Dental Bridges in Melbourne

A dental bridge is a fixed way to replace one or more missing teeth, anchoring a replacement tooth to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Once it's in place, it lets you chew and speak more easily and fills the space in your smile. Most bridges are fitted over a small number of visits at our Melbourne CBD clinic on Exhibition Street. If you're ready to find out whether a bridge suits your situation, book an appointment with Gorgeous Smiles.

Address

121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, 3000

Contact

(03) 9042 0483

info@gorgeoussmiles.com.au

Operating hours

Mon-Fri: 8:30am – 6:30pm

Sat: 10am – 5pm

Sunday: Closed

Getting to our clinic

What is a dental bridge?

If you're missing one or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge closes the gap with a false tooth (called a pontic) in the space where the missing tooth used to be. That replacement tooth is held in place either by dental crowns fitted over the natural teeth on each side of the gap, or by dental implants.

A bridge tends to suit people who have healthy teeth either side of the space and good gum health to support it. Beyond filling the gap, it helps you chew and speak more comfortably, and it stops the adjacent teeth from gradually drifting into the empty space, which can happen when a gap is left untreated. Whether a bridge is the right way to replace your missing teeth comes down to an in-person exam.

Types of dental bridges

There are a few types of dental bridges, and the one that fits depends on where the gap sits, how many teeth are missing, the health of the neighbouring teeth, and your bite. These are the main options your dentist will weigh up.

Traditional bridge

The most common type. A crown is fitted over the natural tooth on each side of the gap, and these crowned abutment teeth anchor a replacement tooth in the middle. It works well when there are healthy teeth on both sides of the space.

Cantilever bridge

Similar to a traditional bridge, but anchored on one side only. This can be an option when there's a sound tooth on just one side of the gap, though it puts more load on that single tooth.

Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge

A more conservative option that uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the neighbouring teeth, rather than crowning them. Because it involves little to no tooth preparation, it's often used for front teeth.

Implant-supported bridge

Instead of relying on the natural teeth, implant supported dental bridges are anchored to dental implants placed in the jaw. This tends to suit people replacing multiple missing teeth in a row, where there aren't enough sound teeth to carry a traditional bridge.

Which type is right for you is decided at your appointment, once your dentist has assessed your teeth and gums and talked through whether porcelain or metal best suits your custom bridge.

The dental bridge procedure: what to expect

The dental bridge procedure usually takes about two visits spread over a few weeks, though the timeline varies with the type of bridge and your circumstances.

It starts with an initial consultation. Your dentist checks the health of your teeth and gums and takes scans or impressions of your mouth. From there, they work out whether a bridge is suitable and map out a dental bridge treatment plan with you.

If you go ahead, the next step is tooth preparation. For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth on either side of the gap are shaped so the dental crowns can sit over them. This is done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb while it happens. A temporary bridge is usually fitted to protect the prepared teeth while your permanent bridge is made.

Your custom bridge is then made in a dental lab to fit the shape of your mouth and match the colour of your existing teeth. At the final visit, your dentist checks the fit and your bite alignment and makes any small adjustments. The bridge is then cemented into place with dental cement.

Comfort and recovery vary from one person to the next. Most people manage with little more than the local anaesthetic on the day, though some notice mild, short-lived sensitivity afterward. Any procedure that involves preparing a tooth carries some risk, which is part of why the suitability check at the start matters.

How much does a dental bridge cost in Melbourne?

There's no single price for dental bridges in Melbourne. The dental bridge cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced, the type of bridge, the materials used, and whether any other treatment is needed first, such as work on the supporting teeth or gums. See our dental bridge cost page.

That's why a precise figure comes after your dentist has examined your mouth. At Gorgeous Smiles, you're given a clear written quote at your appointment, so you know the full cost before you decide whether to go ahead. Interest-free payment plans are available to spread the cost over time through trusted providers such as Afterpay, Zip Money and humm, helping patients access treatment sooner (subject to terms and conditions). With deposits starting from 10% or 20% (depending on the treatment value), payment plans can be tailored over terms of up to 24 months with convenient weekly or fortnightly repayments. Gorgeous Smiles also accepts all major health funds, with on-the-spot HICAPS claiming so any rebate you're entitled to comes off at the time.

If you have private health insurance, your extras cover may contribute toward part of the cost, depending on your level of cover and your fund. Check your policy directly so you know what you can claim. To get an accurate idea of what your treatment would involve, the next step is to book an appointment and have your teeth assessed.

Dental bridge or dental implant: which is right for you?

For a lot of people weighing up how to replace a missing tooth, the real question is whether to choose a bridge or a dental implant. They solve the same problem in different ways, and neither is automatically better.

