Restorative Dentistry
Dental Bridges
A fixed, natural-looking way to replace one or more missing teeth, anchored to the teeth or implants beside the gap.
When a tooth, or a few in a row, is lost, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap: a custom artificial tooth, or several, held in place by crowns anchored to the healthy structures on either side. The result is fixed permanently in your mouth, with no clasps or removable parts, and shaped to match the rest of your smile.
Who a bridge is for
A bridge makes the most sense when the teeth on either side of the gap are strong enough to support crowns, especially if those teeth would benefit from crowns anyway, for example if they’re heavily filled or worn. It’s one of the more common ways we help patients here in Thousand Oaks close a gap without surgery.
What a visit looks like
We shape the supporting teeth to hold the crowns, then take a digital scan with our Primescan scanner, no goopy impression trays, to design a bridge that fits your bite precisely and matches your tooth color. When anesthetic is needed, we use the STA Wand, a computer-controlled system that delivers it more gently and precisely than a traditional syringe. A bridge can also be anchored to a dental implant instead of natural teeth, avoiding any reshaping of healthy teeth; for those cases we use Atlantis custom abutments, milled specifically for your mouth rather than a stock part. Depending on the materials and lab work involved, timelines vary a bit case to case, and we’ll walk you through yours at your visit.
Living with a bridge
A bridge feels much like your natural teeth once it’s in place. We’ll show you simple tools, like floss threaders or small interdental brushes, to clean underneath it as part of your normal routine, and our hygienists check it at every hygiene visits to keep it healthy for years. Replacing a missing tooth also helps stop the neighboring teeth from drifting and keeps your bite balanced, both of which matter to us as part of a whole-mouth, whole-body Complete Health approach to care.
Bridge or implant?
Bridges are a time-tested alternative to implants, and sometimes the better choice, especially when the neighboring teeth would benefit from crowns anyway. A bridge uses those neighboring teeth for support and doesn’t require surgery; an implant stands on its own, without altering healthy teeth next to the gap, but involves a placement surgery and a healing period first. We’ll compare both honestly so you can decide with confidence, and you’re welcome to see real crown and bridge results in our cases gallery.
Common questions
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge replaces a missing tooth (or several) with an artificial tooth anchored to crowns on the neighboring teeth or implants. It’s fixed in place, with no removable parts.
How is a bridge different from a partial denture?
A bridge is cemented in permanently and feels much like natural teeth. A partial denture is removable. When the supporting teeth are suitable, a bridge is usually the more comfortable and stable option.
How do I clean under a bridge?
We’ll show you simple tools, like floss threaders and small interdental brushes, that make cleaning under the bridge part of your normal routine. Our hygienists check it at every visit.
Should I choose a dental bridge or an implant?
It depends on your situation. A bridge uses the neighboring teeth for support and doesn’t require surgery. An implant stands on its own, without altering healthy teeth next to the gap, but involves a placement surgery and a healing period. An exam is the best way to find out which fits your mouth — we’ll walk you through both honestly.