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Dental Crowns & Bridges

Dental Bridges

Dentist showing a patient a model of a dental bridge during a consultation

Overview

Close the gap — without surgery

A dental bridge does exactly what the name suggests: it spans the space left by a missing tooth. Custom crowns are fitted over the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, and a natural-looking replacement tooth — or several in a row — is anchored securely between them. Because the bridge is cemented in place, it stays put: nothing to take out at night, no adhesives, and no slipping when you talk or laugh.

Bridges are a time-tested choice when one or a few neighboring teeth are missing and the teeth beside the gap are strong enough to serve as anchors. They make particular sense when those neighbors already have large fillings or damage and would benefit from crowns anyway. If the neighboring teeth are healthy and untouched, a single tooth implant may be the better path — it stands on its own without reshaping anything nearby. We'll walk you through both options honestly so you can choose with confidence.

At Complete Dental Care in Atlantis, a bridge typically takes two comfortable visits. First we shape the anchor teeth, take detailed impressions, and place a temporary bridge so you never leave with a gap. A dental lab then crafts your final bridge, shaded to blend with the teeth around it. At the second visit we check the fit and your bite, make fine adjustments, and cement it permanently. After that, care is simple: brush as usual, clean beneath the bridge daily with a floss threader or water flosser, and keep up with regular checkups.

  • Replaces one tooth or several in a row
  • Fixed in place — nothing to remove at night
  • Custom-shaded to blend with your smile
  • Temporary bridge while yours is crafted
  • Careful fit and bite adjustment
  • Honest guidance on bridge vs. implant

When To See Us

Signs a bridge may be right for you

A missing tooth affects more than your smile. If any of these sound familiar, a consultation will show you exactly where you stand.

A gap between otherwise sound teeth

Left open, a gap invites the neighboring teeth to drift and tip into the space, which can change your bite over time. A bridge fills the gap and helps hold everything in line.

You'd rather skip surgery

A bridge restores your smile without a surgical procedure, and the timeline is usually shorter than an implant's. For patients who can't have — or simply don't want — implant surgery, it's a dependable alternative.

A tooth just broke or came out

Sudden tooth loss deserves prompt attention — the sooner we assess it, the more replacement options stay open. Call our 24/7 emergency line at 561-787-7517 or book an emergency visit.

Common Questions

Dental bridge questions, answered

How long do dental bridges last?
It depends on your home care, your checkup habits, and the health of the anchor teeth. Many well-cared-for bridges serve for a decade or longer, while others need replacement sooner. What usually shortens a bridge's life is decay creeping under the anchor crowns or gum problems around them — which is why daily cleaning under the bridge and regular exams matter so much.
Which is better — a bridge or an implant?
Neither wins every case. A bridge is non-surgical, usually finished in a few weeks, and sensible when the neighboring teeth would benefit from crowns anyway. A single tooth implant stands alone without reshaping neighbors and helps preserve the jawbone beneath the gap. At your consultation we'll examine your teeth, explain the tradeoffs plainly, and let you decide — we offer both.
Can I eat normally with a bridge?
Yes — that's largely the point. Once your bridge is fitted and you've adjusted to it, most everyday foods are back on the menu, and chewing typically feels far more natural than living with a gap. Start with softer foods for the first few days, then treat your bridge like natural teeth: go easy on very sticky candies and don't chew ice.

24/7 emergency line — day or night

In pain right now? Don't wait until morning.

Call our 24/7 emergency line and a licensed dentist will get you seen as quickly as possible.