Restorative Dentistry · Everett, WA

Bridges

A fixed restoration that spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth.

How a bridge works

A bridge replaces missing teeth with an artificial tooth held in place by crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. Unlike a partial denture it is fixed — it is not removed for cleaning and does not move when you eat or speak.

Bridges are a good option where the neighbouring teeth already need crowns, or where an implant is not possible because of insufficient bone or a health condition. They are usually completed in a few weeks rather than several months.

A bridge is fixed — it is cemented in place and you do not take it out, which is the main reason patients choose one over a partial denture. It restores chewing on that side, stops the neighbouring teeth drifting into the gap, and is usually completed in two or three visits over a few weeks.

The trade-off is real and we would rather state it plainly: the supporting teeth have to be prepared to carry the bridge, and if they are healthy and unfilled that means removing sound enamel from two good teeth to replace one missing one. Where those teeth are pristine and bone volume is adequate, an implant is usually the more conservative choice.

When a bridge makes sense

  • One or more missing teeth with sound teeth on both sides of the gap.
  • The neighbouring teeth already need crowns, so little healthy structure is sacrificed.
  • An implant is not possible because of insufficient bone, or not wanted.
  • You want the gap closed in weeks rather than months.

What to expect

A bridge normally takes two visits over two to three weeks.

  1. 1 Preparation The supporting teeth are shaped to receive crowns, and precise impressions are taken.
  2. 2 Temporary bridge You leave with a temporary that protects the prepared teeth and keeps the space while the permanent bridge is made.
  3. 3 Fitting We check fit, bite and appearance, adjust as needed, and cement the bridge permanently.

Cleaning under a bridge

A bridge needs cleaning underneath, where a normal floss pass cannot reach. We will show you how to use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean beneath the false tooth — this is the single thing that determines how long a bridge lasts.

Common questions about bridges

How long does a bridge last?
Ten to fifteen years is typical, and often longer. What usually ends it is decay at the margin of one of the supporting teeth rather than failure of the bridge itself — which is why cleaning underneath it matters so much.
How do I clean under a bridge?
An ordinary floss pass cannot get under the false tooth, so you need a floss threader, superfloss, or an interdental brush to clean beneath it daily. We will show you on your own bridge before you leave.
Bridge or implant — which is better?
Neither, universally. An implant preserves the neighbouring teeth and the bone, and lasts longer, but costs more and takes months. A bridge is faster and does not need surgery or bone volume, at the cost of preparing two teeth. We will go through both against your specific situation.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
Preparation is done under local anesthetic and is comfortable. Some sensitivity between the preparation visit and fitting is normal while the temporary is in place, and it settles once the final bridge is cemented.
Will it look natural?
Yes — modern bridges are made from porcelain or zirconia matched to your own teeth. The part that needs care is where the false tooth meets the gum, which is shaped so it looks like it emerges from the tissue while still being cleanable.

Questions about bridges?

We'll walk you through the options, the costs, and what to expect.

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