Dental bridge
What is it and how does it work?
Missing a tooth can affect how you eat, speak and smile. A dental bridge fills the gap by anchoring an artificial tooth to nearby teeth—or to implants. It restores how your smile looks and feels.
At Aspen Dental, your care team helps you choose the right bridge for your smile—and makes it simple to plan your treatment with flexible 3rd party financing, the Aspen Dental Savings Plan¹, and support for most major insurance plans. We do not accept Medicaid.
¹The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see the plan terms and conditions for details.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is one of the quick and easy ways to replace a missing tooth. It’s custom-made to match your natural teeth, helping you chew, speak, and smile comfortably—while keeping nearby teeth from shifting out of place.
What types of dental bridges are there?
Not sure which bridge is best for you? Explore the types of dental bridges:
Traditional, fixed bridge
Most common option. Crowns are placed on both sides of the gap to hold the replacement tooth in place.
Cantilever bridge
Anchors to one side only—typically used for front teeth.
Maryland bridge
Bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. Often temporary and less invasive.
Implant-supported bridge
Anchored by implants instead of natural teeth. Ideal for replacing several missing teeth in a row.
What’s the dental bridge procedure at Aspen Dental?
Treatment may take as few as two visits:
Dental bridges vs. dental implants
Not sure which is right for you? Compare dental bridge vs. implant below:
Dental bridges | Dental implants | |
Pros | Quicker treatment. Often more budget-friendly. | Strong, long-lasting foundation. Helps protect jawbone and maintain facial structure. |
Cons | Impacts nearby teeth. May need future care. | Requires a surgical procedure. Longer healing time. |
Why choose Aspen Dental for your dental bridge?
How much does a dental bridge cost?
A dental bridge is one of the best options for tooth replacement. Dental insurance often covers part of the cost.
We go a step further, working with you to help make them even more affordable with options like 3rd-party financing or our Aspen Dental Savings Plan.¹
¹The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see the plan terms and conditions for details.
What factors affect the cost of a dental bridge?
Every bridge is unique. Here’s what your Aspen Dental care team considers when building your personalized treatment plan.
¹The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see the plan terms and conditions for details.
Are dental bridges worth it?
At Aspen Dental, we help you find what works. Dental bridges are a simple, non-surgical way to replace missing teeth—and protect your smile long-term.
The benefits | How they compare |
|---|---|
Keeps nearby teeth from shifting | Bridges – Fixed, non-surgical, moderate cost |
Makes eating and speaking easier | Implants – Surgical, long-lasting, similar cost to a bridge |
Offers a lasting, non-surgical solution | Dentures – Removable, lower cost, may need adjustments |
Dental bridge FAQs
How soon after tooth loss should I get a dental bridge?
It’s best not to wait. The sooner you replace a missing tooth, the better you can protect your bite and prevent teeth from shifting. After an exam, your Aspen Dental dentist will let you know when you're ready to move forward.
How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, we’ve still got options for you. We offer 3rd-party financing—99% of patients are approved when they apply—and the Aspen Dental Savings Plan¹ helps reduce out-of-pocket costs. We’ll walk through everything with you before treatment starts.
¹The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see the plan terms and conditions for details.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Most dental bridges last between 5 to 15 years, depending on how well they’re cared for. A few things that can impact lifespan:
Your oral care habits: Daily brushing and flossing matter.
The materials used: Bridges made with zirconia tend to last longer.
Where it’s placed: Bridges in the back of the mouth face more wear and tear.
Regular checkups: Staying on top of dental visits helps catch small issues early.
How painful is a dental bridge?
Most patients say the process feels easier than expected. We use local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during treatment. Afterward, you may feel some mild soreness—but that typically goes away within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
How many teeth do you need to hold a bridge?
That depends on the type of bridge and how many teeth you're replacing. In general:
Traditional bridges need at least two healthy teeth next to the gap.
Longer bridges require more support from additional teeth.
Implant-supported bridges don’t rely on natural teeth—they anchor to implants instead.
We’ll help you decide what works best for your smile.
Can you eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes—most patients return to their usual diet pretty quickly. We recommend easing in with softer foods, chewing slowly, and avoiding very sticky or hard items early on to protect your new bridge.
How can I take care of my dental bridge?
Care is simple and important.
Brush twice a day.
Floss daily—use a floss threader or water flosser to clean under the bridge.
Stay on top of your regular checkups.
This helps protect the teeth and gums around your bridge and keeps your smile strong.