Dental Bridge in NW Calgary
All Smiles Dental Care offers fixed dental bridges in NW Calgary at 5149 Country Hills Blvd NW. A fixed bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth that are held in place by crowns or implants and cannot be removed, and our general dentists treat adults and families.
What Is a Fixed Dental Bridge?
A fixed bridge, also called a dental bridge, fills the gap left by a missing tooth. It has artificial teeth, called pontics, that sit in the gap. The pontics are anchored to the natural teeth beside the gap, or to dental implants, so the bridge stays in place and you do not take it out to clean or sleep.
Patients come to us for bridges from Country Hills, Hamptons, Hidden Valley, Panorama Hills, Coventry Hills, Evanston, Sandstone, Kincora, Nolan Hill, Sherwood and the surrounding NW Calgary communities. Our guide on why you should not ignore a missing tooth explains what can happen when a gap is left alone.
How can a bridge help?
- Helps you chew and speak more comfortably
- Helps maintain the shape of your face
- Helps keep neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap
- Spreads bite forces more evenly across your teeth
Types of Dental Bridges
The right type depends on which teeth are missing and the health of the teeth around the gap. Your dentist will explain which type suits you after an exam.
| Bridge type | How it is held in place | When it may be used |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional bridge | Crowns on the natural teeth on both sides of the gap | A gap with a natural tooth on each side |
| Cantilever bridge | A crown on the natural tooth on one side only | A gap with a natural tooth on one side only |
| Maryland bridge | A metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the neighbouring teeth, with little preparation | When the neighbouring teeth should be changed as little as possible |
| Implant-supported bridge | Dental implants on either side of the gap | Replacing several teeth |
The crowns that hold a bridge are made the same way as a single dental crown. A porcelain bridge is matched to the colour, shape and translucency of your natural teeth, so it blends in with your smile.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Bridge?
A traditional bridge usually takes two appointments. A lab makes your bridge between visits, which takes about two weeks. A temporary bridge protects your teeth while you wait.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Exam and X-rays | Your dentist checks the gap and the teeth around it, and takes digital X-rays to see the roots and the bone |
| 2. Preparing the anchor teeth | The teeth beside the gap are reshaped so crowns can fit over them, and the area is numbed first |
| 3. Impressions | Detailed impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab |
| 4. Temporary bridge | A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth while your bridge is made |
| 5. Fitting visit | The temporary is removed, and your bridge is tried in and adjusted for bite comfort and how well it blends in |
| 6. Cementing | Once the fit feels right, the bridge is bonded in place |
If you feel nervous about dental work, ask about our sedation dentistry options, which include nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
Bridge vs Dental Implant vs Denture
There is more than one way to replace a missing tooth. Each has trade-offs.
| Fixed bridge | Dental implant | Denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it stays in place | Crowns on neighbouring teeth, or implants | A post placed in the jawbone | Rests on the gums, and some designs clip onto teeth |
| Removable? | No | No | Yes |
| Neighbouring teeth | Natural anchor teeth are reshaped for crowns | Neighbouring teeth are not reshaped | Some partial dentures use clasps on neighbouring teeth |
| Typical visits | Usually two | Several, spread over time | Several fittings |
| Good to know | Suits gaps where neighbouring teeth may need crowns | Needs enough healthy bone | Can replace many teeth |
You can read more about a dental implant or dentures and partial dentures on their own pages. For a closer look at the choices, see bridge, crowns or dental implants: which is right for me and dental implants vs dentures.
Caring for Your Bridge
A bridge needs the same daily care as your natural teeth.
- Brush twice a day and floss every day
- Clean under the artificial tooth with a floss threader or an interdental brush
- Keep up your regular checkups so your dentist can watch the bridge and the teeth that support it
With good care and regular visits, a bridge can last for many years. How long yours lasts depends on your habits and your oral health.
Do I Need a Tooth Removed First?
Sometimes a damaged tooth cannot be saved, and the gap it leaves is where a bridge could go. If that is your situation, we also offer tooth extraction. If a broken or painful tooth cannot wait, see our page for an emergency dentist in NW Calgary.
Why Choose All Smiles Dental Care for a Dental Bridge
- General dentists caring for children and adults at one family-friendly clinic
- Local anesthesia, plus nitrous oxide and oral sedation for anxious patients
- Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to plan your treatment
- Direct insurance billing
- 0% financing available
Dental Bridge Cost in Calgary
The cost of a bridge depends on how many teeth are missing, the type of bridge and the materials, so a price can only be given after your dentist examines you. We bill insurance directly and offer 0% financing, and our team can explain your coverage and payment options when you call 403-777-3567.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fixed dental bridge?
A fixed bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth, called pontics, that are held in place by crowns on neighbouring teeth or by dental implants. You cannot remove it, so there is no adhesive and no daily taking out. The artificial teeth are matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
How many visits does a dental bridge take?
A traditional bridge usually takes two appointments. At the first, your dentist prepares the anchor teeth, takes impressions and places a temporary bridge. A lab makes your bridge in about two weeks. At the second visit, the temporary comes off and your bridge is fitted, adjusted and bonded.
What are the types of dental bridges?
There are four common types. A traditional bridge uses crowns on both sides of the gap. A cantilever bridge uses a crown on one side only. A Maryland bridge uses a framework bonded to the back of neighbouring teeth. An implant-supported bridge is anchored by dental implants. Your dentist will advise which suits your gap.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good daily care and regular checkups, a bridge can last for many years. The exact time depends on your habits, your oral health and the teeth that support the bridge. Brushing, flossing under the artificial tooth and keeping your regular dental visits all help protect your bridge.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to where the bridge meets the gum. A regular string of floss cannot slide under the artificial tooth, so use a floss threader or an interdental brush. Regular checkups let your dentist monitor it.
Should I choose a bridge or a dental implant?
It depends on your mouth. A bridge may suit a gap where the neighbouring teeth already need crowns. An implant may suit a gap where the neighbouring teeth are healthy and you would rather not reshape them, if you have enough bone. Your dentist can examine you and explain both options.
How much does a dental bridge cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on how many teeth are missing, the type of bridge and the materials, so a price can only be given after an exam. We bill insurance directly and offer 0% financing. Call 403-777-3567 and our team can explain your coverage and payment options before you decide.
Book Your Dental Bridge Consultation
Missing a tooth? Call All Smiles Dental Care and we will help you find the right way to replace it. You can also book a visit online or read about our NW Calgary dental clinic.
- Monday:9 AM to 8 PM
- Tuesday:8 AM to 4 PM
- Wednesday:8 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday:7 AM to 4 PM
- Friday:7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday:9 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday:Closed
All Smiles Dental Care, 5149 Country Hills Blvd NW, #206, Calgary, AB T3A 5K8, 403-777-3567
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