Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by using the teeth on either side of the gap - called abutment teeth - to support a false tooth or teeth (called pontics) in between.

The bridge is made up of three or more joined units: dental crowns that fit over the supporting teeth on each side, with the replacement tooth or teeth attached in the middle. Once cemented in place, a dental bridge looks and functions similarly to your natural teeth, filling the gap and restoring your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably.

A dental bridge effectively uses the structure of your surrounding teeth to support the replacement tooth, maintaining the integrity of your arch and preventing the problems that can develop when a gap is left untreated.

A dental bridge is one way of replacing a missing tooth, but it isn't always the first option we consider. At Integrated Dental Care Pakenham, we take a careful, individualised approach to recommending any treatment - and a bridge is no exception.

A bridge may be recommended when:

• One or more teeth adjacent to the gap already require restorative work such as dental crowns - in this case, a bridge can serve a dual purpose by restoring the damaged supporting teeth while also replacing the missing tooth
• A dental implant is not suitable due to insufficient bone, medical considerations, or patient preference
• You prefer a non-surgical, fixed tooth replacement option
• You want a relatively quick restoration without the longer healing timeline associated with implant treatment

A missing tooth should never be looked at in isolation. The health and condition of the surrounding teeth are critical in determining the most appropriate course of action. Our Pakenham team will always assess the full picture before making a recommendation.

Getting a dental bridge at Integrated Dental Care Pakenham typically involves two appointments spaced approximately two weeks apart. The process is straightforward and carried out comfortably under local anaesthetic.

Appointment 1 - Preparation and Impressions

We begin by taking an impression so a temporary bridge can be made for you to wear while your permanent bridge is being crafted. The abutment teeth on each side of the gap are then carefully prepared - this involves reshaping them to create room for the dental crowns that will support the bridge.
Once the teeth are prepared, we take a detailed impression or a series of digital scans to capture the exact shape and position of your teeth. We also match the colour of your new bridge to your surrounding teeth so it blends naturally with your smile.

A temporary bridge is fitted before you leave, protecting the prepared teeth and filling the gap while your permanent bridge is made at the dental laboratory.

Appointment 2 - Fitting the Permanent Bridge

Approximately two weeks later, you'll return for your fitting appointment. We remove the temporary bridge, try in the permanent bridge, and carefully check the fit, bite, colour, and comfort. Once everything looks and feels right, the bridge is permanently cemented in place.

The cost of a dental bridge in Melbourne depends on the type of bridge, the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, and the complexity of the case. A three-unit bridge replacing a single tooth will generally cost less than a longer bridge spanning multiple missing teeth.

At Integrated Dental Care Pakenham, we provide a clear cost estimate and treatment plan during your consultation so you understand exactly what's involved before proceeding.

Health fund rebates - Dental bridges are generally covered under major dental with most private health insurance policies. We have HICAPS on-site so you can claim your rebate on the spot and only pay the gap.

Payment plans - We offer flexible payment options to help make treatment more accessible. If cost is a concern, speak to our team and we'll work with you to find a solution.

The preparation and fitting are carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild sensitivity in the days following preparation, which typically resolves on its own. If you're anxious about the process, let our team know and we can discuss ways to make your experience more comfortable.

Yes. A dental bridge can replace one, two, or sometimes three consecutive missing teeth, depending on the strength and health of the supporting teeth. For larger gaps or multiple missing teeth in different areas, other options such as dental implants, All-on-X dental implants, or partial dentures may be more appropriate.