Missing one or more teeth? A dental bridge gives you back a complete smile, better chewing, and the confidence to laugh without hiding. Natural-looking results that last for years.
A dental bridge is exactly what it sounds like—it bridges the gap where you’re missing teeth.
Here’s how it works:
An artificial tooth (or teeth) fills the empty space
It’s anchored by crowns attached to your natural teeth on either side
The whole thing is permanently fixed in place—no taking it in and out like dentures
Why people choose bridges:
You’re missing 1-3 teeth in a row
You want a permanent solution (not removable dentures)
Your surrounding teeth are healthy enough to support the bridge
You want to avoid implant surgery or bone grafting
The result? A natural-looking smile that functions like your real teeth. You can eat, speak, and smile confidently again.
It’s tempting to ignore a missing tooth, especially if it’s in the back. But here’s what actually happens:
Your other teeth start shifting – The gap allows neighboring teeth to drift out of position, creating bite problems and making future treatment harder.
Your jawbone shrinks – Without tooth roots stimulating the bone, it gradually deteriorates, changing your facial structure.
Chewing becomes difficult – You start favoring one side, which can lead to jaw pain and uneven wear on your remaining teeth.
Your confidence takes a hit – Whether it’s a front tooth or back tooth, missing teeth affect how you feel about your smile.
The good news: A dental bridge stops all of this. It keeps your teeth in place, restores your bite, and gives you back a complete smile.
Not all bridges are the same. We’ll recommend the best option based on where your missing teeth are and the health of your surrounding teeth.
Best for: Most common situations—replacing 1-3 missing teeth with healthy teeth on both sides
How it works: Crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap, with artificial teeth attached in between.
Pros: Strong, reliable, and long-lasting (10-15 years with good care)
Cons: Requires reshaping the adjacent teeth to fit the crowns
Best for: Replacing front teeth when you want a less invasive option
How it works: The artificial tooth is bonded to the back of your adjacent teeth with a metal or porcelain framework—no crowns needed.
Pros: Preserves more of your natural tooth structure
Cons: Not as strong as traditional bridges; best for front teeth with less chewing pressure
Best for: Replacing a tooth when there’s only one adjacent tooth to anchor to (rare situations)
How it works: The bridge is supported by a crown on just one side instead of both.
Pros: Works when you don’t have teeth on both sides of the gap
Cons: Puts more stress on the single anchor tooth
Best for: Replacing multiple missing teeth or when you want the most stable, long-term solution
How it works: Dental implants are placed in your jawbone, and the bridge attaches to those implants instead of your natural teeth.
Pros: Doesn’t require altering healthy teeth; prevents bone loss; extremely durable
Cons: Requires surgery and a longer treatment timeline
Visit 1: Consultation & Preparation (60-90 minutes)
We’ll examine your teeth, discuss your options, and take X-rays. If you choose a traditional bridge, we’ll prepare the anchor teeth by reshaping them to fit the crowns. You may leave with a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and maintain your smile.
Between Visits: Custom Fabrication
Your impressions are sent to a dental lab where your permanent bridge is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
Visit 2: Placement (45-60 minutes)
We remove the temporary bridge, place your permanent one, and check the fit and bite. Once everything feels right, we cement it in place permanently.
That’s it. You walk out with a complete smile that looks and feels natural.
With proper care, dental bridges typically last 10-15 years (sometimes longer). Here’s how to protect your investment:
Daily care:
Brush twice a day like normal
Floss daily (we’ll show you how to clean under the bridge with special flossers)
Rinse with mouthwash to prevent gum disease
What to avoid:
Chewing ice, hard candy, or using your teeth as tools
Sticky foods that can pull on the bridge (caramels, taffy)
Grinding your teeth (ask us about a night guard if this is an issue)
Regular checkups:
Visit us every 6 months for cleanings and exams
We’ll check your bridge for any signs of wear or damage
Bottom line: Treat your bridge like your natural teeth, and it’ll serve you well for years.
The cost of a dental bridge depends on:
Type of bridge (traditional, Maryland, implant-supported)
Number of teeth being replaced
Materials used (porcelain, ceramic, metal)
Additional treatments needed (like extractions or gum treatment)
Typical range: $1,500 – $5,000+ per bridge
Insurance coverage: Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of bridge costs. We’ll work with your insurance to maximize your benefits.
Quick Comparison:
Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Dental Bridge | 1-3 missing teeth in a row | Permanent, no surgery, faster than implants | Requires altering adjacent teeth |
Single missing tooth or multiple scattered teeth | Most durable, preserves jawbone, doesn’t affect other teeth | Requires surgery, longer timeline, higher cost | |
Multiple missing teeth, budget-conscious | Removable, most affordable | Less stable, requires daily removal, can feel bulky |
Not sure which is right for you? We’ll walk you through the pros and cons based on your specific situation.
No. We numb the area completely during the preparation process. You might have minor sensitivity for a few days after, but most patients experience little to no discomfort.
With good care, 10-15 years on average. Some patients may get 20+ years out of their bridges with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Yes! Once you’re used to it (usually within a few days), you can eat almost anything. Just avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge.
No. We custom-make your bridge to match your natural teeth in colour, shape, and size. It blends in seamlessly.
We may recommend treating those teeth first (with fillings, root canals, etc.) or considering an implant-supported bridge instead.
It depends. Bridges are faster and don’t require surgery, but implants are more durable and don’t affect your other teeth. We’ll help you decide based on your situation, timeline, and budget.
Missing teeth don’t have to hold you back. A dental bridge gives you a natural-looking, permanent solution so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.
