Table of Contents
Missing a tooth can change how you chew, speak, and smile. A dental bridge is a proven, natural-looking way to close the gap and protect your oral health. At Billings West Dental, Dr. Low designs custom dental bridges that fit your bite, safeguard your remaining teeth, and help you feel confident again. A bridge is also a great option when there isn’t enough bone to support a dental implant and you prefer a fixed (non-removable) solution.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge fills the space of a missing tooth (or teeth) with an artificial tooth called a pontic, anchored permanently to the teeth or implants on either side of the gap. It restores function and appearance while keeping your bite in balance. At Billings West Dental, bridges are custom-made to match your smile—shade, shape, and fit—so they look natural and feel secure.
7 Benefits Patients Love About Dental Bridges
- Restores a complete smile – Fills the space so your smile looks natural in photos and conversation.
- Improves chewing and speech – Stabilizes your bite so everyday eating and speaking feel normal again.
- Prevents shifting – Helps keep neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap, which can affect your bite and trap food.
- Fixed, not removable – Many patients prefer a bridge to a removable partial denture because it’s cemented in place and feels more like natural teeth.
- Great when implants aren’t ideal – If you have insufficient bone or implants aren’t the right fit, a bridge is a strong, long-term alternative.
- Custom-made for your smile – Tailored to your bite and color-matched to blend in seamlessly.
- Supports long-term oral health – Restoring the space helps keep gums and supporting teeth healthier and easier to clean.
When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?
Our office will often recommend a bridge to replace a missing tooth when you want a fixed solution, when adjacent teeth can support crowns, or when there’s not enough bone for a dental implant. Bridges can also eliminate the need for a removable appliance and help prevent natural teeth from shifting.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dr. Low will help you choose the best design based on where the gap is and which teeth (or implants) can support it.
- Traditional bridge: The most common type. A pontic is anchored by crowns on the teeth next to the gap.
- Cantilever bridge: Anchored on one adjacent tooth; used selectively in lower-stress areas.
- Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge: Uses small “wings” bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth; conservative and often used for front teeth when conditions are ideal.
- Implant-supported bridge: Anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth—useful when several teeth in a row are missing.
The Dental Bridge Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a bridge at Billings West Dental is typically completed in two visits for traditional bridges (implant-supported bridges involve additional steps and healing).
Visit 1: Prep, impressions, and a temporary
• Exam, X-rays, and planning
• Shaping the supporting teeth for crowns (traditional bridge)
• Precise impressions and shade selection
• Placement of a temporary bridge to protect the area
Visit 2: Try-in and final bonding
• Fit and bite check for comfort and function
• Shade/aesthetics review to match your smile
• Permanent cementation and care instructions
Comfort and Sedation
Most patients do great with local anesthesia and describe the procedure as comfortable. If dental anxiety is a barrier, we offer conscious oral sedation: you’ll take a prescribed medication at our office before treatment, remain awake but deeply relaxed, and you’ll need a driver to and from your visit. It’s common to feel drowsy after and remember little about the appointment.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
With good home care and routine checkups, bridges commonly last 10–15 years or longer. Longevity depends on the bridge type, bite forces, and your daily hygiene.
Make it last: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss under the pontic daily using a floss threader/super floss or a water flosser, keep up with professional cleanings and exams, and wear a nightguard if you grind.
Bridge vs. Implant vs. Partial Denture—Quick Compare
- Bridge: Fast, fixed solution using neighboring teeth (or implants) to support the pontic.
- Implant: Replaces the root and helps preserve bone; ideal when bone and health conditions allow.
- Partial denture: Removable, budget-friendly option for multiple missing teeth; requires daily removal and cleaning.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—Dr. Low will tailor recommendations to your health, goals, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long does a dental bridge take?
Most traditional bridges are completed over two visits within a couple of weeks; implant-supported bridges take longer due to healing.
Do dental bridges look natural?
Yes. Your bridge is custom-made to match your teeth in color and shape.
How much does a dental bridge cost?*
Costs vary by type, materials, and how many teeth are replaced. Traditional bridges often range $1,500–$3,500+, while implant-supported bridges may be higher depending on the number of implants and units. These are estimates—please contact Billings West Dental in Billings, MT for accurate pricing for your treatment plan.
Will I be able to eat normally?
Yes. After a short adjustment period, most patients chew comfortably. Avoid chewing ice or very hard items to protect the restoration.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Use a floss threader, super floss, or a water flosser daily beneath the pontic, plus your normal brushing and interdental cleaning.
Why Patients Choose Billings West Dental for Bridges
- Custom-made restorations designed for your unique smile
- A fixed, permanent solution—no removable appliance needed
- Ideal when there’s insufficient bone for implants
- Restores chewing and speech, helps prevent shifting, and elevates your smile’s appearance
Ready to explore whether a bridge is right for you? Contact Billings West Dental to schedule a consultation with Dr. Low. We’ll walk you through every option and create a plan that fits your goals.
