Dental Bridges
Complete Your Smile with Fixed Tooth Replacement
Missing teeth can affect far more than just your appearance—they impact how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. At Citrus Smiles Dental Studio, Dr. Aurora offers custom dental bridgesthat permanently replace one or more missing teeth with natural-looking, fully functional restorations. Unlike removable dentures, bridges are fixed in place, giving you the confidence to eat your favorite foods and smile without worry.
A dental bridge literally bridges the gap left by missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. The result is a seamless restoration that blends beautifully with your existing teeth while restoring complete function to your bite.
If you’re tired of living with gaps in your smile or struggling with the inconvenience of missing teeth, a dental bridge may be the ideal solution. We serve patients throughout Murphy, Wylie, and Heath with personalized restorative care. Ready to explore your options? Reach out to one of our top-rated Texas dental clinicsand let’s discuss how we can restore your smile.
What Makes Citrus Smiles Dental Studio Different
Our commitment to precision and quality ensures your bridge looks natural and lasts for years.
- Lab-crafted restorationsdesigned by skilled technicians to match your tooth color, shape, and bite perfectly
- Conservative preparation approachthat preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible while ensuring a secure fit
- Versatile bridge options,including traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported designs for different situations
- Digital impression technologythat creates more accurate, comfortable restorations compared to traditional molds
- Skilled placement and adjustmentby Dr. Aurora, who fine-tunes each bridge for optimal comfort and function
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. The bridge consists of two or more crowns on the supporting teeth (called abutments) and the replacement teeth in between (called pontics).
These components are fused together into a single unit that’s permanently cemented in place. Bridges restore your smile’s appearance, maintain proper tooth alignment, distribute bite forces evenly, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting into the empty space left by missing teeth.
Available Bridge Designs
Different bridge designs suit different clinical situations and patient needs.
- Traditional bridge: The most common type, using crowns on natural teeth on both sides of the gap to support the artificial teeth in between
- Cantilever bridge: Anchored by a crown on just one adjacent tooth, used when teeth are present on only one side of the gap
- Maryland bridge: A conservative option using a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth without full crowns
- Implant-supported bridge: Anchored by dental implantsrather than natural teeth, ideal when multiple adjacent teeth are missing or when preserving natural teeth is preferred
- Fixed-removable bridge: A combination design that allows for easier cleaning while remaining securely attached, sometimes used in specific situations
- All-on-4bridge: A full-arch restoration supported by four strategically placed implants, replacing an entire upper or lower set of teeth
Advantages of Choosing a Dental Bridge
Replacing missing teeth with a bridge offers significant benefits for your oral health and quality of life.
- Restores complete chewing functionso you can eat a full range of foods comfortably without avoiding certain items due to missing teeth
- Improves speech clarityby filling gaps that may cause whistling sounds or difficulty pronouncing certain words clearly
- Prevents tooth shiftingby maintaining proper spacing and keeping adjacent teeth from tilting or drifting into the empty space
- Maintains facial structureby supporting your lips and cheeks, preventing the sunken appearance that can develop with missing teeth
- Natural appearancewith custom shading and contouring that makes your bridge virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth
- Fixed and stable,unlike removable dentures, so you never worry about slipping, clicking, or needing to take them out
- Preserves bite alignmentby distributing chewing forces properly across your dental arch and preventing bite collapse
- Long-lasting solutionwith proper care, dental bridges typically last 10 to 15 years or longer before needing replacement
Ideal Candidates for Bridge Treatment
Dental bridges work well for many patients dealing with tooth loss, but certain conditions make you an ideal candidate.
- Anyone missing one to three adjacent teeth who wants a permanent, non-removable replacement option
- Patients with healthy, strong teeth on both sides of the gap that can support the bridge structure
- People who are looking for a more affordable alternative to dental implants, with faster treatment completion
- Those who want to avoid surgery or don’t have sufficient bone density for implant placement
- Patients seeking to prevent remaining teeth from shifting and maintain proper bite alignment
- Anyone experiencing difficulty chewing or speaking clearly due to missing teeth
- People self-conscious about gaps in their smile, who want a natural-looking restoration
Our Testimonials
We Love Our Patients, and They Love Us!
