Dental Bridges
At Yonge & St. Clair.
A dental bridge is a fixed way to replace a missing tooth using neighbouring teeth for support. We assess the space, the surrounding teeth and your overall dental health before recommending whether a bridge makes sense.
Replacing a missing tooth
A bridge uses neighbouring teeth to support a replacement tooth.
A traditional dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by connecting the replacement to restorations on the teeth beside the space.
Unlike a removable denture, the bridge remains fixed in place. Unlike an implant-supported crown, it does not require an implant to be placed in the jaw.
Whether a bridge makes sense depends not only on the missing tooth, but also on the teeth around it.
Considering a bridge
The neighbouring teeth matter.
The condition of the supporting teeth
The teeth beside the space need to be able to support the restoration.
Existing restorations
If neighbouring teeth already have large fillings or crowns, that may influence whether a bridge is a reasonable option.
The location of the missing tooth
Different areas of the mouth have different functional and aesthetic demands.
Your bite and overall dental health
The bridge needs to work as part of the larger dental picture, not simply fill an empty space.
Replacing a tooth is not just about filling the gap. It's about choosing an option that makes sense for the teeth that remain.
The process
What should I expect?
Assess the space and supporting teeth
We examine the missing-tooth area and determine whether the neighbouring teeth are appropriate supports.
Prepare the supporting teeth
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared to receive the restorations that will hold the replacement tooth.
Make the bridge
Records are used to create a restoration designed for the space, supporting teeth and bite.
Protect the prepared teeth
When appropriate, a temporary restoration is used while the final bridge is being made.
Place the bridge
The final bridge is evaluated for fit, appearance and bite before it is secured in place.
Ongoing care
A bridge needs care around and underneath it.
Because the replacement tooth is connected to the supporting teeth, cleaning around a bridge is different from cleaning around individual teeth.
We'll show you how to clean around and underneath the restoration and continue to monitor the bridge and supporting teeth during your regular dental care.
Does the space need to be filled?
Does every missing tooth need to be replaced?
Not necessarily.
Whether replacing a missing tooth is beneficial depends on which tooth is missing, your bite, the surrounding teeth, function, appearance and the overall dental situation.
Before discussing how to replace a tooth, we first consider whether replacement makes sense.
Common questions
Common questions about dental bridges.
What is a dental bridge?+
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge uses neighbouring teeth to support the replacement tooth or teeth.
Is a dental bridge removable?+
A conventional dental bridge is fixed in place and is not removed by the patient.
How do I know if I am a candidate for a bridge?+
That depends on the missing-tooth area, the condition of the potential supporting teeth and tissues, your bite and the overall treatment plan.
Is a bridge better than an implant?+
Neither is automatically better. A traditional bridge relies on neighbouring teeth, while an implant-supported crown uses an implant in the jaw. The appropriate option depends on the clinical situation and your priorities.
Do you place dental implants at C&ND?+
A trusted periodontal specialist places the implant. We plan your treatment, coordinate with the specialist, and design and fit the final crown once the implant is ready.
How long does a dental bridge last?+
There is no fixed lifespan for every bridge. Longevity depends on the supporting teeth, the restoration, oral health, the forces it receives and changes that occur over time.
How do you clean under a dental bridge?+
Cleaning needs to reach around the supporting teeth and beneath the replacement portion of the bridge. We'll show you appropriate techniques and tools for your restoration.
Does an old bridge automatically need replacing?+
No. We assess the bridge, its supporting teeth and surrounding tissues based on condition, fit and function rather than replacing it simply because of age.
Related care
Missing a tooth?
We'll assess the space and the surrounding teeth, explain the available options and help you understand whether a bridge or another approach makes sense.
Or feel free to email us at reception@smilemail.ca. We reply to appointment requests within one business day.