Dental bridges · fixed in place
Replace missing teeth without taking them out at night
A custom porcelain bridge anchored to your healthy teeth — natural-looking, durable, and designed to feel like the smile you remember.
When a bridge makes sense
- A single missing tooth between two healthy neighbors that can serve as anchors.
- Several missing teeth in a row — pontics span the gap, supported by the teeth on either end.
- You aren’t a candidate for an implant due to bone loss or a medical condition.
- You want a faster, less invasive option than an implant for a non-load-bearing tooth.
Parts of a bridge
Pontic — the replacement tooth (or teeth) that fills the gap. Shaped to match your other teeth.
Abutments — the natural teeth on either side of the gap, lightly shaped to receive the crowns that hold the bridge.
Retainer crowns — the crowns over the abutments. Cemented in place to lock the bridge.
What to expect
- Consultation. We confirm a bridge is the right call, talk through alternatives, and walk through cost.
- Visit 1 (about 90 minutes). We numb the area, shape the abutment teeth, take impressions, and place a temporary bridge.
- Between visits (2–3 weeks). A dental lab fabricates the permanent porcelain bridge matched to your shade and bite.
- Visit 2 (about 60 minutes). Temporary off, permanent fitted, adjusted, and cemented. You leave with a working bite.
Caring for your bridge
Bridges don’t decay, but the teeth and gums under and around them do. Brush as you normally would, and floss under the pontic daily with a floss threader, a water flosser, or interdental brushes. Six-month cleanings let us check the margins and make sure the anchor teeth stay healthy.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- What is a dental bridge?
- A bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. The replacement teeth (called pontics) are anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap — or to dental implants — so they stay in your mouth permanently. Unlike a denture, you don't take a bridge out at night.
- How is a bridge different from an implant?
- An implant replaces both the root and the crown of a missing tooth and stands on its own. A bridge uses the neighboring teeth as anchors. Bridges are often faster and less invasive than implants, but implants don't require shaping the healthy teeth next door.
- How long does a bridge last?
- A well-made bridge typically lasts 10–15 years, sometimes longer with great home care. Keeping the gum line and the abutment teeth healthy is the biggest factor — daily flossing under the bridge with a floss threader or water flosser makes a real difference.
- How many visits does it take?
- Usually two. The first visit shapes the abutment teeth and captures impressions; you leave with a temporary bridge. The lab fabricates the permanent bridge over the next 2–3 weeks, and the second visit cements it in place.
- Will it look natural?
- Yes — modern porcelain bridges match the shape, shade, and translucency of your surrounding teeth. Even up close, well-made bridges are difficult to distinguish from natural teeth.
- Does insurance cover a bridge?
- Most plans cover a portion of a bridge as a major restorative procedure — often 50% after your deductible. We verify your benefits and give you a clear written estimate before any work begins.
We'd love to see you on Thomson Drive
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