Losing a tooth can shift how you chew, how your remaining teeth sit in your jaw, and even how confident you feel speaking or laughing in public. A dental bridge closes that gap by anchoring a replacement tooth to the healthy teeth on either side, restoring both function and appearance without surgery.
At Sonoran Dental Studio, we help patients throughout Buckeye weigh every tooth replacement option, including dental implants and dentures, so they land on the solution that fits their mouth, budget, and timeline. Dr. Mascarenas and our team take a judgment-free, patient-focused approach to every consultation, walking you through exactly what to expect before any treatment begins.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. It typically consists of a replacement tooth, called a pontic, held in place by crowns fitted over the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
Unlike a removable partial denture, a bridge stays cemented in place and functions much like your natural teeth. It restores your ability to chew properly, helps maintain your facial shape, and prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into the open space over time.
Dental bridges can be used to replace up to 3 consecutive missing teeth.
For most patients, placing a bridge is a straightforward, two-visit process. During the first visit, we prepare the supporting teeth, take precise impressions, and fit you with a temporary bridge while we custom-fabricate your permanent restoration.
On the second visit, we remove the temporary and cement your permanent bridge into place. From there, the bridge functions as a single, stable unit anchored by your existing teeth and requires no removal for cleaning or sleep.
Most patients missing one or two teeth in a row are strong candidates for a bridge, as long as the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy enough to support crowns. Good candidacy generally depends on a few key factors, which is why we always start with a thorough exam and digital X-rays.
Ideal bridge candidates typically have the following:
Once we’ve confirmed these factors during your visit, we can map out a treatment timeline that fits your schedule.
Bridges and implants both replace missing teeth, but they work differently and suit different situations. A bridge relies on the strength of your existing teeth, while an implant replaces the tooth root itself with a titanium post placed in the jawbone.
A bridge often makes more sense when the adjacent teeth already need crowns due to large fillings or decay, since the bridge addresses both problems at once. It’s also a practical option for patients who want to avoid surgery or have jawbone density that may not support an implant without additional grafting. For patients considering dental implants or dentures as alternatives, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of each during your consultation.
With consistent brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, a well-fitted bridge can last a decade or longer. The dental crowns anchoring the bridge need the same care as your natural teeth, so maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home is essential to protecting your investment.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth loss remains a significant indicator of overall dental health. That’s why replacing a missing tooth promptly matters for long-term oral function.
The cost of a dental bridge depends on how many teeth you’re replacing, the materials used, and whether the supporting teeth need additional work before the crowns are placed. Most PPO insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for bridges, since they’re considered a standard restorative treatment rather than a cosmetic one.
For patients without insurance, our in-house membership plan offers a discount-based alternative, and we also accept CareCredit and Cherry payment plans to help spread out the cost of treatment. We’ll always walk you through a clear cost estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises once your bridge is ready to be placed.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or a few, a dental bridge can restore your bite, protect your remaining teeth, and give you back a smile you feel good about. Our team walks you through every step, from your first exam to your final fitting, so you always know what to expect and why we’re recommending this approach.
Dr. Mascarenas and our team at Sonoran Dental Studio bring a judgment-free, patient-focused approach to every restorative case, and we’re proud members of the Academy of General Dentistry and the Arizona Academy of General Dentistry. If you’re ready to talk through your options for replacing a missing tooth, contact our office to schedule your consultation today.
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