Restorative Dentistry›Dental Bridges
Dental
Bridges
At a Glance
2–3 appointments
Visits Required
10–15+ years
Lifespan
Local
Anaesthesia
Minimal
Recovery
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth on either side. Bridges restore your bite, prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting, and are crafted to match your natural smile — providing a fixed, non-removable solution to tooth loss.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns cemented onto the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. The result is a fixed restoration that fills the space left by a missing tooth without the need for surgery.
Modern bridges are fabricated from high-quality porcelain or ceramic and are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth in colour, shape, and proportion.
- Replaces one or more missing teeth without surgery
- Fixed in place — not removable like dentures
- Prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting or tilting into the gap
- Restores full chewing function and natural bite alignment
What to Expect During Treatment
Bridge treatment typically takes two to three appointments. The adjacent anchor teeth (abutments) are prepared and shaped to receive the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Impressions are taken and the bridge is custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory.
- Consultation — examination and X-rays to assess the gap and anchor teeth
- Tooth preparation — abutment teeth are shaped under local anaesthesia
- Impressions — precise records taken for accurate lab fabrication
- Temporary bridge — placed to protect the teeth while the permanent bridge is made
- Final placement — the bridge is fitted, adjusted, and permanently cemented
Unlike a dental implant, a bridge does not require surgery or a healing period. For patients who are not implant candidates or want a faster solution, a bridge is an excellent alternative.
Caring for Your Bridge
With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10–15 years or more. Special attention to cleaning underneath the bridge (the pontic area) is important to maintain the health of the gums below.
- Brush twice daily, thoroughly cleaning around the crowns and pontic
- Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean under the bridge
- Avoid biting hard or sticky foods that could loosen or crack the bridge
- Schedule regular professional cleanings so we can assess the bridge and underlying gum health
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a proven, time-tested solution that restores function and aesthetics while preventing the cascading dental problems that follow tooth loss.
- Permanently fills the gap — no removal required
- Prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting and compromising your bite
- Restores confident chewing, speaking, and smiling
- Natural-looking result matched to your existing teeth
- Faster and less invasive than implant treatment
Common
Questions
Is a bridge or an implant better for a missing tooth?
Both are excellent options for different situations. An implant is generally the preferred long-term solution because it preserves the bone and doesn't require altering adjacent teeth. A bridge may be preferable if the adjacent teeth already need crowns, if there is insufficient bone for an implant, or if a faster, non-surgical solution is desired. We'll discuss both options during your consultation.
Does bridge treatment affect the neighbouring teeth?
Yes — the anchor teeth (abutments) need to be shaped and crowned to support the bridge. This is a permanent modification to those teeth. If the adjacent teeth are already heavily restored or damaged, this is less of a concern; if they are healthy and intact, an implant may be the more conservative option.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Regular flossing requires a floss threader to pass the floss underneath the bridge. Interdental brushes and water flossers also work well for this area. We'll demonstrate the correct technique at your appointment.
How long will a bridge last?
With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, a dental bridge typically lasts 10–15 years or more. The longevity depends heavily on how well the area under the bridge is kept clean and free of bacterial buildup.
Ready to
Get Started?
Book your appointment at Keheewin Family Dental today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