Dental bridge

A dental bridge is fixed in place and doesn't involve surgery. It's usually quicker to complete than an implant, but the trade-off is that it relies on crowning the natural teeth either side of the gap, which means reshaping otherwise healthy teeth, and it sits on top of the gum rather than replacing the tooth root underneath.

Dental implant

A dental implant takes a different approach. It replaces the root with a post placed in the jaw, then a crown on top, so it stands on its own without altering the neighbouring teeth. Our dental implant page sets out the difference. Implants generally take longer and involve a minor surgical procedure, but they're often the more durable option for a single missing tooth.

As a rough guide, a bridge tends to suit people who want a fixed result without surgery and have sound teeth either side of the gap, while an implant may suit people who'd rather not crown healthy teeth and want the longest-lasting single-tooth fix. Individual results vary, and the right choice depends on the state of your teeth and gums and what matters most to you, which is something to work through at your appointment.

Caring for your dental bridge

A bridge lasts longer when the teeth and gums around it stay healthy, so good oral hygiene matters as much after treatment as before. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and clean underneath the pontic with a floss threader or interdental brush, since plaque can build up in that space and lead to bad breath or gum disease if it's left.

Keep up your regular dental check ups and professional cleanings so your dentist can keep an eye on the bridge and the supporting teeth. It also helps to go easy on very hard or sticky foods that can pull at or damage the bridge. With proper care a well-fitted bridge can last many years, though how long varies from person to person depending on the bridge and how it's looked after.

Meet the dentists who perform dental bridge

Dr. Minoudokht Ghamari Gilvaei

Principal Dentist & Co-Founder Doctor of Dental Surgery

AHPRA Registration Number: DEN0001968296

Dr. Henny Lie

AHPRA Registration Number: DEN0002232434

Dr. Roshanak Samani

AHPRA Registration Number: DEN0002116316

Dr. Claudine Magody Roshdy Yanny Demetry

AHPRA Registration Number: DEN0002585810

Dr. Tesia Tran

AHPRA Registration Number: DEN0002587562

Getting to our clinic

Our Melbourne CBD dental clinic at 121 Exhibition Street is within a:

2 minute walk from tram stops on Collins Street and Bourke Street, both inside the Free Tram Zone

5 minute walk from Parliament train station

2 minute walk from paid parking at the InterPark and Safe City car parks

A few minutes' walk from metered street parking on Exhibition Street, Little Collins Street, Flinders Lane, and Lonsdale Street

13 minute walk from Flinders Street Station

For detailed information about public transport options, download the PTV app or visit the Public Transport Victoria website.

Call Us (03) 9042 0483

Book an Appointment

Our Clinic Address

121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, 3000

Clinic Opening Hours

Monday 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Book your dental bridge appointment

The first step toward replacing your missing tooth is to book an appointment, where one of our AHPRA-registered dentists can assess the gap and your options . You'll leave with a written quote and a treatment plan. Our clinic is in the heart of the Melbourne CBD on Exhibition Street, a short walk from public transport and parking, so it's easy to fit a visit around work.

To book, call Gorgeous Smiles on (03) 9042 0483 or book online.

Book a Consultation

(03) 9042 0483

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 1 tooth dental bridge cost in Melbourne?

There's no fixed price, because the cost depends on the type of bridge and the materials, along with the condition of the supporting teeth. At Gorgeous Smiles, you're given a written quote at your appointment once your dentist has examined the gap, and interest-free payment plans are available (subject to terms and conditions).

How much does a 2 teeth dental bridge cost?

Replacing two teeth usually means a larger bridge, so the cost is generally higher than a single-tooth bridge, though it still comes down to the type of bridge and the work involved. Your dentist confirms the figure in a written quote after assessing your mouth.

Are dental bridges worth it?

For the right situation, a bridge is a practical, fixed way to replace a missing tooth without surgery. Whether it's worth it for you depends on the alternatives, particularly a dental implant, which can be more durable but takes longer and involves a minor procedure.

How long does a dental bridge last?

With good oral hygiene and regular check ups, many dental bridges last well over a decade. How long yours lasts varies from person to person, depending on the type of bridge and how well the supporting teeth and gums are looked after.

Is getting a dental bridge painful?

The tooth preparation is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during the appointment itself. Some people notice mild, short-lived sensitivity in the days afterward, which usually settles. If you're anxious about the procedure, let your dentist know so they can talk you through it beforehand.

Can I claim a dental bridge on my private health fund?

Many extras policies contribute toward the cost of a dental bridge, though how much depends on your level of cover and your fund. Check directly with your health fund so you know what you can claim before your appointment.

Is a dental bridge permanent?

A dental bridge is fixed in place and can only be removed by a dentist, so it isn't something you take in and out like a partial denture. It isn't lifelong, though. With proper care a bridge lasts many years, after which it may eventually need replacing.