Losing a tooth doesn’t just affect your smile, it can change the way you eat, speak, and feel day-to-day. At Melbourne Dental Implant and Sleep Centre, we get how important it is to find the right fix, one that feels good, looks natural, and fits your life. In some cases, a cantilever bridge might be that solution—especially when other treatments aren’t the best fit.
What Makes Cantilever Bridges Different?
Cantilever bridges are a type of fixed dental restoration that replaces a missing tooth by anchoring the bridge to just one nearby tooth, rather than needing teeth on both sides like a traditional bridge.
The replacement tooth (called a pontic) is supported by a crown that’s placed over the healthy neighbouring tooth. This design makes it possible to restore your smile without needing to involve multiple teeth, especially when one side of the gap doesn’t have a suitable support tooth.
Because of the way they work, cantilever bridges are usually recommended for front teeth or premolars—places where there’s less chewing force.
When Are They a Good Option?
We usually recommend cantilever bridges when:
- There’s only one strong, healthy tooth next to the gap
- The gap is toward the front of the mouth or at the end of a row of teeth
- You want to avoid reshaping a healthy tooth on the other side
They’re not the right option for every situation. For example, they’re not usually suitable for molars or back teeth where the chewing load is higher. In those cases, a traditional bridge or a dental implant might be a better choice.
What Are the Benefits?
Cantilever bridges come with a few standout advantages:
- They’re less invasive – Since only one tooth needs to be prepared, there’s less work involved than with other options.
- They’re quick – The whole treatment usually takes just two visits.
- They’re natural-looking – Your bridge is made to match your other teeth, especially important if it’s in a visible spot.
- They’re fixed in place – Unlike partial dentures, you don’t need to take it out at night or worry about it shifting around.
- They’re a great option when implants aren’t suitable – Whether it’s due to bone levels, medical conditions or personal preference, not everyone is a candidate for implants.
What Are the Limitations?
As with any dental treatment, there are a few things to be aware of.
Because the bridge is only supported on one side, it can put a bit more strain on that tooth. That’s why we’ll only recommend this type of bridge if the supporting tooth is strong enough to handle it.
If your bite puts a lot of pressure on the bridge—or if you tend to grind your teeth—there’s a higher chance it might loosen or wear down over time. We’ll check your bite carefully as part of our assessment before going ahead.
Cantilever bridges may also have a slightly shorter lifespan than other types, depending on where they’re placed and how well they’re cared for. That said, with the right maintenance, they can still last many years.
What’s the Treatment Like?
First, we’ll start with a thorough consultation at our Melbourne clinic. We’ll check your teeth, take x-rays or scans, and have a chat about whether a cantilever bridge is the right option for you.
If it is, we’ll carefully reshape the supporting tooth so it can hold the crown. Then we take impressions to create your custom bridge. While your bridge is being made, you’ll wear a temporary one to protect your tooth and keep your smile looking great.
Once your new bridge is ready, we’ll fit it in place, check the fit, and make any final adjustments so it feels just right.
Caring for Your Bridge
A cantilever bridge doesn’t require a complicated care routine—but it does need some TLC to keep it in good shape.
You’ll need to:
- Brush and floss daily (especially around the gumline and under the bridge)
- Use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean underneath
- Come in for regular check-ups and professional cleans
- Avoid chewing hard foods (especially straight after treatment)
With the right care, your bridge can last for many years and continue to look and feel great.
What Are the Alternatives?
A cantilever bridge can be a great choice for the right person—but it’s not the only option. Depending on your oral health, the location of the gap, and your goals, we might also suggest:
- A traditional bridge – supported by crowns on both sides of the gap
- A Maryland bridge – bonded to the backs of neighbouring teeth (usually for front teeth)
- A dental implant – a strong, long-lasting option that doesn’t rely on other teeth for support
At Melbourne Dental Implant and Sleep Centre, we specialise in dental implants and we’ll always talk you through all the pros and cons so you can make a confident decision.
Is a Cantilever Bridge Right for You?
A cantilever dental bridge is a great option in the right circumstances. It’s a more conservative treatment than some alternatives, avoids surgery, and works well when there’s just one strong tooth available to support it.
But every smile is different—and we’re here to help you figure out what will work best for yours. We’ll assess your case, walk you through your options, and make sure you understand what’s involved before moving forward.
Ready to explore your options?
If you’re considering a cantilever bridge or exploring other tooth replacement solutions, Call us on 1800 IMPLANT or book online to get started. Together, we’ll find the most suitable treatment that restores your smile—and your confidence—for the long run.