Dental Bridges: Types, Process and Caring for Your New Teeth
Missing a tooth changes more than your smile. It shifts how you chew, how you speak, and over time, how the rest of your teeth sit. A dental bridge is one of the most established ways to close that gap — and for many patients, it’s the right solution.
If you’re considering a bridge or want to understand the process, here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
It is a fixed restoration that fills the space between neighbouring teeth or implants to replace missing teeth. Unlike a removable denture, a bridge is permanently anchored to the teeth on either side of the space — or, in some cases, to dental implants.
The outcome is a restoration designed to restore normal appearance, function, and comfort, closely resembling natural teeth. You can chew normally, speak clearly, and smile without thinking about it.
Beyond the cosmetic benefit, a bridge serves a practical purpose. When a tooth is missing, neighbouring teeth gradually shift into the space left by the missing tooth. This affects your bite, places uneven pressure on other teeth, and can lead to further dental problems over time. A bridge holds everything in place.
Types of Dental Bridges
Not all bridges are built the same way. The type recommended for you depends on factors such as the position of the missing tooth, the condition of neighbouring teeth, and your overall oral health.
Traditional Dental Bridge
The most common type. A false tooth (called a pontic) is held in place by crowns cemented onto the two teeth on either side of the gap.
These anchor teeth need to be shaped to accommodate the crowns. Traditional bridges are durable and well-suited for most areas of the mouth, including molars.
Cantilever Bridge
Similar to a traditional bridge, but anchored on only one side. This is used when there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap.
It’s less commonly recommended for back teeth because of the bite pressure involved.
Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridge
This type of bridge uses “wings” made of porcelain or metal that are glued to the back surfaces of neighbouring teeth, requiring minimal alteration of those supporting teeth and making it a more conservative option.
It’s typically used for front teeth, where bite pressure is lower.
Implant-Supported Bridge
This bridge is fastened to dental implants inserted into the jawbone rather than being supported by natural teeth. It’s the most stable option and doesn’t require altering neighbouring teeth, but it involves a longer treatment timeline and a surgical component.
Your dentist will assess which type suits your situation and explain the reasoning before any treatment begins.
The Dental Bridge Process Step by Step
The dental bridge process usually involves two appointments, with a short interval between visits while the final restoration is being made.
Visit One: Preparation
The anchor teeth — called abutment teeth — are reshaped to make room for the crowns that will hold the bridge. The amount removed depends on the type of bridge being placed.
Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken. These are sent to a dental laboratory where your permanent bridge is custom-made to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth.
While you wait, a temporary bridge is installed to preserve the appearance and functionality of the prepared teeth.
The Laboratory Phase
Fabricating a bridge takes time. Most patients wait one to two weeks for their permanent bridge to be completed.
Visit Two: Fitting and Cementing
After removing the temporary bridge, the permanent one’s fit, bite, and appearance are examined. Adjustments are made if needed before the bridge is cemented into place.
Some patients need a follow-up appointment to fine-tune the fit, particularly if there’s any discomfort with the bite after the anaesthetic wears off. This is normal and straightforward to resolve.
Bridge vs Implant vs Denture
If you’re weighing up your options, here’s a practical comparison.
Dental Bridge
- Requires preparation of adjacent teeth
- Fixed in place — no removal required
- Treatment is typically completed over two visits across a few weeks.
- Does not preserve the jawbone beneath the gap
- Straightforward maintenance with the right technique
- Generally involves a lower upfront cost than implants
Dental Implant
- No impact on adjacent teeth
- Surgically placed into the jawbone
- Treatment spans several months
- Preserves bone in the jaw
- Functions and feels closest to a natural tooth
- Higher upfront cost
Removable Denture
- Least invasive option
- Can be removed for cleaning
- May shift or feel less stable during eating and speaking
- Does not preserve bone
- Generally, the most affordable option initially
- Requires adhesives or regular adjustment over time
There’s no universal answer here. A bridge is often the right choice when the adjacent teeth already need crowns, or when the treatment timeline and cost of implants are a factor. A denture may suit patients who aren’t candidates for surgery.
Your dentist can walk you through the options based on your specific circumstances.
Caring for Your Bridge Long-Term
With appropriate care, a dental bridge can last for many years. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, and regular dental maintenance, but many bridges last 10 to 15 years or longer.
The main challenge is cleaning beneath the pontic (the false tooth), since floss can’t pass through the contact point as it normally does.
- Flossing – Use a floss threader or superfloss to guide the floss beneath the bridge and clean along the gum line. This removes plaque from an area that’s easy to neglect and prone to build-up. An interdental brush can also help.
- Brushing – Brush twice daily as usual, paying attention to the margins where the crowns meet the natural tooth. This is where decay can develop if plaque is allowed to accumulate.
- Food habits – Avoid very hard or very sticky foods that could dislodge or crack the bridge. This includes hard lollies, ice, and excessively chewy foods.
- Regular dental check-ups – Your Canley Heights dentist can evaluate the bridge’s margins, fit, and condition over time with routine dental appointments. Any early signs of wear or loosening are much easier to address when caught early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental bridge last?
With frequent dental examinations and proper oral hygiene, a fixed dental bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years—some last longer. The lifespan depends on where the bridge is positioned, how well it’s maintained, and bite habits over time.
Can a bridge fall out?
A properly cemented bridge is fixed and shouldn’t come loose under normal circumstances. If a bridge feels loose or comes off, it usually indicates a problem with the cement or an underlying issue with one of the anchor teeth. Contact your dentist promptly if this happens — don’t try to re-cement it yourself.
Is getting a bridge painful?
The preparation appointment is performed under local anaesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some soreness or sensitivity around the prepared teeth is normal for a few days afterwards. Most patients manage this comfortably with standard over-the-counter pain relief.
What happens to the teeth under the bridge?
The abutment teeth are reshaped and permanently protected by the crowns that anchor the bridge. Because they’re covered, they’re not visible—but they still require care. Decay can develop at the margins if cleaning is neglected, which is why regular check-ups matter.
Can you get a bridge on the front teeth?
Yes. Maryland bridges are often used for front teeth due to their minimal preparation of adjacent teeth. Traditional bridges can also be placed at the front of the mouth. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate bridge type based on the location of the gap, surrounding tooth structure, and overall oral health.
Dental Bridge in Canley Heights
If you’re considering a dental bridge and want to understand your options, our team at Canley Heights Dental Care is here to help. We see patients from across the local area, including Canley Vale, Cabramatta, Fairfield and Wakeley.
We take the time to explain your options clearly, assess what’s right for your situation, and make sure you’re comfortable with the process before anything begins.
Call us on 02) 9199 9678 or book online to arrange a consultation. You’ll find us at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.