Dental Bridges in Sandgate
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth to the teeth or implants beside the gap.
At Dental Seasons we offer conventional, cantilever, Maryland and implant-supported bridges, and help you decide whether a bridge, an implant or another option suits you best.
Your bridge is made by a local dental laboratory in Brendale, Queensland. Treatment usually takes two visits, with a temporary bridge in place between them.
New patients welcome.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It cannot be taken in and out like a denture.
A bridge has two main parts. The pontic is the artificial tooth that fills the gap. The abutments are the teeth, or implants, either side of the gap that hold the bridge in place.
A bridge can help restore chewing and appearance and prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap.
Types of bridges we offer
Conventional bridge
Crowns on the teeth either side of the gap hold an artificial tooth between them.
Cantilever bridge
The artificial tooth is attached to a crown on only one side of the gap. It may be used where there is a tooth on one side only, but it places more load on the supporting tooth.
Maryland bridge
A resin-bonded bridge in which the artificial tooth is attached with small wings bonded to the backs of the neighbouring teeth. These teeth usually need little or no cutting.
Implant-supported bridge
Dental implants, rather than natural teeth, support the bridge. This can be useful when several teeth are missing or there are no suitable neighbouring teeth.
A bridge is one option for a missing tooth
Other options include a dental implant, a partial denture or, in selected cases, leaving the gap.
The right choice depends on the teeth next to the gap, your gums and bone, and your goals.
If the neighbouring teeth would benefit from crowns anyway, a bridge can make good use of them. If they are healthy and untouched, an implant may protect them better.
Bridge or implant? How we decide
We decide case by case, after examining your teeth and gums and reviewing X-rays.
A bridge may suit you when:
- The teeth either side of the gap would benefit from crowns anyway, for example because of large fillings, wear, cracks or previous root canal treatment
- You would like a fixed solution without implant surgery
An implant may suit you better when:
- The teeth either side of the gap are healthy and we would prefer not to cut them for crowns
- There is enough healthy bone and gum to support an implant
We explain the advantages and limitations of each option so you can choose with confidence. See our pages on dental implants and dentures.
What happens: two visits and a temporary bridge
Assessment and planning
We examine your teeth, gums and bite, review X-rays and discuss your options, including implants and dentures.
First visit
The supporting teeth are prepared under local anaesthetic, impressions or scans are taken, and a temporary bridge is fitted.
Laboratory stage
Your bridge is made by a local dental laboratory in Brendale, Queensland, while the temporary bridge protects your teeth.
Second visit
The temporary bridge is removed and your permanent bridge is checked for fit, bite and appearance, then fitted.
Materials
Bridges can be made from porcelain, zirconia or metal-ceramic. We discuss which suits the position of the missing tooth, your bite and the appearance you would like.
Caring for your bridge
A bridge needs the same daily care as your natural teeth, plus a little extra cleaning underneath the artificial tooth. We recommend:
- Brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning under the artificial tooth every day with a floss threader, super floss or interdental brush
- Avoiding biting very hard objects such as ice or hard lollies
- Having regular check-ups and cleans so we can check the supporting teeth and gums
Risks and limitations
As with any dental treatment, bridges have limitations. These can include:
- Healthy tooth structure usually needs to be removed from the supporting teeth for a conventional bridge, which cannot be undone
- Sensitivity in the prepared teeth
- Decay or gum disease around the supporting teeth, particularly if cleaning is difficult
- The bridge failing if a supporting tooth is lost or fractures
- Chipping or loosening of the bridge
- Gum and bone under the gap continuing to shrink over time
We will talk through the risks that apply to your teeth before you decide.
How long will a bridge last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan for a bridge. How long it lasts depends on the health of the supporting teeth and gums, how well it is cleaned, your bite, the materials used and regular check-ups.
Related care
A bridge is one way to replace missing teeth. Read more about dental crowns and bridges, dental implants, dentures and restorative dentistry. If a supporting tooth needs treatment first, we may talk to you about root canal treatment or fillings.
Dental bridges in Sandgate
Dental Seasons is located at 119A Brighton Road, Sandgate QLD 4017.
We provide dental bridge assessment and treatment for patients from Sandgate and surrounding North Brisbane and bayside suburbs, including Brighton, Deagon, Shorncliffe, Bracken Ridge, Boondall, Taigum, Nudgee, Zillmere, Fitzgibbon, Banyo, Virginia, Redcliffe, Woody Point, Clontarf, Margate and Newport.
Ask about health fund claims and payment options when you book.
Dental bridge questions
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. An artificial tooth is joined to crowns, or to retainers bonded to the teeth, or to implants, on either side of the gap.
Should I have a bridge or an implant?
It depends on the teeth beside the gap. If they are healthy and untouched, an implant avoids cutting them. If they would benefit from crowns anyway, a bridge can make good use of them. We decide case by case.
How many visits does a bridge take?
Usually two visits, with a temporary bridge in place between them while your permanent bridge is made.
Will I have a temporary bridge?
Yes. A temporary bridge is fitted at your first visit and stays in place until your permanent bridge is ready.
What are dental bridges made from?
Bridges can be made from porcelain, zirconia or metal-ceramic. We discuss which suits your tooth position, bite and appearance goals.
Where are your bridges made?
Your bridge is made by a local dental laboratory in Brendale, Queensland.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
The supporting teeth are numbed with local anaesthetic when they are prepared, so you should not feel pain. Some sensitivity or soreness afterwards can occur and usually settles.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Use a floss threader, super floss or an interdental brush to clean under the artificial tooth every day, as well as brushing twice a day. We will show you how at your appointment.
How long does a bridge last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. It depends on the health of the supporting teeth and gums, how well the bridge is cleaned, your bite and regular check-ups.
Can a bridge be repaired?
Small chips can sometimes be repaired. If a supporting tooth fails or the bridge loosens, it may need to be re-cemented or replaced. We assess each situation individually.
Missing a tooth?
The first step is understanding your teeth and your options. Book an assessment at Dental Seasons and we will explain whether a bridge, an implant or another option suits you best.
Meet your dentists
Our dentists plan every bridge around your teeth, bite and goals, and explain the options before you decide.
