Bridge

What Is a Dental Bridge? (And Is It Really Your Best Option?)

Imagine you're missing a tooth. Now, picture the neighboring teeth reaching across that gap to hold hands, supporting a brand-new tooth between them. That's essentially what a dental bridge does—it literally "bridges" the gap where a tooth used to be.

But here's what many websites don't say upfront: getting a bridge often means committing three teeth to solve the problem of one missing tooth. It's like solving a problem by creating a dedicated team. Sometimes that's the perfect solution. Other times, an alternative like a dental implant may be better. Let's talk about when bridges shine.

The Reality of a Dental Bridge: Pros and Cons

The Good News Nobody Emphasizes Enough:

You can eat normally again. We mean really eat—steak, apples, corn on the cob. That gap that collects food and makes you chew on one side? It’s gone.
It's faster than an implant. While implants can take months to allow for healing, a bridge is typically completed in just two to three weeks.
No surgery is required. If the thought of implant surgery makes you nervous, a bridge is your comfort zone. There is no surgical component to this procedure.
They are proven to last. A well-cared-for bridge can realistically last 15-20 years, and we often see them going strong for 30 or more.

The Trade-Offs We Need to Discuss:

Neighboring teeth get involved. To support the bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap must be shaped to hold crowns, even if they are perfectly healthy.
It's a three-unit solution. From a cost and maintenance perspective, you are receiving three connected crowns, not just one replacement tooth.
Cleaning requires dedication. You can't floss a bridge normally. It requires special tools like floss threaders or a water flosser to clean underneath.
They succeed or fail as a unit. If one part of the bridge fails (like a cavity on an anchor tooth), the entire bridge usually needs to be replaced.

The Bridge Journey: What to Expect

First Appointment: The Foundation (60-90 minutes)

We begin by thoroughly numbing the area. We then precisely shape the anchor teeth to serve as a stable foundation for the bridge. Finally, we take a detailed impression or digital scan and fit you with a custom temporary bridge, so you never leave with a gap in your smile.

The Waiting Period (2-3 weeks)

While our master lab technicians craft your permanent bridge, you’ll wear the temporary. During this time, it’s best to be gentle with it and avoid extremely hard or sticky foods. Some minor sensitivity on the prepared teeth is normal.

Final Appointment: The Big Reveal (45-60 minutes)

This is when the magic happens. We remove the temporary, try in your permanent bridge, and obsess over the fit, appearance, and especially the bite. With multiple teeth involved, a perfect bite adjustment is critical for comfort and longevity. Once we are both happy, we bond the bridge permanently in place.

The Big Decision: Bridge vs. Implant

A bridge might be your winning choice if:

You need a faster solution to replace a missing tooth.
The neighboring teeth already have large fillings or need crowns anyway.
You are not a candidate for surgery for health reasons or personal preference.

A dental implant is often a better consideration if:

Your neighboring teeth are perfectly healthy and have no fillings.
You are young, and want a solution that doesn't involve other teeth and can last a lifetime.
You want the easiest possible cleaning routine (an implant is cleaned just like a natural tooth).

Here's what we want you to remember:

A dental bridge is a proven, reliable, and non-surgical option for replacing missing teeth.¹ While it involves the neighboring teeth, it's often the fastest and most effective way to restore your ability to chew confidently and bring back your complete smile.

Every patient's situation is unique.

The choice between a bridge, a dental implant, or another option depends on the health of the neighboring teeth, your timeline, your budget, and your personal comfort level. There is no single "best" answer, only what's best for you.

Have questions about a missing tooth?

Or are you wondering if a dental bridge is the right choice for your smile? We're here to give you honest, personalized answers. Schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills practice – let's talk about what's really best for your smile.