A missing tooth does more than leave a gap in your smile. Over time, the surrounding teeth begin to drift toward the open space, your bite shifts, and the bone beneath the empty area starts to break down. These changes happen gradually, but their impact on how you look, how you chew, and how you feel about your appearance is real and cumulative. A dental bridge addresses all of this by filling the gap with a fixed, natural-looking restoration that prevents further movement and restores full function.
At Seattle Smiles Company, we design custom dental bridges for patients throughout downtown Seattle and the greater Seattle area. As part of our restorative dentistry services, every bridge is crafted to blend with your surrounding teeth and built to last. Dr. Kashi brings advanced fellowship-level training in restorative care, and our team uses the latest digital technology to ensure a precise, comfortable fit. We offer free consultations, flexible monthly payment options, and sedation dentistry for patients who want a more relaxed experience.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth, called a pontic, between two supporting structures on either side of the open space. Those supporting structures are called abutment teeth. In a traditional bridge, the abutment teeth are natural teeth that are prepared and fitted with dental crowns, which hold the pontic firmly in place. In an implant-supported bridge, the abutments are titanium implants placed in the jawbone, which eliminates the need to alter neighboring healthy teeth.
Unlike removable partial dentures, a bridge is permanently cemented in place, giving you a stable, secure result that functions like natural teeth. Bridges can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. Porcelain and ceramic options closely mimic the color and translucency of natural enamel and are the most common choice for visible areas of the mouth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, approximately 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, making bridges one of the most frequently placed restorations in dentistry.
Types of Dental Bridges
Not every bridge is designed the same way, and the right type depends on the location of the missing tooth, the health of the surrounding teeth, and whether implants are part of the plan. Here is a look at the four main options we offer.
- Traditional bridges: the most common type, using crowns on the abutment teeth on either side of the gap to hold the pontic in place. Best suited for patients with healthy, strong neighboring teeth.
- Maryland bridges: a more conservative option that bonds a metal or porcelain framework to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring little to no reshaping of those teeth. Often used for front teeth replacements.
- Cantilever bridges: attach to only one abutment tooth, used in cases where healthy teeth are only present on one side of the open space. Less common due to increased stress on the supporting tooth.
- Implant-supported bridges: anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, preserving the health of adjacent teeth and providing the most stable, long-lasting result. Ideal for replacing multiple consecutive missing teeth.
During your consultation, we will review your x-rays and digital scans to determine which type of bridge best fits your anatomy, goals, and budget.
We Look Forward to Caring for Your Smile
Looking for high-quality dental care in Seattle, Washington? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Bridges vs. Partial Dentures
When a patient is missing one or more teeth, both bridges and removable partial dentures can be appropriate solutions depending on the situation. The key distinction is that a bridge is fixed and cannot be taken out, while a partial denture is removable. Fixed bridges tend to be the preferred option for most patients because they are more stable during chewing and speaking, do not require nightly removal, and feel closer to natural teeth. Partial dentures, however, can be a better fit when there are not enough healthy surrounding teeth to support a bridge, or when cost is a primary consideration. Our team will walk you through both options during your free consultation so you can make the decision that is right for your specific situation.
The Bridge Placement Process
Getting a traditional dental bridge at Seattle Smiles Company typically takes two appointments. At the first visit, we prepare the abutment teeth by gently reshaping them to accommodate the crowns that will anchor the bridge. We use our digital scanners to capture precise measurements of your teeth, which serve as the blueprint for your custom bridge. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent restoration is crafted in the lab.
