Dental Bridges
Replace Your Missing Tooth at Wickham Dental Carseldine
Missing teeth can impact your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. At Wickham Dental Carseldine, we offer high-quality dental bridges to restore function and aesthetics to your smile when a dental implant is not an option.
If you are missing one or several teeth, a dental bridge is an alternative to partial dentures. Bridges are natural-looking artificial teeth that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.
Whether you need dental bridges in Carseldine or North Brisbane, our experienced team provides customised solutions to replace missing teeth and maintain your oral health.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic designed to replace one or more missing teeth by filling the gap between healthy adjacent teeth or dental implants. It is a fixed restoration, meaning it is securely cemented in place and cannot be removed like dentures.
A traditional dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) that replaces the missing tooth. This pontic is supported by abutment teeth—the natural teeth on either side of the gap—which are usually fitted with dental crowns to provide a stable foundation for the bridge.
Bridges can replace multiple missing teeth; however, the longer the bridge, the more pressure it places on the abutment teeth, which can weaken the overall structure over time.
Types of dental bridges:
- Traditional bridge – The most common type, where artificial teeth are supported by crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth.
- Cantilever bridge – Used when there is only one adjacent supporting tooth instead of two.
- Maryland bonded bridge – Uses a metal or porcelain framework attached to the back of adjacent teeth instead of crowns.
- Implant-supported bridge – Anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, offering a highly durable and long-lasting solution.
Why might you need a dental bridge?
A dental bridge may be recommended to you for the following reasons:
- To restore missing teeth – Fills gaps left by one or more missing teeth.
- Improves chewing ability – Helps distribute bite force evenly, making eating easier.
- Enhances speech – Prevents speech difficulties caused by missing teeth.
- Prevents teeth from shifting – Stops neighbouring teeth from drifting out of position.
- Improves aesthetics and confidence – Restores a natural-looking smile.
- Prevents bite problems – Reduces the risk of misalignment and jaw issues.
Why choose a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a reliable solution for tooth replacement, offering a natural appearance and long-term durability. It restores proper chewing and speech function, maintains facial structure, and prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting out of place. Unlike removable dentures, a bridge is a fixed restoration, providing greater stability and comfort.
The benefits of dental bridges
- Restores smile aesthetics: A bridge fills in the gaps, giving you a natural and complete smile.
- Maintains proper bite alignment: Missing teeth can cause neighbouring teeth to shift out of place over time, leading to misalignment and bite problems. A bridge helps prevent this.
- Improves chewing and speech: Gaps in your teeth can make chewing difficult and may affect speech. A dental bridge restores functionality, allowing you to eat and speak with ease.
- Prevents tooth drift or tipping: While bridges do not stimulate bone growth like implants, they help maintain the structure of your dentition by keeping remaining teeth in their correct positions.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
The process of getting a dental bridge is generally painless, as local anaesthesia is used when preparing the supporting teeth. You may experience minor sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, especially as your mouth adjusts to the bridge.
This usually fades within a few days. Our experienced dentists at Wickham Dental Carseldine ensure a gentle and comfortable experience, helping you restore your smile with minimal discomfort.
What’s the difference between a crown, veneer, bridge and an implant?
Dental crowns: A dental crown is used when a single tooth is badly damaged or weakened but still has its natural root. The crown acts as a protective cap in the ideal shape for that tooth. This reinforces the tooth’s structure and rehabilitates its appearance and function.
Dental veneers: are highly aesthetic and minimally-invasive restorations that are bonded to the facial surfaces of the teeth. With modern materials and adhesive protocols these can be made incredibly thin while maintaining impressive strength. They may not be suitable in teeth that are very crowded, heavily-restored or in a very heavy bite.
Dental bridges: A dental bridge is an option for replacing a missing tooth. A bridge usually consists of two crowns attached to neighbouring teeth with an artificial tooth (pontic) in between. This is employed when both of the neighbouring teeth are already in need of a crown and if there is insufficient bone to place an implant. A variation on a conventional bridge is a resin-bonded bridge, typically used to replace a missing front tooth. The pontic is bonded to a single adjacent tooth by a wing on the non-visible side. This is a highly aesthetic and minimally-invasive option if the bite is suitable.
Dental implants: A dental implant is another option for replacing a missing tooth. Unlike bridges, implants do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support. Instead, a titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial root, with a crown attached on top. This is usually the preferred option to replace a missing tooth if the site is suitable.
Our experienced dentists will assess your needs and determine which is the best option for your smile.
The dental bridge procedure at Wickham Dental Carseldine
Our dental bridge process is thorough and patient-centred:
- Initial consultation – We assess your oral health, discuss your needs, and determine if a dental bridge is the most suitable option.
- Tooth preparation – The abutment teeth are carefully shaped to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge.
- Impressions – We take precise impressions of your teeth, which are sent to our partnered dental laboratory for the creation of your custom bridge.
- Temporary bridge – A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while your permanent bridge is being fabricated.
- Fitting the permanent bridge – Once ready, we fit and adjust your permanent bridge for comfort and aesthetics before securely cementing it in place.
This meticulous process ensures your dental bridge fits seamlessly and functions like your natural teeth.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on your specific needs and treatment plan. At Wickham Dental Carseldine, we offer flexible payment options to help make your treatment more affordable.
Contact our team for a personalised consultation to discuss your options.
Book your consultation today
If you need a dental bridge in Carseldine or North Brisbane, Wickham Dental Carseldine is here to provide expert care with high-quality results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and restore your smile with confidence!