Atlas Smiles Dental, Dentist in Wheelers Hill

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There are four main types of dental bridges, depending on how they are attached to the adjacent teeth or implants. They are: 

• Conventional bridges are the most common type and involve placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. 
• Cantilever bridges are similar to conventional bridges, but only require one crown on one side of the gap. 
• Resin-bonded bridges are used to replace front teeth and involve attaching a metal frame with a false tooth to the back of the adjacent teeth. 
• Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone.

Dental bridges are usually made of porcelain and metal, but they can also be made of other materials, such as zirconia or resin. The process of making and fitting a dental bridge involves several steps and appointments. 

First, Atlas Smiles Dental Dentist in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne will examine your mouth and prepare the teeth that will support the bridge. Our dentist will also take impressions or scans of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory, where the bridge will be custom-made. You may be given a temporary bridge to wear while waiting for the permanent one. 

Next, our dentist will check the fit and appearance of the permanent bridge and cement it to your teeth or implants. They will also make any necessary adjustments and advise you on how to care for your bridge.

Dental bridges can offer many benefits, such as: 

• Restoring your smile and confidence, 
• Improving your chewing and speaking abilities, 
• Preventing your teeth from shifting or drifting, 
• Maintaining your facial shape and bite, and 
• Protecting your teeth from decay and damage. 

However, dental bridges also have some risks, such as: 

• Potential damage or decay to the supporting teeth, 
• Infection or inflammation of the gums, 
• Sensitivity or discomfort of the teeth, 
• Loosening or breaking of the bridge, and 
• aesthetic issues such as staining or mismatching. 

To avoid or minimize these risks, you should follow our dentist’s instructions and visit us regularly for check-ups and maintenance.

The cost of dental bridges depends on various factors, such as the type of bridge, the number of teeth involved, the materials used, the location, and the insurance coverage. In Australia, the average cost of dental bridges in Melbourne ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, but it can vary depending on your individual case and the dentist you choose. Atlas Smiles Dental Dentist in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne offer payment plans or discounts to make dental bridges more affordable. You can also check with your insurance provider if they cover any part of the cost of dental bridges.

The treatment required to replace a missing tooth varies from patient to patient.

The suitability of a candidate for dental bridge treatment can depend on factors including:

• Oral health diagnosis
• Jawbone density
• Personal preference

Our dentist will assist in choosing the best solution for your individual case.

• Our dentist will prepare the teeth adjacent to the gap for treatment, reshaping them to allow room for the bridge to be placed over them.
• Impressions of your teeth will be made and sent to a dental lab to serve as a model for your dental bridge to ensure a proper fit and colour match.
• Atlas Smiles Dental Dentist in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne will make a temporary bridge to wear in the meantime.
• Once your new bridge arrives from the dental lab, you will be contacted to return to our dentist, where your new bridge will be checked and adjusted for a perfect fit.
• You may be required to visit several times to check the fit and bite.
• If your dental bridge is a fixed bridge, it may be put in place temporarily to ensure it is a proper fit and then cemented after this trial period.

It is normal to feel some tenderness or sensitivity for a few days after a dental bridge treatment. Call our dentist if you are experiencing pain or discomfort after more than a few days.

The procedure is not painful and discomfort is minimal. The procedure to prepare your teeth that will anchor the bridge is generally done using local anaesthetic. A temporary bridge is put in place and there is usually little pain afterwards. 

Dental bridges generally last between 5-15 years. This varies from patient to patient and can depend on how well the bridge is looked after. With good oral care and regular check-ups, you can expect dental bridges to last over 10 years. 

Taking care of your dental bridge is important to ensure its longevity and functionality. You should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use a mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and healthy. You should also avoid foods and drinks that can stain, damage, or get stuck in your bridge, such as coffee, tea, wine, soda, popcorn, ice, hard candy, or chewing gum. You should also visit our dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, and report any problems or concerns you have with your bridge.

Floss around your real tooth and the false teeth in your bridge to remove plaque. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean the tooth surface and the base of the tooth at your gums. Gently remove and dispose of your floss when you're done. Plaque can build up around the false teeth in your dental bridge, which can affect the health of your real teeth and cause gum disease and decay, so it's important to clean and care for your dental bridge just as you would care for your real teeth. 

If the bridge is sound, it is possible for our dentist to fix your dental bridge. If the porcelain coating on the bridge is chipped or fractured, Atlas Smiles Dental Dentist in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne may be able to repair the coating. Unfortunately, if our dentist believes that your dental bridge is no longer sound then you'll probably need a replacement. 

If your dental bridge hurts there are several potential causes of such pain. It's important that you see Atlas Smiles Dental Dentist in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne about the pain, as only our dentist can diagnose the cause of the pain accurately. If your bridge is new, your bite may be too high. Alternatively, your dental bridge maybe loose, or there may be decay under the crown that supports the bridge.

Dental bridges and implants are widely accepted and common solutions for missing teeth today. While dental bridges generally involve at least three crowns connected to fill the void of your missing teeth, an implant can replace a single tooth without affecting other teeth. For more information about the pros and cons of dental bridges and implants and a comparison of these treatments see our article on the Differences Between Dental Bridge and Dental Implants. Before getting treatment it's essential to consult Atlas Smiles Dental Dentist in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne, to get the treatment advice that's right for you.