Every tooth plays a role in speaking, chewing, and keeping the other teeth properly aligned. When you lose a tooth, the effects go beyond the gap: neighboring teeth drift, unusual stress lands on gums and other tissues, the risk of gum disease rises, and losing a back tooth can even make your face look older as the cheek sinks. Missing teeth can and should be replaced — and a fixed bridge is a time-tested way to do it.
A bridge attaches artificial replacement teeth to the natural teeth adjacent to the gap (called abutment teeth), usually via crowns cemented onto those anchors. Bridges may be fixed (bonded permanently) or removable; fixed bridges offer noticeably more stability. For patients who want to avoid involving neighboring teeth entirely, a dental implant is the main alternative.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Restores chewing, speech, and the natural look of your smile
- Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Supports lips and cheeks — avoids the sunken look of missing back teeth
- Reduces gum-disease risk associated with open gaps
How is a bridge attached?
The process usually takes two to three appointments. First, Dr. Kheradmand prepares the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of enamel and dentin, then takes precise impressions — the bridge must be fabricated exactly to ensure a correct bite and match the opposing teeth. A dental lab constructs the bridge, and at your final visit it's fitted, adjusted, and cemented: crowns on the abutment teeth support a pontic (the replacement tooth) in between.
How do I take care of my bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing keeps the bridge and surrounding teeth clean — critically important, because the bridge relies on its neighboring teeth for support. We'll show you how to floss under the pontic, and regular cleanings and exams let us verify the anchors stay healthy.
Cost & Financing
Bridge cost depends on the number of teeth replaced and the materials used. As a restorative treatment, bridges are covered in part by most dental insurance plans — we'll verify your coverage and provide a written estimate up front.
Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements are made in advance — we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. See our financial policy for details.
Dental Bridges: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental bridge last?
Bridge or implant — which is better?
Does getting a bridge hurt?
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
Related Services
Permanent, natural-feeling replacement for missing teeth that protects your jawbone.
Dental CrownsFull-coverage porcelain restorations that make badly damaged teeth look and work like new.
DenturesComplete tooth replacement — full, partial, immediate, and implant-retained options, plus repairs and relines.