Your Journey to a Confident, Beautiful Smile Starts with
Dental Bridges in Atwell & Cockburn

Teeth bridges are a common option for addressing tooth loss. They are designed to ‘bridge’ the gap created by one or more missing teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, each suited to different needs and situations. Here’s an overview:

1. Traditional Bridges:
   This is the most common type. These bridges involve creating crowns for the teeth or implants on either side of the missing tooth and a pontic (or false tooth) in between. These are made from a variety of materials: metal, porcelain fused to metal, ceramics etc.
2. Cantilever Bridges:
   Similar to traditional bridges, cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This type is less common. It is also not recommended for the back of the mouth, where it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.
3. Maryland Bridges:
   Also known as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges are considered a conservative alternative to traditional bridges. These bridges consist of a pontic that is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework. This framework is bonded onto the backs of the two adjacent teeth. Since this type does not require crowns on the adjacent teeth, it’s a less invasive option.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges:
   As the name suggests, implant-supported bridges use dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Generally, one implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in place. This option is considered to be the most stable and robust system for replacing multiple teeth.

For more detailed information and to discuss the suitable option for your specific situation, schedule a consultation with our team at Atwell Smiles Dental today. Our team of dental professionals can provide personalised advice and help you make an informed decision about dental bridges.

Typically, the dental bridge procedure can take two to three visits to the dental clinic, spread over a few weeks. However, the duration of the process can vary depending on several factors, including the type of bridge and the individual’s specific dental needs.

First Visit: Initial Consultation and Preparation

This initial appointment usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. During the first visit, the bridge dentist prepares the abutment teeth (the teeth adjacent to the gap). This preparation typically involves recontouring these teeth to make room for a crown to be placed over them. Impressions of the teeth are then taken. This will be the model from which a dental lab will make the bridge, pontic, and crowns. Your dentist will also fit a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made.

Second Visit: Fitting the Permanent Bridge

This appointment typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. The temporary bridge will be removed during this visit, and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted for a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite, which is critical for the long-term health of your teeth.

Last Visit: Follow-up

After the final fit, a follow-up visit may be scheduled to assess the bridge and make any necessary adjustments. If a third visit is required, it usually is shorter, around 30 minutes.

It’s important to note that the process can take longer if dental implants are involved, as in the case of an implant-supported bridge. This is because the implants need to fuse with the bone, which can take several months.

Yes, you can eat normally with a dental bridge. Once you have adjusted to the bridge, it should function much like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat most foods comfortably.

However, it’s important to approach certain foods cautiously, especially in the days following the placement of your bridge. Initially, you may want to start with softer foods and gradually reintroduce harder, chewy, or sticky foods as you become more comfortable with the bridge.

Here’s a list of recommended foods to eat when you have a new dental bridge:

1. Soft Fruits and Vegetables:
   Bananas, steamed vegetables, and other soft produce are easy to chew and won’t put undue pressure on your new bridge.
2. Dairy Products:
   Items like yogurt, soft cheeses, and milk are gentle on dental work and also provide essential nutrients.
3. Grains and Soft Bread:
   Cooked pasta, rice, and soft bread are good options that are easy to chew.
4. Eggs:
   Scrambled or poached eggs can be a nutritious, soft food choice.
5. Fish and Poultry:
   Tender, well-cooked fish and poultry can be part of your diet without causing discomfort.
6. Soups and Broths:
   These can be soothing, especially in the initial days after getting your bridge.

Dental bridges typically last between 5 to 15 years and can last even longer with proper care. However, several factors can affect their longevity, and it’s important to note that individual experiences may differ.

Here are some factors that can affect the longevity of dental bridges:

1. Oral Hygiene Practices:
   Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease, weakening the abutment teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. This can compromise the stability and longevity of the bridge. Hence, regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings are crucial to maintaining both your natural teeth and dental bridges.
2. Quality of Dental Care:
   The dentist’s skill in fitting the bridge affects how well it aligns with your bite and adjacent teeth. Precise fitting reduces strain on the bridge, enhancing its durability. Additionally, higher-quality materials are less prone to wear and deterioration, extending the bridge’s lifespan.
3. Eating Habits:
   Consuming hard, sticky, or chewy foods can exert excessive force on the bridge or cause it to stick and pull. These habits can lead to damage or dislodgement, which can shorten lifespan.
4. Oral Health Conditions:
   Conditions like gum disease or tooth decay can weaken the structural integrity of the abutment teeth (the teeth supporting the bridge). This weakening can lead to a loosened fit or failure of the bridge, reducing its lifespan.
5. Personal Habits:
   Habits like grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism) can place additional stress and strain on the bridge. This excessive force can lead to accelerated wear, potential cracks, or damage to the bridge, thereby shortening its functional life.

