Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges provide a way to replace missing teeth. They are fixed in your mouth and highly esthetic and functional.
A Fixed, Natural-Looking Fix for Missing Teeth
A dental bridge is a permanent option for replacing one or more missing teeth. It secures a lifelike replacement tooth in the gap by anchoring it to crowns placed on your neighboring natural teeth or dental implants.
Crafted from durable materials like porcelain, bridges blend in with your smile while fully restoring your ability to chew and speak comfortably
Looking for a trusted and experienced dentist in the greater Saskatoon area?
See the wide range of services we offer on our main page.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Bridges?
- Seamless Smile: Custom-made porcelain matches your natural tooth shade to blend in invisibly.
- Fixed Stability: They are permanently cemented in place, so they will not slip or click like removable dentures.
- Restored Chewing: You can eat your favorite foods comfortably without pain or shifting.
- Clear Speech: Filling the gaps eliminates whistling sounds and improves clarity when speaking.
- Shifting Prevention: They act as placeholders, stopping neighboring teeth from drifting out of alignment.
- Facial Preservation: By supporting your lips and cheeks, they prevent premature facial aging and sagging.
- Bite Alignment: They evenly distribute the forces in your bite, protecting your jaw joint and remaining teeth from extra wear.
How long can I expect my dental bridge to last?
A dental bridge typically lasts between 5 to 15 years, but with excellent home hygiene and routine professional monitoring, some bridges can successfully function for over 20 years.
Because the artificial tooth (pontic) relies entirely on neighboring natural teeth (abutments) for structural support, preventing decay and gum disease around these anchor points is the single most important factor in maximizing its lifespan.
Step-by-Step Dental Bridge Timeline
Getting a dental bridge is a straightforward process that typically requires two office visits over a span of two to three weeks.
- Reshaping the anchor teeth: Your dentist numbs the area and removes a small layer of enamel from the teeth on either side of the gap to create space for the holding crowns.
- Creating a custom mold: The team takes a digital scan or a physical impression of your teeth to ensure the laboratory fabricates a bridge that perfectly matches your bite.
- Wearing a temporary bridge: You receive a temporary acrylic bridge to shield your exposed teeth and preserve your smile while the dental lab custom-crafts your permanent restoration.
- Bonding the final restoration: At your second visit, the dentist removes the temporary piece, checks the fit of your new custom bridge, and permanently cements it into place.
Many ways to replace a missing teeth: Dental Bridge vs Dental Implant vs Partial Denture
The best choice between a dental bridge, a dental implant, and a partial denture depends entirely on your budget, health, and how many teeth you need to replace. A dental implant replaces the root and tooth independently, a bridge links to neighboring teeth, and a partial denture is a removable appliance.
Comparing the Three Options
Feature [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] | Dental Implant | Dental Bridge | Partial Denture |
Type | Replace all missing teeth | Fixed (Permanent) | Removable |
Average Lifespan | 20+ years / Lifetime | 5 to 15 years | 5 to 10 years |
Surgical Procedure | Yes (Bone surgery) | No (Surface reshaping) | No |
Protects Jawbone | Yes (Prevents bone loss) | No | No |
Impact on Other Teeth | None (Independent) | Requires shaving anchor teeth | Can clip onto and stress adjacent teeth |
Upfront Cost | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers related to dental bridges.
Book Your Appointment Today!
Whether you need a routine cleaning, emergency dental treatment, Invisalign consultation, or family dental care, our team is here to help.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lake Vista Dental.