Missing teeth can affect more than the appearance of your smile—they may also make eating and speaking more difficult and allow neighbouring teeth to move into the open space. GWH Dental provides custom-made dental bridges for patients in Cleveland, the Redlands and surrounding Brisbane communities. Our dentists will assess your oral health, explain your tooth-replacement options and help you decide whether a traditional or implant-supported bridge is appropriate for your needs.
A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants, creating a “bridge” to restore the appearance and function of your smile. Dental bridges not only enhance your dental aesthetics but also contribute to improved chewing ability and speech. They are a durable and reliable solution, helping you regain confidence and maintain oral health by preventing teeth from shifting and supporting the overall structure of your mouth.
Take a closer look at the before and after images and you’ll truly appreciate the incredible difference that dental bridges can make in an individual’s life. The presence of a noticeable gap can often be emotionally challenging. However the transformation achieved with dental bridges is nothing short of astonishing. The bridge also allowed to the patient to stop wearing a denture to replace the missing front teeth.
You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you:
Suitability depends on the health of your teeth and gums, the strength of potential supporting teeth, available jawbone, bite forces and ability to keep the area clean. Any active decay or gum disease will generally need to be treated before a bridge is placed.
Dental bridges provide a fixed and natural-looking way to replace missing teeth. Depending on your individual circumstances, a dental bridge may:
A dental bridge’s longevity depends on the health of its supporting teeth or implants, the materials used, bite forces and how well it is maintained. Daily cleaning and regular dental examinations are essential for protecting the bridge and the surrounding teeth and gums.
Traditional and implant-supported bridges can both replace missing teeth, but they use different types of support. Your dentist will consider the condition of your remaining teeth, jawbone and gums before recommending the most appropriate option.
A traditional bridge is supported by natural teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth are prepared and covered with dental crowns, which hold the replacement tooth or teeth securely in position.
A traditional bridge may be appropriate when:
Treatment usually takes place over two or more appointments. Because the adjacent teeth must be reshaped to support the bridge, this treatment permanently alters those teeth.
An implant-supported bridge is secured to dental implants placed in the jaw rather than to natural teeth. It may be recommended when several adjacent teeth are missing or when the neighbouring teeth are healthy and preserving them is a priority.
An implant-supported bridge may offer:
Implant-supported treatment requires a surgical procedure and sufficient healthy jawbone. The implants must also integrate with the bone before the final bridge can be attached, so treatment generally takes longer than a traditional bridge.
Your treatment process will depend on the type of bridge selected and whether it is supported by natural teeth or dental implants.
Your GWH dentist will examine your teeth, gums and bite and assess the area where teeth are missing. Dental X-rays and, when necessary, additional scans may be used to evaluate the supporting teeth, roots and jawbone.
Your dentist will discuss the available treatment options, which may include a traditional bridge, implant-supported bridge, dental implant or removable partial denture. The benefits, limitations, likely treatment time and anticipated costs will be explained before treatment begins.
For a traditional bridge, the teeth beside the gap are reshaped to create room for the supporting crowns. Local anaesthetic is used to help keep you comfortable during this appointment.
For an implant-supported bridge, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. A healing period is generally required so the implants can integrate with the surrounding bone before the final bridge is fitted. Additional procedures may be necessary when there is insufficient bone to support an implant.
Detailed impressions or digital scans are taken to record the prepared teeth, implants, surrounding teeth and bite. This information is used to create a customised bridge with an appropriate fit, shape and shade.
Patients receiving a traditional bridge may be fitted with a temporary restoration while the permanent bridge is being made. This helps protect the prepared teeth and maintain appearance and function between appointments.
Patients undergoing implant treatment may receive a temporary tooth-replacement option during the healing period when clinically appropriate.
Once the final bridge is ready, your dentist will assess its fit, appearance and relationship with your bite. Any necessary adjustments will be made before a traditional bridge is securely cemented or an implant-supported bridge is attached to the implants.
Your dentist will show you how to clean around and underneath the bridge using suitable tools, which may include floss threaders, interdental brushes or a water flosser. Brushing twice daily, cleaning beneath the replacement teeth and attending regular dental examinations can help protect the bridge and its supporting teeth or implants.
Some temporary sensitivity or tenderness may occur after treatment. Contact GWH Dental if discomfort persists, your bite feels uneven or the bridge feels loose.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Over 50 years serving the Redlands community GWH Dental has been caring for families in Cleveland and across the Redlands for more than half a century.
Accredited to the highest safety standards GWH Dental holds full accreditation with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. It means every system, process, and procedure in our practice has been independently assessed and meets the national benchmark for quality and patient safety.
An experienced team you’ll see every time Our team of dentists including Dr Michael Harris, Dr Valentina, Dr Alex Belonogoff, Dr Charlie Sung, and hygienist Michelle Burnett brings a broad depth of clinical expertise under one roof.
