Traditional Bridge
What is an Dental Bridge?
A fixed solution for missing teeth
If you’re missing a tooth, one way to restore your smile is with a traditional dental bridge. A bridge works by preparing the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap so that a custom prosthesis can be created and cemented in place.
This video explains how dental bridges are made, who they’re for, and why they remain a trusted solution for patients who want to quickly and effectively replace missing teeth.
What are Dental Bridges Made of?
Dental bridges at Vivid Specialized Dentistry are crafted using advanced digital technology and high-quality materials. After preparing the supporting teeth, a digital impression is taken and sent to our in-house laboratory. Here, our technicians design the bridge using 3D CAD/CAM software to ensure a precise fit for your bite and smile.
The final restoration is typically made from zirconia — chosen for its strength, durability, and natural esthetics. To achieve a lifelike look, porcelain stains and custom shading are applied by hand, so your bridge blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
Dental Bridge Maintenance
While a dental bridge is permanently cemented and functions like your own teeth, proper care is essential for long-term success. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining regular hygiene visits every 3–4 months help prevent decay around the supporting teeth — the most common cause of bridge failure. We also recommend that patients floss underneath the bridge with a Waterpik™ or Superfloss™.
The Importance of a Night Guard
If you grind or clench your teeth, wearing a custom night guard is strongly recommended. Bruxism places excessive pressure on your teeth which can increase the risk of early failure. A well-fitted night guard helps distribute these forces more evenly, protecting your investment and supporting the long-term success of your dental implants.
With consistent care, our patients’ bridges often last anywhere from 7 to 25 years.
Key Benefits of Dental Bridges
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Quick treatment timeline – most cases are completed within one month.
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Fixed and permanent – unlike removable prosthetics, bridges are fixed and reliably stay in place.
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Natural look and feel – custom-made for your smile and bite.
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Cost-effective – a more affordable fixed option when compared to procedures requiring dental implants.
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Restores function – improves chewing, speaking, and confidence.
Dental Bridges in Edmonton
At Vivid Specialized Dentistry in Ambleside, we help patients restore missing teeth with traditional dental bridges. For the right candidate, a bridge is a reliable and efficient way to restore a missing tooth and bring back a complete smile. Our in-house laboratory allows us to customize every detail of your restoration, from the fit and bite to the final shade, ensuring your bridge blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are designed to restore both function and appearance without requiring surgery. They provide a stable, fixed solution that looks and feels like natural teeth, making them an excellent option for patients who want a faster treatment timeline than dental implants. Unlike removable dentures, a bridge is permanently cemented and cared for just like your own teeth. With proper hygiene and maintenance, bridges can last many years while restoring your confidence and bite.
Dental Bridge Basics
the Fundamentals of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by preparing the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth) so they can support a custom-made replacement tooth (the pontic) that is cemented into place. Together, the abutment crowns and pontic form a three-unit bridge, restoring the space with a permanent solution.
Bridges are custom-designed for each patient to achieve a natural appearance and a comfortable bite. Once cemented, they allow you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence, often feeling very similar to your own teeth.
Just like natural teeth, bridges require good oral hygiene. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings are essential to protect the supporting teeth and prevent decay around the margins of the bridge abutments.
Placement of the Temporary Bridge
The Dental Bridge Timeline
I - We begin with a full evaluation to determine if a bridge is the right solution for you.
I I - During the preparation appointment the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are prepped (or shaved) to make space for the future bridge. A digital impression is taken and sent to our laboratory. A temporary bridge is placed so you can “test drive” the aesthetics, bite, and speech.
III - The dental bridge is designed, milled, and custom-shaded in our in-office dental laboratory. This entire process takes 1-3 weeks.
IV - Your new smile is here! We insert the bridge and make any final adjustments to the shade, bite, contacts, and margins to ensure comfort and function of your new Prosthesis.
