Overview
What Is a
Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed appliance designed to replace one or more missing teeth. Existing teeth or implants on either side act as the pillars of the bridge, and the missing tooth — called a pontic — is suspended between them, resting gently against the gum to give the appearance of a natural tooth.
A quality bridge is highly realistic, and in most cases it is virtually impossible to visually detect the restored tooth. Replacing missing teeth is important not just aesthetically — it distributes bite forces, prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting or tilting, and reduces the risk of further tooth loss over time.
At Element Dental, our master ceramist designs bridges using premium materials to create restorations that are both beautiful and enduringly functional.
Three unit zirconia bridge. Crafted by our master ceramist in premium zirconia. Treatment by Dr. Laura Jarvis, General Dentist, General Registration (DEN0001141026)
Bridge Types
Which Bridge
Is Right for You?
Bridges are described in terms of units, with the type and extent determined by the number of missing teeth and the condition of the surrounding support teeth.
Single Unit
Maryland Bridge
A conservative option that uses one or two wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth to support the replacement tooth — no crown preparation required on the support teeth.
Two Unit
Cantilever Bridge
Supported by a single crown on one adjacent tooth. Suited to specific situations where only one support tooth is available or appropriate.
Three Unit +
Traditional Bridge
The most common bridge type. Two crowns anchor the pontic (replacement tooth) between them — creating a strong, stable, and aesthetically seamless restoration.
Making the Right Choice
Bridge or Implant?
We'll guide you.
Both are excellent solutions for missing teeth. The right choice depends on your bone health, the condition of neighbouring teeth, and your individual circumstances.
A Bridge May Be Right
When…
- —Adjacent teeth are already crowned or heavily restored
- —Insufficient bone volume exists for an implant
- —You prefer a non-surgical treatment pathway
- —A faster treatment timeline is needed
- —Budget considerations make a bridge preferable
An Implant May Be Preferred
When…
- —Adjacent teeth are healthy and unrestored
- —Adequate bone volume is present
- —A long-lasting, independent restoration is the goal
- —You want to preserve the integrity of surrounding teeth
- —Implants are the gold standard wherever clinically possible
Our Craft
Precision, Artistry,
and Premium Materials.
At Element Dental, our master ceramist designs each bridge with meticulous attention to shade, contour, and texture. The result is a restoration that integrates seamlessly with your natural teeth — matching their colour, shape, and the subtle character of your smile.
We use only premium ceramic materials, chosen for their strength, biocompatibility, and exceptional aesthetic properties. Every bridge is crafted to be both durable and virtually indistinguishable from the teeth around it.
Our dentists will assess your specific situation and provide a personalised recommendation — always with honesty about the benefits and limitations of each option available to you.
Investment
Personalised
Treatment Planning.
The cost of a bridge varies based on the number of units and whether the supports are natural teeth or implants. We provide a thorough assessment and transparent quote before any treatment begins — with no surprises.
We accept all major health funds and offer flexible payment plans. Speak with our team about what rebates may apply to your situation and how we can support you in moving forward.
View Payment Plans →Dental Bridge
From $3,100
2-unit cantilever bridge
- 2-Unit Cantilever$3,100
- 3-Unit Bridge$4,900
- Implant-SupportedQuote on assessment
*Fees are indicative. Cost varies with number of units and treatment complexity. All major health funds accepted.
What to Expect
The Bridge
Process.
Assessment & Planning
We assess the health of your gums, bone levels, and surrounding teeth — and discuss all missing tooth options openly with you. If a bridge is appropriate, we will explain exactly which type is recommended and why, and provide a detailed quote before anything proceeds.
Preparation & Impressions
For a traditional or cantilever bridge, the anchor teeth are shaped to receive crowns. We take a precise digital scan or impression, which is sent to our master ceramist. A temporary bridge is placed so you leave with a complete, functional smile while the final restoration is crafted.
Ceramist Fabrication
Your bridge is individually crafted by our master ceramist using premium zirconia or porcelain, matched precisely to the shade and character of your natural teeth. This process typically takes two to three weeks.
Fit & Cementation
At your final appointment, we trial the bridge for fit, bite, and aesthetics. Once you are happy with the result, it is permanently cemented. We provide care instructions and schedule a follow-up to ensure everything has settled well.
Longevity
How Long Does a
Bridge Last?
A well-maintained traditional bridge typically lasts 15–20 years. A Maryland bridge has a shorter lifespan of around 10–15 years due to its adhesive bond.
Longevity depends on the health of the supporting teeth, your bite, oral hygiene, and regular monitoring at check-up appointments. We will always advise honestly when a bridge is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Aftercare
Caring for
Your Bridge.
Cleaning under the pontic is the most important daily habit. Floss threaders or Superfloss allow you to thread floss beneath the bridge and clean the gum surface underneath. A Waterpik water flosser is an excellent alternative and often easier to use.
Regular check-ups allow us to monitor the gum tissue beneath the pontic, assess the integrity of the cementation, and catch any issues early — before they become costly.
Common Questions
Dental Bridge
FAQs.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should feel no pain during treatment. Some mild sensitivity in the prepared teeth is normal in the days following, but this settles quickly. Patients are often surprised by how comfortable the process is.
A well-maintained traditional bridge typically lasts 15–20 years. A Maryland bridge has a shorter lifespan of around 10–15 years due to its adhesive bond. Longevity depends on the health of the supporting teeth, your bite, oral hygiene, and regular monitoring at check-up appointments. We will always advise honestly when a bridge is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Yes — once cemented, a bridge functions like your natural teeth. We recommend avoiding very hard foods (ice, hard lollies) and excessively sticky foods that can place stress on the bridge. A brief soft-food period is advised immediately after cementation while the area settles.
Standard floss cannot be threaded under a bridge in the usual way. We recommend Superfloss (a floss with a stiff threader end) or a floss threader, which allows you to pass floss beneath the pontic and clean the gum underneath. A Waterpik water flosser is highly effective and many patients find it easier to use. We will demonstrate the technique at your cementation appointment.
An implant is generally the gold standard where clinically possible — it stands independently, preserves the surrounding bone, and does not involve adjacent teeth. A bridge is an excellent choice when adjacent teeth are already heavily restored, bone volume is insufficient for an implant, or a non-surgical option is preferred. We always present both options honestly.
A traditional or cantilever bridge typically requires two appointments separated by two to three weeks — one for preparation and impressions, and one for final fitting and cementation. A Maryland bridge can often be completed in two visits with no preparation needed. We will give you a clear timeline at your assessment.
Missing a tooth?
Let's find the right solution for you.
Book a consultation at Element Dental. We'll assess your options and design a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs and goals.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry & Implant Centre
– Erina Dentist