Missing teeth can affect more than your smile they can make eating and speaking harder, alter your bite, and knock your confidence. At Mends Street Dental, a long-established practice at 27 Mends Street, South Perth (just across the Swan River from the Perth CBD), we offer custom dental bridges designed to replace missing teeth and restore both the appearance and function of your smile. South Perth skews a little older than the national picture residents aged 65 and over make up around 18.8% of the community, above the national average* an age group where tooth loss becomes more common, which is part of why restorative options like bridges a regular part of our work with local patients are.

A dental bridge is a fixed tooth replacement that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Custom made to match the colour, shape and size of your natural teeth, a bridge is designed to blend with your smile while helping you regain comfort and confidence.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth supported by the healthy teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Unlike removable dentures, bridges are fixed in place, providing a stable, natural-feeling solution. Your dentist will assess your oral health and recommend the most appropriate type of bridge for your needs.

Because a bridge relies on the health of the supporting teeth or implants on either side, this assessment stage plays a big role in determining which type of bridge is realistic for your situation and whether an alternative such as an implant might suit you better.

Benefits of dental bridges at our South Perth practice

Replacing missing teeth with a bridge offers both cosmetic and functional benefits. A bridge can help restore the appearance of your smile, improve your ability to chew and speak comfortably, reduce the tendency for neighbouring teeth to shift into the gap, help maintain the natural shape of your face, support a balanced bite, and distribute chewing forces more evenly across your teeth.

Replacing missing teeth in good time can also help prevent further complications. Left unaddressed, a gap can affect more than appearance, as surrounding teeth may gradually shift and your bite can become less even over time.

Types of dental bridges we offer in South Perth

Several types of bridge are available, and your dentist will recommend the option that best suits your smile.

Traditional bridge. The most common type, supported by crowns placed over the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

Cantilever bridge. Used where there’s only one healthy supporting tooth adjacent to the gap.

Implant-supported bridge. For patients missing several teeth, dental implants can support a bridge without relying on neighbouring natural teeth, offering good stability and durability.

Which of these suits you best depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of your remaining teeth, and your preferences around cost and treatment time all of which your dentist will talk through during your consultation.

Why choose Mends Street Dental for your dental bridge in South Perth

Mends Street Dental is a long-established South Perth practice that takes a personalised approach to restorative dentistry, with a reputation built largely on patient referrals and long term relationships. Restorative work is a genuine area of focus for several of our dentists including Dr Stefan Maliszewski (BDSc, UWA) and Dr Travis Rankin (BDSc, 20+ years’ experience), who also focuses on dental implants and implant restoration, relevant if an implant-supported bridge is the right path. We work closely with you to develop a plan that restores both function and confidence.

Our experienced, multidisciplinary team combines modern dental technology and quality materials to create bridges that are comfortable, durable and designed to blend with your natural smile, and we maintain high sterilisation and infection control standards throughout. Because bridge treatment usually spans a couple of appointments, our later visits on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (until 6pm) and Saturday morning availability (8am–1pm) make it easier to progress through treatment around your week. We’re open Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays.

What to expect during dental bridge treatment

Your treatment will usually be completed over two or more appointments.

Consultation. Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, discusses your goals, and determines whether a bridge is the right solution for you. Digital X-rays or scans may be taken to assist planning.

Tooth preparation. If your bridge is supported by natural teeth, those supporting teeth are carefully prepared to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.

Impressions and fabrication. Digital or traditional impressions are taken to create a custom made bridge that fits comfortably and matches your surrounding teeth in colour and shape.

Bridge placement. Once crafted, your dentist fits, adjusts and cements the bridge into place, checking for a comfortable bite and natural appearance.

Because your bridge is custom made, there’s naturally a short wait between the impressions stage and final placement while it’s fabricated. Your dentist will let you know what to expect during this period, including whether a temporary restoration is appropriate for your situation.

Caring for your dental bridge

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, a bridge can provide many years of reliable function. To help maintain it, it’s important to brush twice a day, clean carefully around and underneath the bridge using floss or specialised cleaning aids, attend regular check-ups and professional cleans, avoid chewing hard objects such as ice or pens, and follow your dentist’s personalised recommendations. Looking after your bridge also helps protect the supporting teeth and surrounding gums.

Is a dental bridge right for you?

A bridge is a good option for many patients with one or more missing teeth who want a fixed, natural-looking replacement. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss all suitable tooth-replacement options, including bridges and dental implants to help you choose the treatment that best meets your needs, lifestyle and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions