A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth (called a pontic) to adjacent teeth or to dental implants. Bridges are considered where a patient wants to close a gap for function, appearance, or to prevent neighbouring teeth from tilting or drifting into the space.

There are three main types: conventional bridges, resin-bonded bridges, and implant-supported bridges. The right approach depends on where the gap is, the condition and position of the adjacent teeth, the patient’s bite, and their longer-term dental plans — individual suitability is assessed by a specialist clinician on a case-by-case basis.

Conventional bridges are held in place by full crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. This is a well-established approach, and often the right choice where the adjacent teeth are already heavily restored or would benefit from being crowned regardless. It does involve reshaping the adjacent teeth to accommodate the crowns.

Resin-bonded bridges (also called adhesive bridges, or historically Maryland bridges) use a thin metal or ceramic wing bonded to the back of one or two adjacent teeth to hold a replacement tooth in place, with minimal or no drilling of the adjacent teeth. Modern designs often use a single wing rather than two. Resin-bonded bridges are frequently used to replace a single missing front tooth, particularly where an implant isn’t yet appropriate — for example in younger patients whose jaws are still growing, or where a patient wants to preserve the option of moving to an implant later. As with any bridge, suitability is case-dependent and needs to be assessed by a specialist clinician.

Implant-supported bridges use two or more dental implants as anchors instead of natural teeth. They may be suited to larger gaps, or to cases where the adjacent teeth aren’t suitable for crowning or bonding.

A specialist-led, collaborative process. At adelaideCAD, bridge treatment is specialist-led and planned in collaboration with your referring dentist. The choice between conventional, resin-bonded and implant-supported options — as well as material choice, aesthetics and staging — is discussed with you and your referring clinician before treatment starts.

If your dentist has raised a bridge as an option, ask them about a referral to adelaideCAD. Already been referred? Call (08) 8212 5294 to arrange your appointment.