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Dental Bridges

Distribute The Forces In Your Bite Properly By Replacing Missing Teeth

Dental bridges can be a suitable option for replacing missing teeth and helping restore your chewing and biting functions. So, if you have a few teeth missing next to each other, this treatment might be a great option for you.

A bridge is made up of two crowns, one on each tooth on either side of the gap — these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth — and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials.

Dental bridges are supported by either natural teeth or dental implants.

Hutt Dental Hub’s experienced dental team can help restore your smile with a custom dental bridge that help restore your smile and look natural. Our procedure is performed with care and attention to detail, with the aim of achieving a result that closely meets your expectations. Here is what you can expect during your appointments:

  • Visit 1: The abutment teeth are prepared for the crown. Preparation includes recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of your teeth are made, which serve as a model from which a dental laboratory will manufacture the bridge, pontic, and crowns. Your dentist will protect the exposed teeth and gums while your bridge is being made.
  • Visit 2: Your temporary bridge will be removed, and the new long-term bridge will be adjusted and fitted.

Using quality materials and established dental techniques, your dental bridge will typically be completed across two appointments, your dentist will advise on the expected timeline at consultation. With proper care, dental bridges can provide a durable, long-term solution, your dentist in lower hutt will discuss what to expect at consultation. Suitability, timelines, risks, costs, and outcomes vary and will be discussed during consultation.

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If you would like a treatment option that restores both the look of your smile and the function of your teeth, then dental bridges are an excellent option for you. Get in touch with our clinic today to discuss how a dental bridges in Lower Hutt could help restore your smile and oral function.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?

The main types of dental bridges are traditional tooth-supported bridges, cantilever bridges, resin-bonded bridges and implant-supported bridges. The most suitable type depends on your individual clinical circumstances, including bone health, gum condition and the position of your remaining teeth. Your dentist at Hutt Dental Hub will discuss the options that may suit you during your consultation.

What Materials Are Used for Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges can be made from materials such as porcelain, zirconia and porcelain-fused-to-metal. The right material depends on where the bridge will sit, the forces from your bite and your individual clinical needs. Bridges can be shade-matched to blend with your surrounding natural teeth, and your dentist will explain the most appropriate option for you at your consultation.

Can a Dental Bridge Be Placed on the Same Day as a Tooth Extraction?

In most cases, a permanent dental bridge cannot be placed on the same day as an extraction. The gum and bone need time to heal and settle, often several weeks to a few months, before a bridge can be accurately fitted. A temporary restoration may be placed in the meantime while healing takes place.

How Many Appointments Will I Need to Have a Dental Bridge Fitted?

A tooth-supported dental bridge typically involves two to three appointments: a clinical assessment, tooth preparation with a temporary bridge, and fitting of the final bridge. Implant-supported bridges take longer, as the implants need several months to bond with the bone first. Additional visits may be needed if other treatment is required, and your treatment plan will be outlined at your consultation.

Are Implant-Supported Bridges an Alternative to Traditional Bridges?

Implant-supported bridges can be an alternative to traditional bridges for some patients. They use dental implants, usually made of titanium, as anchors instead of neighbouring natural teeth, so those teeth do not need to be reshaped. Suitability depends on a clinical assessment of your bone, gums and overall oral health.

Will a Dental Bridge Affect the Way I Speak or Pronounce Certain Words?

Some patients notice a minor change in speech after a bridge is fitted, though this usually settles within a few days to a couple of weeks as the mouth adjusts. A well-fitted bridge should not cause lasting speech changes. If difficulty continues beyond the settling period, your dentist can assess and adjust the fit.

How Does a Dental Bridge Affect the Teeth on Either Side That Support It?

For a traditional bridge, the neighbouring teeth need to be reshaped so crowns can be placed over them to anchor the bridge. This permanently removes some natural tooth structure, which is an important factor to consider before treatment. An implant-supported bridge avoids this, as implants are used as anchors instead of natural teeth.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Typically Last With Proper Care?

The lifespan of a dental bridge varies depending on oral hygiene habits, diet and the health of the supporting teeth or implants. Daily cleaning under and around the bridge, along with regular dental check-ups, helps support its long-term function. No dental restoration lasts indefinitely, and individual outcomes vary between patients.

How Does Ageing Affect the Fit and Longevity of a Dental Bridge?

Over time, natural changes to gum tissue and bone can affect how well a bridge fits and functions. The bone beneath the missing tooth may gradually reduce under a traditional bridge, as the bridge does not stimulate the jawbone in the same way an implant can. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to monitor these changes and advise on any action needed.

What Is a Dental Bridge and How Is It Used to Replace Missing Teeth in Lower Hutt?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth, supported by natural teeth or dental implants next to the gap. At Hutt Dental Hub in Lower Hutt, a bridge may be recommended when a tooth has been lost and the surrounding teeth and gums are in suitable condition. A clinical assessment is always needed to confirm whether a bridge is the right option for you.