Dental Bridge
Professional Dental Bridge
What You Need to Know
What it is: A fixed prosthetic that bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants. Unlike removable partial dentures, a dental bridge is permanently cemented in place for a stable, natural-feeling solution.
Typical appointment time: 2–3 visits over 2–3 weeks
Recovery/Results timeline: 1–2 days; Resume normal activities immediately
- • 1–3 missing consecutive teeth
- • Patients with healthy, strong support teeth on both sides of the gap
- • Those seeking a fixed (non-removable) alternative to partial dentures
- • Cost-conscious patients seeking durable, long-lasting tooth replacement
Understanding Dental Bridges
Replace Missing Teeth with a Fixed, Natural-Looking Bridge
Missing teeth create more than just a cosmetic gap. They affect your appearance, alter how you speak and chew, and can lead to serious dental complications. When teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth naturally shift into the gap over time, causing bite misalignment, additional tooth loss, and even changes to your facial structure.
A dental bridge is a fixed, prosthetic replacement that literally bridges the gap—anchoring to your healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap to support one or more replacement teeth in the middle. The bridge is permanently cemented in place, so it stays fixed and stable, requiring no daily removal or special storage like dentures. This approach leverages your existing strong teeth as anchors, making bridges an excellent option when you have adequate support teeth adjacent to the gap. The procedure preserves bone structure at the missing site better than removable alternatives and delivers results that feel and function like your natural teeth.
Bridges offer multiple advantages: they restore normal chewing and speaking ability, prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap, maintain proper bite alignment, and give you a natural-looking smile. Because they're fixed (not removable), they feel and function more like your natural teeth than any other tooth replacement option besides implants.
Your Bridge Journey
What to Expect: Step-by-Step Bridge Procedure
Before Your Appointment
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Schedule a consultation to discuss the missing tooth location, your aesthetic goals, and overall oral health
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Ensure support teeth are healthy and free of decay (we'll address any issues first)
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Gather information about your insurance coverage and financing options if needed
During Your Visit
Examination & Assessment
We examine your teeth and existing gap, take X-rays to assess bone health, and confirm that your support teeth are strong enough for the bridge anchors. We discuss material options and design preferences with you.
Tooth Preparation
Using local anesthesia for comfort, we shape the teeth on both sides of the gap (called abutments) to accept the bridge anchors. This is carefully done to preserve tooth structure while creating a solid foundation.
Impressions
Precise impressions are taken of your prepared teeth and the gap. These are sent to our laboratory where your custom bridge is hand-crafted to match your existing teeth perfectly.
Temporary Bridge Placement
A temporary bridge protects your exposed tooth surfaces, maintains proper spacing, and allows you to eat and speak normally while your permanent bridge is being fabricated (usually 2–3 weeks).
Permanent Bridge Fitting
At your second or third appointment, your permanent bridge is fitted. We check the fit, bite alignment, and aesthetics, making any necessary adjustments for comfort and function.
Bridge Cementation
Once you're satisfied with the fit and appearance, the bridge is securely cemented in place using a permanent dental cement, anchoring it to your support teeth for years of stability.
After Treatment
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Avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods for 24 hours to allow the cement to fully cure
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Resume normal eating and speaking once the cement sets (usually within 24 hours)
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Floss carefully under the bridge daily using special floss threaders, superfloss, or water flossers designed for bridges—gentle pressure and a side-to-side motion work best to remove food and plaque underneath
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Brush around the bridge as you would your natural teeth; be gentle around the margins where the bridge meets your natural teeth
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Avoid biting down directly on very hard foods or chewing on ice, which can crack or loosen the bridge
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing, as this can wear down the bridge material and damage the margins
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If you experience sensitivity to temperature or pressure on the bridge, this is typically normal and should resolve within a few days; contact us if sensitivity persists beyond one week
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Attend regular checkups every 6 months to ensure the bridge remains properly sealed and intact, and to catch any issues with the support teeth early
Nations Dental Studio Difference
Why Patients Trust Us for Dental Bridge
Custom Laboratory Partnerships
We work with trusted, experienced dental laboratories to craft bridges with exceptional precision and fit. Our partners use high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail to match your existing teeth in color, shape, and function.
Material Expertise & Options
We help you choose between porcelain-fused-to-metal (durable and lifelike), all-ceramic (most natural-looking), and metal alloy options. We balance durability, aesthetics, and cost so you get the best value for your needs.
Precision Tooth Preparation
Our careful approach to preparing your support teeth ensures proper fit, optimal bite alignment, and long-term protection. We remove only what's necessary to preserve tooth structure and maximize the life of your bridge.
