A missing tooth isn’t just a cosmetic concern — it affects how you speak, chew, and even how your surrounding teeth behave over time. A dental bridge offers an effective, time-tested way to fill the space and restore your smile’s function and appearance.
At Enhance Dental Centre in Kitsilano, we design and place custom-crafted bridges that blend naturally with your smile and give you back the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
A fixed dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) anchored in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth (called abutment teeth). The bridge is permanently cemented — it’s not removable like a partial denture.
Bridges can replace one tooth or several consecutive missing teeth in a row.
The most common type — crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap, with the pontic (false tooth) in between.
Used when there’s only one adjacent tooth available for support (less common).
Instead of crowns on natural teeth, the bridge is supported by dental implants — a great option when multiple teeth are missing and adjacent teeth don’t need crowns.
Both are excellent options for replacing missing teeth. Bridges are typically quicker and less expensive, while implants are more conservative of adjacent teeth and preserve bone long-term. During your consultation, we’ll review the pros and cons of each option for your specific situation.
A well-crafted, well-maintained dental bridge typically lasts 10–15 years or longer. Good oral hygiene — especially flossing under the bridge — and regular checkups help maximise its longevity.
A: The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and is generally comfortable. Some sensitivity after crown preparation is normal but temporary.
A: Typically 2–3 appointments: tooth preparation, impressions and temporary bridge, then fitting and cementing the final bridge.
A: Regular brushing and flossing are important — you’ll use a floss threader or water flosser to clean under the bridge. We’ll show you exactly how during your appointment.
A: Absolutely. We use high-quality porcelain matched to the colour and shape of your natural teeth. Most people can’t tell the difference.
A: Many plans cover a portion of bridge costs. We’ll review your coverage and provide a clear breakdown of expected costs before treatment.
A fixed bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a custom-made replacement tooth to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, or to dental implants. Unlike a removable partial denture, a bridge stays in your mouth permanently once placed.
A traditional fixed bridge works best when the teeth next to the gap are healthy enough to support a crown, since those teeth will be reshaped slightly to anchor the bridge. If the adjacent teeth aren't strong enough, or you're missing several teeth in a row, your dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge instead, which anchors to one or two dental implants rather than your natural teeth.
Anchored to crowns on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Works well for one or two missing teeth with strong neighbouring teeth.
Anchored to a tooth on only one side of the gap, used when there's only one adjacent tooth available.
Uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, with minimal reshaping required.
Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth, ideal when multiple teeth are missing in a row.
| Option | How it's secured | Impact on neighbouring teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed bridge | Cemented permanently to crowned natural teeth or implants | Adjacent teeth are reshaped to support crowns |
| Dental implant | A titanium post placed directly in the jawbone | Neighbouring teeth are left untouched |
| Removable partial denture | Clasps onto remaining teeth, removable by the patient | No reshaping, but relies on clasps for retention |
If you're missing just one or two teeth and want a permanent, non-removable solution without surgery, a fixed bridge is often a good middle ground between a removable denture and a dental implant.
A fixed bridge is cared for much like your natural teeth, with regular brushing twice a day. The one key difference is flossing underneath the bridge, where a floss threader or water flosser is typically needed to clean beneath the false tooth and prevent gum irritation or decay at the anchor teeth. With consistent care and regular dental visits, a well-made bridge commonly lasts well over a decade.
Fixed bridges are commonly covered, at least partially, under major restorative dental benefits and may be eligible under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) depending on your income tier. See our insurance and financing page for details on direct billing and payment plan options for the remaining balance.
With consistent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a well-made fixed bridge commonly lasts 10 to 15 years, and many last considerably longer. The lifespan depends on the health of the anchor teeth, how well you clean underneath the bridge, and whether you grind or clench your teeth, which your dentist can help manage with a nightguard if needed.
Over time, the anchor teeth can still develop decay at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth if plaque builds up, which is why flossing underneath the bridge daily is just as important as brushing. Your dentist will check the bridge and surrounding gum tissue at every regular visit.
The cost of a fixed bridge depends on the type of bridge, the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used for the crowns, and whether any additional treatment, such as a root canal on an anchor tooth, is needed first. We don't publish fixed prices online since every case is different, but we'll always provide a clear written estimate and coverage breakdown before you commit to treatment.
A crown covers and restores a single existing tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using crowns on the neighbouring teeth as anchors, with a false tooth suspended in between.
Yes. Bridges are custom color-matched and shaped to blend in with your surrounding teeth, so most people won't notice you have one.
A fixed bridge is cemented permanently and isn't meant to be removed by the patient. If it eventually needs replacement, your dentist can remove and replace it in-office.
Your dentist will need to treat the decay, which may involve temporarily or permanently removing the bridge to access the tooth, depending on the extent of the problem.
For longer spans, an implant-supported bridge is often recommended instead of a traditional tooth-supported bridge, since it doesn't rely on natural teeth to bear the extra load.
Book a consultation at our Kitsilano clinic to find out whether a fixed bridge, implant, or another option is right for your smile.
Related services: Dental Implants · Dentures · Veneers · Full Mouth Reconstruction · Insurance & Financing
