Restorative Dentistry
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge fills the space of a missing tooth (or two) with a fixed restoration anchored to the healthy teeth on either side. It's a long-standing, reliable alternative to a single implant — often faster, sometimes less expensive, and a great fit for the right situation.
Why it matters
Benefits
- Fixed in place — no removing at night, no clicking.
- Restores chewing and speaking comfort within a few visits.
- Looks natural — porcelain matched to surrounding teeth.
- Faster than an implant — no months-long healing wait.
- Reliable, time-tested option used in dentistry for decades.
What to expect
The process
- 01
Assessment
We check the health of the teeth on either side of the gap (the abutment teeth) — they need to be strong enough to support the bridge. An x-ray helps confirm.
- 02
Preparing the abutment teeth
The two teeth flanking the gap are shaped to receive crowns. Local freezing keeps you comfortable; sedation options are available if you'd prefer.
- 03
Impressions or scan
We capture the shape of your prepared teeth so the bridge can be custom-made to fit. Often we use a digital scanner — no goopy impressions.
- 04
Temporary bridge
You wear a temporary bridge for 1–2 weeks while the final one is crafted. It protects the prepared teeth and lets you eat normally.
- 05
Final fitting and cementing
The permanent bridge is checked for fit, bite, and shade — then cemented in place. Most patients are eating with it normally the same day.
When a bridge is the right call
The “right” tooth replacement depends on the situation. A bridge typically makes sense when:
- The neighbouring teeth already need crowns. If the teeth on either side of the gap are already heavily filled or chipped, putting crowns on them as part of a bridge is “two birds, one stone.”
- You want a faster solution. A bridge is typically completed in 2–3 weeks. An implant takes 4–9 months from placement to final crown.
- Bone grafting would be needed for an implant. If significant bone has been lost, a bridge avoids that surgical step.
- Cost is a major factor. Bridges are often less expensive overall than implants.
When an implant is better
We’ll be honest if an implant is the better long-term call for you:
- The neighbouring teeth are healthy. Cutting them down to anchor a bridge feels wrong when they’re untouched.
- You’re young. Bridges have a lifespan — implants tend to last longer.
- You want to preserve the jawbone. Implants stimulate bone like a natural root. The space under a bridge slowly loses bone over time.
What makes our bridge work different
- Same team start to finish. No referral, no juggling between offices.
- Digital scans, not goopy impressions — more accurate and more comfortable.
- Natural-looking porcelain. We don’t use old-style metal-fused-to-porcelain unless there’s a reason to; modern all-ceramic bridges look better and don’t show a dark line at the gumline over time.
Book a consultation or call 403-271-2221 — we’ll talk through whether a bridge or implant fits your situation better.
FAQ
Questions we hear most often
- Bridge vs. dental implant — which should I choose?
- An implant is generally the better long-term answer because it doesn't involve cutting down healthy neighbouring teeth. A bridge can be the right call when the neighbouring teeth already need crowns anyway, when you need a faster solution, when bone grafting would be required for an implant, or when cost is a major factor. We talk through the trade-offs at your consultation.
- How much does a dental bridge cost in Calgary?
- A typical three-unit bridge (two abutment crowns + one replacement tooth) is priced similarly to a single implant + crown — sometimes a bit less. We provide a complete written quote at your visit and direct-bill most insurance plans.
- How long do bridges last?
- With good care, bridges commonly last 10–15 years. Some last 20+. The most common reason they eventually need replacement is decay developing on the abutment teeth at the edge of the crowns — which is preventable with cleanings and good home care.
- How do I clean under a bridge?
- You brush the surface normally, but flossing requires a small adjustment — you can't pass floss between the teeth that are connected. We'll teach you how to use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean underneath the false tooth (the pontic). Five extra seconds at the sink a day, basically.
- Can a bridge replace more than one missing tooth?
- Yes — bridges can replace 2 or even 3 missing teeth in a row, supported by the teeth on either side. Beyond that, an implant-supported bridge is usually the better engineering choice.
- Is the procedure painful?
- No. Preparing the abutment teeth is done with local freezing and is comparable to having two fillings done. Patients usually report mild sensitivity for a few days after, which fades quickly.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a consultation.
We'll listen first, then build a plan around your goals and comfort.