and personal preference.
Dental Bridge vs. Denture: What’s the difference?
A dental bridge is a fixed, long-term solution designed to replace one or more missing teeth using neighbouring teeth for support. Dentures are removable appliances that can replace multiple missing teeth. Bridges provide greater stability and a more natural feel, while dentures may be a better choice for those missing several teeth.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, our team at Gentle Dental Centre can help guide you toward the best solution for your smile.
