Tooth-supported bridge
Crowns on suitable neighbouring teeth support the replacement tooth between them.
Winnipeg North Dental Family Dentistry
Dental Bridges
Replace missing teeth with a stable restoration designed for your smile.
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Fixed tooth replacement
Reconnect a space with a restoration that stays in place.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a connected restoration supported by neighbouring teeth, dental implants or a combination planned for the specific space.
The design must do more than fill a visible gap. It should provide suitable support, allow cleaning, relate to your bite and create tooth proportions that look at home in your smile.
Support
Teeth or implants anchor the restoration.
Replacement
A custom artificial tooth occupies the space.
Connection
The components function as one fixed design.
Bridge design
The support determines the structure.
The number and health of remaining teeth, implant position, bite and length of the space influence which design is appropriate.
Implant-supported bridge
Dental implants can support replacement of multiple teeth without preparing natural teeth as bridge anchors.
Cantilever design
Support comes from one side only and is reserved for carefully selected situations with suitable forces.
Planning a bridge
The teeth beside the space matter as much as the space itself.
Your dentist examines the gums, support, alignment, existing restorations and root health of potential anchor teeth. Implant planning also considers bone, health and healing.
Foundation
Supporting teeth or implants must be able to carry the planned chewing forces.
Span
Longer spaces create different mechanical demands than replacement of a single tooth.
Bite
Opposing teeth and side-to-side movement influence shape and material selection.
Cleanability
The underside and margins need a realistic daily cleaning pathway.
From records to placement
A custom bridge is built in stages.
Prepare the support
Anchor teeth are prepared when required, or healed implants are assessed for restorative connection.
Capture the design
Scans or impressions, bite records and shade details guide fabrication.
Protect the space
A temporary bridge may protect prepared teeth and maintain appearance while the final work is made.
Fit and secure
Contacts, bite, margins, appearance and cleaning access are checked before final attachment.
Cleaning under a bridge
The connected teeth need a different flossing route.
Standard floss cannot pass down between connected bridge units. A floss threader, super floss, interdental brush or water flosser may help clean beneath the replacement tooth and around supporting margins.
Our team will demonstrate the tools suited to your bridge. Daily plaque removal protects the gums and helps reduce decay risk around natural anchor teeth.
Tell us if you notice:
!Movement or a change in the way the bridge feels
!Food repeatedly packing beneath or beside the bridge
!Bleeding, swelling or persistent bad taste
!A chipped surface, rough edge or change in the bite
Dental bridge FAQs
Questions about fixed tooth replacement.
How is a bridge different from an implant?+
A tooth-supported bridge uses neighbouring teeth as anchors. A single implant replaces a root and supports its own crown. Health, anatomy, timing and goals affect the comparison.
Can a bridge replace more than one tooth?+
Some bridges replace multiple teeth, but the length of the span and quality of support become increasingly important.
Does a bridge come out at night?+
A fixed bridge is cemented or attached and is not removed by the patient. A partial denture is removable.
How long does a bridge last?+
There is no guaranteed lifespan. Support, bite, cleaning, decay, gum health, material and maintenance all influence longevity.
Can decay develop under a bridge?+
Natural anchor teeth can develop decay at bridge margins. Careful cleaning and regular examinations are important.