I had my first visit here recently and I highly recommend it! Everyone is so friendly and they explain everything from start to finish. Eman really helped me understand payment and treatment plan. So glad to have finally found a place after looking for someone new for YEARS!!!
~ Larissa Faulkner
Murphy
I had my first visit 10/27 Friday. I would first like to say that I was throughly impressed with the knowledgeable of the Dr and all his staff. They were so friendly & made me comfortable during my exam. Thank you all for being such great help. Sincerely Charlotte Johnson.
~ Charlotte
Murphy
I came in last week to have multiple tooth extractions. Dr.Kylie was amazing as well as the dental assistant. They were so patient and kind. They try their absolute best to make you comfortable and answer any questions you have. 10/10 recommend
~ Sydney Bong
Wylie
The Doctor and Staff who helped my son were exceptional. We had a dental emergency and they worked him in and were truly wonderful. At a time in need they really came through and were gentle and comforting. We couldn't of had a better experience!!.
~ Samwise
Wylie
I am very pleased with the overall care from Dr. and her staff. They are professional and educated me on what my procedure was going to be for the day and did an excellent job throughout the process. I highly recommend them to anyone!
~ Gale Wilson
Heath
Happy I found this provider! Beginning with the receptionist, the office is warm and inviting! My hygienist was personable, and I received such a great cleaning. The dentist was friendly and knowledgeable. Found the best place for my family’s dental care!
~ J E
Heath
Dental Bridge Procedure
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments spaced a few weeks apart.
1. Initial Consultation and Examination
Dr. Aurora examines your mouth, takes X-rays, and evaluates whether the teeth adjacent to the gap are healthy and strong enough to support a bridge. We discuss your goals and explain the treatment process in detail.
2. Treatment Planning
We help you choose the right type of bridge for your situation and select the shade and style that will match your natural teeth. Digital photos and impressions may be taken for treatment planning.
3. Tooth Preparation
The supporting teeth are reshaped by removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the crowns. We administer local anesthesia first so you remain comfortable throughout this process.
4. Impression Taking
Precise impressions of your prepared teeth are made using digital scanning or traditional molds. These impressions capture every detail needed to create your custom bridge in the dental laboratory.
5. Temporary Bridge Placement
A temporary bridge is placed to protect your prepared teeth and maintain aesthetics and function while your permanent bridge is being fabricated. This temporary restoration stays in place for two to three weeks.
6. Bridge Fabrication
Your impressions are sent to a skilled dental lab where technicians craft your custom bridge using high-quality materials matched to your specifications. This process typically takes two to three weeks.
7. Final Bridge Placement
At your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and your permanent bridge is carefully fitted. Dr. Aurora checks the fit, bite, and appearance, making any necessary adjustments.
8. Cementation
Once everything is perfect, the bridge is permanently cemented in place using a strong dental adhesive. You leave our office with a complete, fully functional smile.
Maintaining Your Bridge for Longevity
Proper maintenance helps your bridge last longer and keeps your supporting teeth healthy.
- Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to where the bridge meets your gums
- Floss daily using a floss threader or special bridge floss to clean underneath the pontic and around the abutment teeth
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup around the bridge and keep your gums healthy
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other extremely hard foods that could crack or dislodge the bridge
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bite non-food objects like pens or fingernails
- Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings every six months to monitor your bridge and overall oral health
- Contact our office immediately if your bridge feels loose, if you notice any cracks, or if you experience pain around the supporting teeth
Missing teeth affecting your confidence or ability to eat comfortably? Let’s talk about bridge options. Contact Citrus Smiles Dental Studio, and we’ll create a restoration that fits your needs perfectly.
Dental Bridge Costs
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge, the number of teeth being replaced, and the materials used. Traditional bridges are generally more affordable than implant-supported options. Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bridges since they’re considered a necessary restorative treatment.
