Dental Bridges in Vancouver, BC
Missing teeth can create various issues, ranging from affecting your appearance and self-confidence to making eating and speaking difficult. At My Dentist Vancouver, we want to be part of the solution. We can use a dental bridge to replace a lost tooth or teeth, which can tackle these issues. Our dentist in Vancouver, BC is happy to offer dental bridges near you.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge is a prosthesis (replacement part) that spans a space between two teeth by using one or more artificial teeth. The artificial tooth is known as a “pontic,” which comes from the French word “pont,” which means “bridge.” Abutments, or healthy adjacent teeth, offer support on both sides, similar to a bridge across a chasm.
To offer this critical support, the abutment teeth must be crowned or “capped” to offer this critical support. The abutment teeth are first prepared by removing their enamel and making room for the crowns to fit over and completely cover them. The abutment tooth’s crowns will be connected to the pontic in between. The pontic is essentially a crown, except it doesn’t have a tooth underneath.
What Can You Expect?
It normally takes two visits to our dentist near you to get bridgework. My Dentist Vancouver will prepare your abutment teeth during your first visit, utilizing local anesthetic to reduce any drilling discomfort.
Your dentist will then use a putty-like impression substance to create a cast of your prepped teeth, or we’ll use digital scanning equipment to build a 3D model. The dental lab professionals who will manufacture your bridge will use the 3D models of your teeth. Before you leave the office, we’ll offer you a temporary bridge to wear.
We may be able to cement your permanent bridge in place during your next visit. A brief adjustment phase may occur while adjusting to the new bridge’s feel against your lips, tongue, and cheeks. If this sounds like something you could benefit from, we suggest making a consultation with My Dentist Vancouver. We’ll be happy to determine if a dental bridge is ideal for you.
FAQs
A dental implant preserves jawbone and does not alter adjacent teeth — generally considered the gold standard for single-tooth replacement. A dental bridge is faster and more affordable, making it better suited when neighbouring teeth already have large restorations or when implant surgery is not medically appropriate. Our prosthodontists honestly outline both options at your consultation.
Regular floss cannot reach beneath a dental bridge — you need a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser to remove plaque from beneath the pontic (artificial tooth). Our team demonstrates the correct technique at your fitting appointment. Consistent cleaning under the bridge prevents decay on the anchor teeth and gum disease beneath the restoration.
Most patients adapt comfortably to a dental bridge within a few weeks of placement. Modern porcelain and zirconia bridges are shaped to match your natural bite pattern closely. Our prosthodontists make precise bite adjustments at the fitting appointment to ensure even pressure distribution. Over time, most patients stop noticing any difference from their original natural teeth.
If an anchor (abutment) tooth develops decay or fractures beneath the bridge, the entire bridge may need to be removed and replaced. This is why protecting anchor teeth through meticulous cleaning and regular check-ups is so important. Our team monitors abutment tooth health at every exam to catch any developing issues before they compromise the entire bridge restoration.
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments about two weeks apart. At the first appointment, anchor teeth are prepared, and an impression is taken. You wear a temporary or short-term bridge while the permanent one is crafted in the lab. At the second appointment, the permanent bridge is cemented, adjusted for bite, and polished to a natural finish.
