Bridges

Replace missing teeth and restore your smile

You don’t have to put up with a gap in your smile. Dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a permanent restoration that replaces a missing tooth and is held in place by the teeth on either side. It’s often used in situations where you have lost one or two teeth because of injury or decay, and the gum in that area has shrunk. The most common kind of bridge consists of crowns placed over the healthy teeth on each side of the gap, with the artificial tooth fixed between them. Other types of bridges can anchor to a tooth on one side only, to small metal plates cemented to the back of the healthy teeth, or to dental implants.

What do I need to know about dental bridges?

To be eligible for a bridge, you need to have suitable teeth on either side of the missing tooth to act as anchors. These teeth can contain fillings or root canals. Bridges are made similarly to crowns. Using advanced CEREC technology, we will take a highly accurate digital scan of your adjacent teeth and create the anchor crowns and artificial tooth from strong ceramic material in our milling machine. Once fitted, a bridge will improve the appearance of your smile and enhance your ability to chew and speak.

What other treatments are available?

Depending on your situation, some of the following treatment options might be recommended to transform your smile.

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CEREC 3D instant teeth
CEREC 3D instant teeth

Same-day crowns that fit better, look nicer, and last longer

No more waiting! With CEREC, we can make and fit your crown in one visit.

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An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about dental bridges

  • The type of bridge that’s best for you will depend on the location and function of the missing tooth, the health of your surrounding teeth and gums, your budget, and how you’d like the bridge to look. Bridges that are subjected to high chewing loads may need to be constructed differently to those in the front of your mouth. We’ll recommend the most appropriate option for you.

  • On average, dental bridges last between five to 15 years, but can last a lot longer with proper care and regular dental check-ups.

  • Because the artificial tooth sits on the gum, not in it, there is room for food and bacteria to get trapped underneath. Over time, this can lead to decay in the anchor teeth and gum disease. You can keep this area clean with a floss threader, interdental brushes, or a water pick. You should also avoid biting hard food with your bridge.

  • Yes, missing teeth can also be replaced with partial dentures or dental implants. We only recommend partial dentures in situations where a bridge or implant is not possible, as they can be uncomfortable to wear and don’t feel natural to chew on. Dental implants offer superior strength, function, and appearance, but are more expensive.

  • The process of getting a bridge should be completely painless. The gentle dentists at Natural Smile will use a local anaesthetic to make sure the area they are working on is completely numb. Afterwards, your tooth or gum may feel a little sensitive, but this should wear off in a short time.

  • The cost of your bridge will depend on many factors, including how many teeth we are replacing, the type of bridge we are installing, and the condition of your anchor teeth. We’ll let you know at your consultation how much your treatment is likely to cost, and discuss payment options that suit you.