When a tooth is missing, it’s not just about the gap — it’s about how the rest of your teeth respond. They shift, lean, and work harder, which can throw your whole bite out of balance.
At Switch Dental in Lower Hutt, we use dental bridges to restore your smile in a way that’s secure, functional, and natural-feeling. It’s one of our most trusted ways to fill a space and protect the teeth around it.
Think of a bridge like three (or more) crowns joined together. It’s a one-piece unit that anchors to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap (these are called abutments), with a middle tooth (the pontic) filling in the space. Once cemented in place, it doesn’t come out — it’s fixed, just like a crown.
It’s also doing double duty:
- Protecting the teeth it’s anchored to
- Giving you a solid new tooth to bite and chew with
Maybe you’ve had an extraction, an old crown has failed, or a tooth was never there to begin with. Whatever the reason, replacing a missing tooth helps:
- Prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting
- Keep your bite stable and aligned
- Restore chewing function and prevent overloading other teeth
- Support long-term jaw and facial structure
We’ll walk you through whether a bridge, implant, or other solution is right for you — no pressure, just practical advice.
Since a bridge joins the crowns together, you can’t floss between them the usual way. We’ll show you how to clean around the bridge using special floss or interdental brushes — especially around the edges where plaque tends to sneak in.
Your abutment teeth are the foundation of the bridge, so keeping them healthy is key. That’s why we keep an eye on your bridge at every check-up.
Once we’ve confirmed a bridge is the right choice for you, here’s how the process usually goes:
- Initial Prep & Impressions: The teeth on either side are shaped to fit the bridge. We take a digital scan (no gooey moulds) so your bridge fits precisely.
- Temporary Bridge: You’ll get a temporary version to wear while your custom bridge is made.
- Final Fit: A couple of weeks later, we cement the final bridge in place and check the fit, bite, and comfort.
- Follow-Up: We may check on the bridge at your next appointment just to make sure everything’s bedding in well.
Most bridges are made from ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal — strong, aesthetic, and built to last.
Is a dental bridge removable?
No — a bridge is cemented in place and doesn’t come out. If you’re after something removable, we can talk about partial dentures instead.
Do I need to floss around a bridge?
Yes, but in a slightly different way. We’ll show you how to use floss threaders or tiny brushes to clean around and under your bridge.
What’s the alternative to a bridge?
Implants are a great option in many cases, especially if the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy and don’t need crowns. We’ll talk you through the pros and cons of each.
Why Switch Dental?
We get that a bridge can be a big decision, so we’ll never push or over-sell. What we will do is help you make a smart, informed choice.
Digital scans for precision
Clinicians who think long-term
Clear conversations — you’ll always know what’s happening and why
Restorations that work with your bite, not just your smile
We’ve helped many patients transition from tooth loss to confidence — and we’re here to help you too.