Taking care of your dental bridge is an essential part of maintaining both its functionality and appearance. Just like your natural teeth, your bridge requires regular and careful attention to maximise its longevity. Here are some effective ways to care for your dental bridge:

1. Regular Brushing and Flossing:
   Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily is important. For bridges, special flosses, such as superfloss or floss threaders, are useful for cleaning under and around the bridge. This allows for no food particles or plaque to be left behind.
2. Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash:
   Incorporating an antiseptic mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can help eliminate bacteria and maintain gum health. This is vital for the support of your dental bridge.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet:
   A balanced diet benefits your overall oral health. Be mindful of consuming sticky, hard, or chewy foods, as they can potentially damage the bridge.
4. Regular Dental Check-ups:
   Regular dental checkups with your bridge dentist for assessments and professional cleanings are crucial. These appointments allow your bridge and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums to be monitored.
5. Avoid Certain Habits:
   Protect your bridge by avoiding habits that could cause damage, such as chewing ice, biting fingernails, or using your teeth as tools.
6. Protect Your Bridge:
   If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, consider using a mouthguard to protect both your bridge and natural teeth from unnecessary pressure.

We encourage you to book an appointment with Atwell Smiles Dental for personalised care tips and more detailed instructions. Our team is dedicated to providing adequate care and advice for your dental bridge and overall oral health.

Dental bridge cost can vary widely, depending on several factors. While they typically range from $4,000 to $6,000, it’s important to note that prices can differ based on individual circumstances.

The factors influencing the dental bridge cost include:

1. Type of Bridge:
   Different types of bridges, such as traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported bridges, come with varying costs. This variation is due to the different materials, fabrication processes, and the complexity of the procedure required for each type. For example, implant-supported bridges typically involve more complex procedures and materials, making them more costly than traditional bridges.
2. Materials Used:
   The choice of material for the bridge significantly affects the price. Porcelain and ceramics, known for their aesthetic appeal and durability, may cost more than metal alloys. The choice often depends on where the bridge is located in the mouth and the desired aesthetic outcome, with front teeth often requiring more natural-looking materials.
3. The complexity of the Case:
   The overall complexity of your dental needs plays a crucial role in determining the cost. The cost can increase if additional dental procedures are necessary (such as tooth extractions and gum disease treatment) or if multiple teeth are involved. More complex cases require more time and resources.
4. Dentist’s Experience and Location:
   Experienced dentists with extensive training in restorative or cosmetic dental procedures may have different pricing structures. Additionally, the location of the dental clinic influences the cost, with clinics in urban or high-cost living areas typically having higher fees than those in rural settings.

While the initial dental bridge cost may seem significant, a well-made and properly maintained dental bridge is a long-term investment in your oral health.

For an accurate estimate and to discuss suitable options for your needs, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Atwell Smiles Dental. Our team can provide a detailed breakdown of costs and help you understand the value of dental bridges to your specific situation.

Health funds may cover a portion of the cost of dental bridges. However, the extent of cover varies depending on your specific health fund policy and its level of cover. Check with your health fund provider to understand what your plan covers.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Level of Cover:
   Different health fund policies offer varying levels of dental cover. Some may include major dental procedures like bridges, while others might not.
2. Annual Limits:
   Many health funds have annual limits on how much they will pay for dental treatments. It’s important to be aware of these limits when considering a dental bridge.
3. Waiting Periods:
   Some health funds have waiting periods for certain dental treatments. You need to be aware of any such periods that might apply to dental bridges.
4. Item Numbers:
   It can be helpful to have specific item numbers for the dental bridge procedure when discussing your health fund’s cover. Your professional dentist can provide that information.

We recommend contacting your health fund provider directly to understand better what your fund covers and any out-of-pocket costs you may incur.