A fixed prosthesis spans the gap from one or more missing teeth, supported by the adjacent natural teeth or by dental implants. A long-standing option — and we'll also tell you when implants would be a better choice for your case.
Book a bridge consultation
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. The replacement tooth (or teeth) — called pontics — is supported on either end by abutments, which are typically crowns placed on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. Once cemented in place, a bridge functions and looks like the natural teeth it replaces.
There are two main types. A traditional bridge is supported by the patient's own teeth on either side of the gap — those teeth are reduced and crowned to serve as anchors. An implant-supported bridge is supported by one or more dental implants placed where the missing teeth were — the adjacent natural teeth are left untouched. Implant-supported bridges generally last longer and don't compromise neighboring teeth, but they involve surgical implant placement first.
We'll be honest about which approach is right for your case. For many patients, particularly those missing one or two teeth in a row, implants are often the better long-term choice — they don't compromise the neighbors, they preserve jawbone, and they typically last longer. Traditional bridges still have a place: when the adjacent teeth already need crowns, when surgery isn't a good fit, when budget or timing makes implants impractical. For a fuller comparison of all options, see missing teeth — treatment options.
Traditional bridges typically take 2 visits over 2–4 weeks. Implant-supported bridges take longer because of implant healing.
Review the missing tooth (or teeth) and adjacent teeth. Take x-rays or CBCT 3D imaging as needed. Discuss whether a traditional bridge or implant-supported approach is better for your case.
For traditional bridges: under local anesthetic, the adjacent natural teeth are reshaped to serve as crown-supported abutments. For implant-supported: implants are placed first and allowed to heal — this adds 3–6 months to total treatment time.
We take a digital scan of the prepared area and design the bridge to match shape, color, and bite. The bridge is fabricated either same-day in our on-site lab (where possible) or by a traditional lab over 2–4 weeks.
If the bridge is lab-fabricated rather than printed same-day, a temporary bridge protects the abutments while you wait. The temporary feels and functions like the final bridge, just less durably.
The permanent bridge is checked for fit, color, and bite, then cemented into place. Final adjustments at the same visit. With proper care, your bridge functions like natural teeth from this point forward.
When you're replacing one or two missing teeth, you're typically choosing between a traditional bridge and a dental implant. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | Traditional Bridge | Dental Implant |
|---|---|---|
| Compromises adjacent teeth | ||
| Prevents jawbone loss | ||
| Total treatment time | 2–4 weeks | 3–6 months |
| Typical lifespan | 10–15 years | Implant: lifetime · Crown: 10–15 yrs |
| Requires surgical procedure | ||
| Cost (typical case) | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, better long-term value |
Common questions when researching a bridge.
We'll review your case, compare traditional and implant-supported options, and recommend what's best for your long-term outcome — with transparent pricing for both.