Restorative Dentistry
Dental Bridges in Wellington
Losing a tooth can have a significant impact on both your appearance and your oral health. Beyond the aesthetic concern of a gap in your smile, a missing tooth can cause your remaining natural teeth to shift out of alignment, leading to bite problems, jaw pain, and an increased risk of gum disease and decay.
A dental bridge is a highly effective, time-tested restorative solution designed to literally "bridge" the gap created by one or more missing teeth. At Newtown Dental, we craft custom, natural-looking bridges that restore the completeness of your smile, allowing you to chew and speak with confidence once again.
What is a dental bridge?
A traditional dental bridge consists of two main components:
The Abutments
These are dental crowns that are placed over the healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap. These crowned teeth act as the strong anchors for the bridge.
The Pontic
This is the artificial tooth (or teeth) that fills the empty space. The pontic is fused between the two abutment crowns, creating a single, solid restorative unit.
Because the bridge is cemented permanently onto your natural teeth, it is a fixed restoration. Unlike partial dentures, you do not remove a bridge for cleaning; it stays securely in your mouth at all times.
What are the benefits of a dental bridge?
Choosing a dental bridge to replace missing teeth offers several important advantages:
- Restores Functionality: A bridge allows you to chew food properly and speak clearly without the impediment of a missing tooth.
- Prevents Shifting: By filling the empty space, a bridge prevents your adjacent natural teeth from drifting out of their correct positions.
- Maintains Facial Structure: A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks, preventing the "sunken" facial appearance that can occur after tooth loss.
- Even Force Distribution: It distributes the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth, reducing the strain on your remaining natural teeth.
- Speed of Treatment: Compared to dental implants, which require months of healing time, a dental bridge can typically be completed in just a few weeks.
What materials are used for dental bridges?
At Newtown Dental, we use high-quality materials to ensure your bridge is both exceptionally strong and aesthetically pleasing. The specific material recommended will depend on the location of the missing tooth and the biting forces in that area:
- All-Ceramic / Porcelain: These provide the best natural colour match and are typically used for replacing front teeth where aesthetics are paramount.
- Zirconia: An incredibly strong, tooth-coloured material that is ideal for replacing back molars that endure heavy chewing pressure.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): These offer a strong metal core covered by a tooth-coloured porcelain exterior, providing a balance of strength and aesthetics.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the number of missing teeth being replaced and the materials used (e.g., all-ceramic versus zirconia).
Because every restorative case is unique, we require an initial consultation to assess the health of your anchor teeth and provide an accurate, transparent quote. We offer flexible payment options, including Q Card and Afterpay, to help you manage the investment in your smile.
Next Step
Take the Next Step Towards a Complete Smile
If you are missing one or more teeth and are considering your replacement options, a custom dental bridge from Newtown Dental could be the ideal solution for you.
Call us at 04 389 3808 or book online to schedule your restorative consultation.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental bridge last?
With excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a high-quality dental bridge can last between 10 and 15 years, and sometimes even longer. The longevity of the bridge depends heavily on the health of the natural teeth anchoring it.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
No. The procedure for preparing the anchor teeth is done under local anaesthesia, so you will be completely numb and comfortable. It feels very similar to getting a standard filling or crown.
How do I clean my dental bridge?
While you brush the bridge just like your natural teeth, you cannot floss down between the pontic and the abutment crowns because they are fused together. You will need to use a special tool called a floss threader, or an interdental brush, to clean underneath the artificial tooth and keep your gums healthy. Our hygienist will show you exactly how to do this.