Dental bridge treatment at Aspen Dental
Overview
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 implants. It restores how your smile looks and feels while blending in with your natural smile.
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 Plan,¹ 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.
Bridges replace one or more missing teeth
Multiple bridge types are available based on tooth location and oral health
Treatment usually requires a few visits from evaluation to final placement
Insurance, 3rd-party financing and the Aspen Dental Savings Plan² can help lower out-of-pocket costs
²The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a quick and easy way to replace a missing tooth. It’s custom-made to match your natural teeth and helps 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 available at Aspen Dental:
Traditional, fixed bridge
The most common option, this type includes a row of crowns placed on both sides of the gap in your smile to hold the replacement tooth in place.
Cantilever bridge
This type of bridge anchors to one side only—typically used for front teeth.
Maryland bridge
Often temporary and less invasive, this type of bridge bonds to the back of adjacent teeth near the missing tooth.
Implant-supported bridge
Anchored by implants instead of natural teeth, this bridge is 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. Here’s what you can expect.
A dentist will examine your oral health and create a plan.
We’ll take impressions for a precise fit.
We’ll protect your smile while with a temporary bridge while your permanent one is made.
We’ll place your custom bridge and make any adjustments as needed.
We’ll make sure your bite feels right so you can chew and speak naturally.
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
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
We make dental care easier
Comprehensive care
We offer a full suite of dental services for all of your smile needs.
Same-day appointments
With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your provider is easy.
Flexible financing options
99% of patients who apply for 3rd-party financing are approved.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
A dental bridge is one of the best options for tooth replacement, especially because dental insurance often covers part of the cost.
When it comes to pricing, we go a step further by working with you to help make care even more affordable with options like 3rd-party financing or our Aspen Dental Savings Plan.³
³The 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.
Type of dental bridge
Some bridges take more time or materials to place. We’ll help you choose the right type based on your smile and goals.
Number of missing teeth
Replacing multiple teeth requires more structure and planning, which can increase the total time, cost and materials needed.
Types of materials
Porcelain, ceramic, zirconia and metal all offer different strengths, looks and price points to fit your budget and preferences.
Condition of teeth
If nearby teeth need care—like fillings or root canals—your provider will address those needs first as part of your overall treatment plan.
Insurance and financing
We accept most insurance plans. No insurance? We offer 3rd-party financing and the Aspen Dental Savings Plan⁴ to lower costs. We do not accept Medicaid.
⁴The 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—and often non-surgical—way to replace missing teeth and protect your smile long-term.
The benefits
Keeps nearby teeth from shifting
Makes eating and speaking easier
Includes lasting, non-surgical options
Frequently asked questions about dental bridges
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.
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 Plan⁵ helps reduce out-of-pocket costs. We’ll walk through everything with you before treatment starts.
⁵The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see the plan terms and conditions for details.
Most dental bridges last between 5 to 10 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.
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.
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.
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.
Care is simple and important. Here are the basics:
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.