Precision-Crafted Dental Bridges with Our In-House Laboratory
At Vivid Specialized Dentistry, our in-house dental laboratory allows us to design and deliver traditional bridges with unmatched precision and efficiency. Because everything is done on-site, we can make real-time adjustments and ensure that your bridge fits comfortably, functions properly, and looks completely natural.
Our skilled dental technicians work directly with Dr. Sumar, combining advanced CAD/CAM technology with expert hand craftsmanship. From selecting the right shade to customizing the contours of your bite, every step is tailored in-house to reduce wait times and minimize extra appointments.
This close collaboration between our clinical and lab teams means your bridge is built for durability, esthetics, and a seamless integration with your smile. It doesn’t just restore function, it feels like it was always meant to be there.
Prepping Teeth for a Dental Bridge
In order to place a traditional dental bridge, the two teeth next to the gap need to be carefully prepared. This involves shaping the enamel of the adjacent teeth to create enough space for the bridge crowns to sit securely on top. Once prepared, these teeth act as strong anchors (abutments) to support the replacement tooth in the middle.
After preparation, a digital impression is taken and used by our in-house laboratory to design your bridge with precision. A temporary bridge is then placed so you can get used to the new shape, test your bite, and evaluate the esthetics before your final bridge is made.
While tooth preparation is a safe and routine procedure, it is important to note that healthy teeth are permanently altered to support the bridge. For patients whose neighboring teeth are already in need of crowns, this makes bridges an excellent solution. But if the surrounding teeth are perfectly healthy, alternatives such as implant crowns may be recommended to preserve their natural structure.
Why Choose Vivid Specialized Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
At Vivid Specialized Dentistry, we bring specialized expertise and precision to every stage of your dental bridge treatment.
Specialized Care
As a prosthodontist, Dr. Arif Sumar is a specialist in restoring and replacing missing teeth, with advanced training in designing fixed solutions like bridges. His careful, detail-oriented approach ensures that your bridge not only looks natural but also restores proper function and bite. Whether you’re replacing a single missing tooth or multiple teeth, Dr. Sumar creates a solution that is tailored to your unique needs.
In-House Dental Laboratory
Our on-site dental lab gives us complete control over the design and fabrication of your bridge. This allows us to create highly customized restorations with faster turnaround times and the ability to make real-time adjustments. From digital impressions to final shading and finishing, every detail is managed in-house for precision, efficiency, and esthetics.
Patient-Centered Approach
Your comfort, function, and appearance are always our top priorities. Each bridge is designed to blend seamlessly with your smile while maintaining a healthy bite. We evaluate the supporting teeth, surrounding gum tissue, and overall oral health to ensure your bridge performs reliably for years to come.
At Vivid Specialized Dentistry, we do more than just replace missing teeth, we restore confidence, function, and the natural beauty of your smile with bridges that stand the test of time.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
With proper care, dental bridges are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. At Vivid Specialized Dentistry, our patients’ bridges typically last anywhere from 7 to 25 years, depending on oral health and maintenance.
The most common reason a bridge may fail is decay around the supporting teeth, which is why daily brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene visits are essential. We recommend professional cleanings every 3–4 months to help keep the supporting teeth healthy and prevent plaque buildup.
When cared for consistently, a dental bridge can provide many years of reliable function, helping you chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
The cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on your specific needs and treatment plan. Factors such as the number of teeth being replaced, the type of materials used, and the condition of the supporting teeth all play a role in determining the final cost.
Compared to implant bridges, traditional bridges are often a more cost-effective fixed solution, and treatment is typically completed in a shorter time frame. While they may cost more than a removable partial denture, bridges offer the benefit of being permanent, natural-looking, and easier to live with day-to-day.
At Vivid Specialized Dentistry, we don’t believe in flat rates. Instead, we take a personalized approach, designing a treatment plan that reflects your oral health, goals, and budget. During your consultation, Dr. Sumar will assess your case, explain your options, and provide a transparent breakdown of expected costs so you know exactly what to expect.
Our priority is to help you restore your smile with a bridge that is durable, functional, and customized to fit you.