- Traditional bridges typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the number of teeth and materials used
- Maryland bridges generally range from $1,500 to $2,500and require less tooth preparation
- Implant-supported bridges cost more, typically $3,500 to $6,500per tooth, but don’t require altering natural teeth
- Dental insurance usually covers 40% to 50% of bridge costs after your deductible is met
- We offer flexible financing through CareCreditand other payment plans with low monthly installments to fit your budget
What You Should Know Before Deciding
While dental bridges are excellent tooth replacement options, they do require alteration of adjacent healthy teeth to serve as anchors. The supporting teeth need crowns, which means removing enamel that cannot be replaced. This is an important consideration, especially if those teeth are currently healthy and cavity-free. Bridges also require diligent cleaning underneath the pontic to prevent decay or gum disease around the abutment teeth.
Other Tooth Replacement Options
Dental implantsthat replace individual teeth without affecting adjacent teeth, though they cost more and require surgery with a longer healing time- Partial denturesare removable and more affordable, but less stable and comfortable than fixed bridges
- Implant-supported denturesfor multiple missing teeth, offering stability without anchoring to natural teeth
Dental implantsPotential Complications
- Increased sensitivity in the abutment teeth after preparation, usually temporary but occasionally lasting longer
- Potential for decay or gum disease around the supporting teeth if oral hygiene around the bridge is inadequate
- Risk of bridge failure if supporting teeth become damaged, decayed, or lose bone support over time
- Slight change in bite or speech during the initial adjustment period, typically resolving within a few days
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges typically last 10 to 15 years or even longer. The longevity depends on several factors, including oral hygiene habits, the health of supporting teeth, bite forces, and whether you grind your teeth. Regular dental visits help catch any problems early and extend your bridge’s life.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
No, the procedure itself isn’t painful because we use local anesthesia to numb the area completely. You may feel pressure during tooth preparation, but no pain. After the anesthesia wears off, some patients experience mild sensitivity in the prepared teeth for a few days, but this is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, once your permanent bridge is placed and you’ve adjusted to it, you can eat virtually all foods normally. In fact, replacing missing teeth with a bridge improves your ability to chew effectively. We recommend avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage or dislodge the bridge.
How do I clean under my dental bridge?
You’ll need to use a floss threader or special bridge floss that allows you to guide floss underneath the pontic (artificial tooth) to clean the gum tissue beneath it. This prevents food buildup and keeps your gums healthy. Your hygienist will demonstrate the proper technique during your appointment.
Will my bridge look like my natural teeth?
Absolutely. We carefully match the color, shape, and size of your bridge to your existing teeth. The materials used—typically porcelain or ceramic—mimic the translucency and sheen of natural tooth enamel. Most people won’t be able to tell you have a bridge unless you tell them.
What happens if my bridge breaks or falls out?
If your bridge breaks or becomes loose, contact our office immediately. Don’t try to reattach it yourself with household glue. We’ll schedule an emergency appointment to evaluate the situation and determine whether the bridge can be recemented or if a new one needs to be made.
Are dental bridges better than implants?
Both options have advantages. Bridges are faster to complete, typically more affordable, and don’t require surgery. Implants preserve natural teeth, last longer, and help maintain the jawbone. The best choice depends on your specific situation, budget, bone density, and personal preferences. We’ll help you decide during your consultation.
Take the First Step Toward a Complete Smile
Living with missing teeth doesn’t have to be your reality. At Citrus Smiles Dental Studio, Dr. Aurora and our dedicated team specialize in creating custom dental bridges near youthat restore both function and beauty to your smile. We’ll work closely with you to design a solution that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Serving the communities of Murphy, Wylie, Heath, and Lucas, we’re committed to providing exceptional restorative care in a comfortable setting. Don’t wait any longer to reclaim your confidence—contact us today and discover how a dental bridge can change your life. Murphy: (972) 472-8862| Wylie: (972) 474-3849| Heath: (972) 433-6500| Lucas: (214) 785-8271| Irving: (469) 845-9855