Dental Bridge

With proper care and maintenance, a dental bridge can last 10-15 years or even longer. The longevity of your tooth bridge depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene routine, regular dental check-ups, and eating habits. At MC Dental, we’ll guide you on proper care to help maximize your bridge’s lifespan.

Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment. Some patients experience mild sensitivity or discomfort afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Our experienced team ensures your comfort at every step.

Yes, once your permanent bridge is fitted and you’ve adjusted to it, you can enjoy most foods. However, we recommend avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage your tooth bridge, and reduce sugary food intake if possible. During the first few days with your new bridge,  it’s better to start with softer foods as you adjust to your new bridge.

Maintaining a dental bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth, with a few additional steps:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use special floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean under the bridge
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash
• Visit our Melbourne clinic regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups

Many private health insurance policies in Australia include coverage for dental bridges under major dental work. The amount covered varies depending on your policy and level of coverage. We recommend you connect with your health insurance provider to understand the full policy and our team is happy to provide information about available payment options.

Typically, getting a dental bridge requires 2-3 visits spread over 2-4 weeks. During your first visit, we’ll prepare the supporting teeth and take impressions for your custom bridge, while the final visit is for fitting your permanent bridge. Some cases might require additional visits for adjustments to ensure the perfect fit and bite alignment.

A traditional dental bridge is permanently cemented in place and cannot be removed like dentures. If a bridge needs replacement due to wear or damage, or other complications, a dentist must carefully remove it. While a dental bridge can last for many years with proper care—often 10 to 15 years or more—regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are essential for maximizing its lifespan.

Suitable candidates for dental bridges typically have:

• One or more missing teeth
• Healthy teeth on either side of the gap
• Sufficient bone support
• Good overall oral health
• Healthy gums without periodontal disease
• Commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene

During your consultation at our Melbourne clinics, we’ll assess your specific situation and discuss whether a dental bridge is the best solution for you.

While both options replace missing teeth, they work differently:

Bridges: Anchor to nearby teeth, filling the gap. Faster and less expensive, but may require altering adjacent teeth and don’t prevent bone loss. Typically last 10-15 years.

Implants: Surgically placed in the jawbone, replacing the tooth root. Longer lasting (often a lifetime), preserve bone, and feel more natural, but are more expensive and require surgery and several months to complete.