At the second appointment, we remove the temporary bridge and carefully assess the fit of your permanent restoration, making any adjustments needed to ensure proper bite alignment and comfort. Once everything looks and feels right, we permanently cement the bridge in place. For implant-supported bridges, the timeline is longer because the implants require several months to fuse with the jawbone before the final bridge is attached. We walk every patient through their specific timeline at the outset so there are no surprises along the way.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth and have healthy surrounding teeth or are good candidates for implants may be well suited for a dental bridge. Patients who have been living with a gap for years, recently had an extraction, or are looking to upgrade from a removable partial denture are all common bridge candidates. Good overall oral health and adequate bone support at the replacement site are the main clinical criteria we evaluate. If additional treatment such as a bone graft or periodontal care is needed first, we will outline that clearly before moving forward. The best way to find out if a bridge is the right fit is to come in for a free consultation and let us take a look.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
A well-maintained bridge can last ten years or longer, and caring for it is straightforward once you know the right technique. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, paying close attention to the areas where the bridge meets the gumline. Flossing requires a floss threader or interproximal brush to clean beneath the pontic and around the base of the abutment crowns, areas that a standard floss pass will miss. Your dental team will show you exactly how to do this at your follow-up visit.
Attending regular dental cleanings and exams every six months is equally important. During those appointments, we check for any signs of decay around the abutment teeth, inspect the gumline beneath the pontic, and remove any buildup that home care cannot reach. Catching any small concerns early is the best way to protect the longevity of your restoration and the health of the teeth supporting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care and regular checkups, a dental bridge can last ten years or longer. The longevity depends on the materials used, the health of the abutment teeth, and how consistently you maintain oral hygiene at home. Attending professional cleanings every six months is one of the best ways to protect your investment.
Are dental bridges painful to get?
The bridge placement process is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel pressure during tooth preparation but not sharp pain. Some sensitivity around the abutment teeth in the days following your first appointment is normal and typically resolves quickly. If you are anxious about the procedure, we offer sedation options including IV sedation and oral sedation to help you feel completely comfortable.
How many teeth can a bridge replace?
A traditional bridge can typically replace one to three consecutive missing teeth, depending on the strength and location of the abutment teeth on either side. For patients missing more teeth than a traditional bridge can span, an implant-supported bridge or full-arch replacement may be a better option. We will evaluate your specific situation and present all alternatives during your consultation.
Does insurance cover dental bridges?
Many PPO dental insurance plans include coverage for bridges as a major restorative procedure, often covering a portion of the cost. We accept most PPO plans and will review your benefits with you before treatment begins. For patients without coverage or with remaining out-of-pocket costs, we offer financing through Sunbit, Alphaeon Credit, Proceed Finance, Scratch Pay, Care Credit, and our own in-house payment plan.
What is the difference between a bridge and a dental implant?
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a titanium post placed in the jawbone, while a bridge spans the open space using neighboring teeth or implants as anchors. Implants preserve the jawbone and do not require altering adjacent teeth, making them the most comprehensive long-term solution. Bridges are a strong, effective option when implants are not a fit due to bone loss, cost, or patient preference. We will help you weigh both during your consultation.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes. Once your bridge is permanently cemented and fully settled, you can eat a wide variety of foods comfortably. We recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods that could stress the restoration, such as chewing ice or very hard candies. Most patients find that a bridge significantly improves their ability to chew compared to having a gap or wearing a removable partial denture.
Restore Your Smile With Seattle Smiles Company
At Seattle Smiles Company, we combine advanced digital technology with personalized, attentive care to create bridges that look natural, fit precisely, and hold up to the demands of everyday life. Dr. Kashi’s fellowship-level training in implants and restorative care means every case is planned and executed with a level of precision that goes beyond standard dentistry. We serve patients throughout greater Seattle from our state-of-the-art downtown facility and welcome adults at every stage of life, including those 55 and older who are ready to address years of accumulated dental concerns. We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer flexible payment solutions, including our own in-house financing program designed to make quality care accessible through manageable monthly payments. Our membership plan also provides additional savings for patients without traditional dental insurance.
If a missing tooth has been affecting your confidence, your bite, or your daily comfort, a dental bridge may be exactly what you need to move forward. We offer free consultations so you can explore your options with no pressure and no financial commitment upfront. Contact our office today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward a complete, confident smile.
206-814-0800