Meticulous Fitting & Adjustments
Detailed impressions and multiple fittings ensure your bridge feels comfortable, looks natural, and integrates seamlessly with your bite from day one. We take time to perfect the fit for your complete satisfaction.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Good Candidates for Dental Bridges
You may be a good candidate if:
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Patients missing 1–3 consecutive teeth
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People with healthy, strong support teeth on both sides of the gap (with good bone support)
- ✓
Individuals seeking a fixed, non-removable tooth replacement solution
- ✓
Those who want to avoid implant surgery or are not suitable candidates for implants
- ✓
Patients looking for a cost-effective alternative to multiple implants
Other options may be better if:
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Dental implants may be a better option if your support teeth are weak, compromised, or missing; implants replace the entire tooth root and don't depend on adjacent teeth
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Partial dentures are a removable alternative for patients with multiple gaps or weak support teeth
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A combination of implants and bridges may be ideal for some patients with multiple missing teeth
The best tooth replacement option depends on your specific situation. We'll examine your mouth, discuss your goals and concerns, and help you understand whether a bridge, implants, dentures, or another solution is right for you. During your consultation, we'll be honest about what will work best for your long-term oral health.
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Dental Bridges in Nashville
How long do dental bridges last?
A well-maintained bridge typically lasts 10–15 years, with some lasting 20+ years. Longevity depends on your oral hygiene, the quality of materials used, how you care for your support teeth, and your overall health. Regular checkups and careful flossing help maximize the life of your bridge.
What is the cost of a dental bridge in Nashville?
A dental bridge typically costs $2,000–$5,000 per tooth (or $4,000–$10,000 for a three-tooth bridge), depending on the number of teeth and materials used. Porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges are more affordable than all-ceramic bridges. Most dental insurance covers 50–80% of restorative bridges, though coverage varies. We provide clear pricing and help you explore financing options.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
No, the procedure is not painful. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area completely before tooth preparation begins. You may feel vibration or pressure during tooth shaping, but no pain. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off, but this typically resolves within a few days.
How do I care for a dental bridge?
Bridges require the same daily care as natural teeth: brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss daily using special floss threaders or water flossers designed for bridges to clean underneath. Avoid sticky or hard foods, don't chew on ice, and attend regular dental checkups every 6 months. Proper care extends your bridge's lifespan significantly.
Can I get a dental bridge instead of dental implants?
A bridge can be an excellent alternative to implants if your support teeth are healthy and strong. However, implants are often better if your support teeth are compromised, missing, or weak. Implants don't rely on adjacent teeth and can last 25+ years. We'll help you compare both options during your consultation.
What happens to the support teeth when I get a bridge?
Your support teeth must be shaped (prepared) to anchor the bridge. This shaping is permanent—the tooth structure that's removed cannot be restored. For this reason, support teeth will eventually need crowns or cannot have other major restorations removed later. However, properly prepared support teeth with a well-fitting bridge can remain healthy for decades.
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
The process typically takes 2–3 weeks. Your first appointment involves tooth preparation, impressions, and temporary bridge placement (1–2 hours). Your second appointment, 2–3 weeks later, involves fitting and cementing your permanent bridge (30–60 minutes). In some cases, we can complete the process in as little as 2 weeks.
What's the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
A bridge is fixed (permanently cemented) and requires no daily removal; it feels and functions like natural teeth. A partial denture is removable, requiring daily cleaning and storage. Bridges are more stable, don't slip while eating or speaking, and feel more natural, but require healthy support teeth. Dentures are easier to replace but require more maintenance.
Complementary Treatments
You May Also Be Interested In
Dental Crowns
A custom tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and natural appearance while protecting it from further decay and fracture.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots, supporting custom crowns that look and function like natural teeth. Nations Dental Studio provides expert consultations, evaluations, and final crown restorations with trusted oral surgeon partners.
Tooth Extraction
The careful, professional removal of a tooth that cannot be saved due to severe decay, damage, infection, crowding, or trauma.
Close Your Smile Gap
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation in Nashville
Replace your missing teeth with a strong, natural-looking bridge that restores your ability to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence. Contact Nations Dental Studio today to discuss your options.
Reviews
We have worked with thousands of amazing patients
Nations Dental Studio has over 448 reviews and a 5.0 rating on Google
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
"Best dental experience I've ever had! I've never left feeling better after a teeth cleaning. As a new patient, I feel completely comfortable and actually excited to return!"
"Today was my first time at Nations Dental Studio and it was far and away the best experience I have ever had at a dental practice. The hygienist was meticulous and made me feel very comfortable throughout. The specialist was just as great, I really felt like they cared about my teeth/ health like nothing I have experienced at other practices. I cannot say enough good things about my entire visit."
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
"Best dental experience I've ever had! I've never left feeling better after a teeth cleaning. As a new patient, I feel completely comfortable and actually excited to return!"
"Today was my first time at Nations Dental Studio and it was far and away the best experience I have ever had at a dental practice. The hygienist was meticulous and made me feel very comfortable throughout. The specialist was just as great, I really felt like they cared about my teeth/ health like nothing I have experienced at other practices. I cannot say enough good things about my entire visit."
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