Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry in Reno, Nevada
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Prince or Dr. Papez-Berg will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
At White Pine Family Dental, dental bridges in Reno cost $5112, offering a permanent solution to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Our custom-crafted bridges are designed to match your natural teeth while improving functionality and preventing further dental issues. We provide personalized treatment plans and offer financing options to help make your treatment more affordable.
Missing teeth affect far more than just your appearance—they impact your ability to speak clearly, chew properly, and maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth. At White Pine Family Dental, our dental bridges in Reno provide a permanent solution that restores both function and aesthetics while preventing the serious oral health complications that result from tooth loss. Our precision-crafted bridges seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, giving you the confidence to smile, speak, and eat without worry.
Our experienced dental team in Reno uses the highest quality materials and advanced techniques to create bridges that not only look natural but also provide long-lasting durability and support. With personalized treatment plans and financing options available, replacing your missing teeth has never been more accessible. Don’t let missing teeth compromise your oral health, facial structure, or quality of life. Call White Pine Family Dental today at (775) 825-6655 or schedule your consultation online to discover how a custom dental bridge can restore your complete, confident smile.
Dental bridges typically last 5-15 years, though many last 10-20+ years with proper care. Lifespan depends on bridge type, material quality, oral hygiene, and daily habits. Implant-supported bridges generally last longest due to their stable foundation. Factors that shorten bridge life include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, teeth grinding, and cement failure. Extend your bridge’s life by brushing twice daily, flossing under the bridge with floss threaders, maintaining six-month cleanings, wearing a night guard if you grind teeth, and avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods. Most insurance allows bridge replacement every 5-8 years when medically necessary. Schedule regular checkups at White Pine Family Dental to monitor your bridge health.
Four main bridge types serve different situations. Traditional bridges use crowns on teeth flanking the gap, lasting 10-15 years and costing $2,000-$5,000. Cantilever bridges attach to only one adjacent tooth, ideal when teeth exist on just one side. Maryland bridges use metal or porcelain wings bonded to back of adjacent teeth, requiring minimal tooth preparation, lasting 5-10 years and costing $1,500-$2,500. Implant-supported bridges attach to surgically placed titanium posts, offering the strongest option lasting 15-20+ years but costing $5,000-$15,000. Your dentist recommends the optimal type based on number and location of missing teeth, health of adjacent teeth, jawbone density, and budget. Contact White Pine Family Dental for a comprehensive consultation.
Traditional bridges require 2-3 appointments over 3-4 weeks. Your first appointment (60-90 minutes) involves examination, X-rays, numbing, preparing anchor teeth by removing enamel, taking impressions or digital scans, and placing a temporary bridge. The lab fabricates your custom bridge over 2-3 weeks. Your second appointment (45-60 minutes) involves removing the temporary bridge, fitting the permanent bridge, and cementing it in place. Some patients need a third appointment for final adjustments. Implant-supported bridges require additional appointments for implant surgery and 3-6 months healing. Maryland bridges may need only one appointment since minimal tooth preparation is required. Most patients adapt within 1-2 weeks. Call White Pine Family Dental to discuss your timeline.
Bridge costs vary by type: traditional bridges cost $2,000-$5,000, cantilever bridges cost $2,000-$5,000, Maryland bridges cost $1,500-$2,500, and implant-supported bridges cost $5,000-$15,000+. Prices include both appointments, temporary bridge, laboratory fabrication, and permanent placement. Additional costs may include exam and X-rays ($75-$300), extractions ($75-$550 per tooth), root canals ($700-$1,500 per tooth), or bone grafting ($500-$2,000). Most dental insurance covers 50% of bridge costs when medically necessary, with annual maximums of $1,000-$2,000. While bridges represent a significant investment, they prevent teeth shifting, maintain proper bite, and can last 10-15+ years. White Pine Family Dental offers payment plans—call (775) 825-6655 to discuss options.
Several alternatives exist beyond bridges. Dental implants ($3,000-$6,000 per tooth) replace individual teeth with titanium posts and crowns, lasting 25+ years and feeling like natural teeth. Partial dentures ($800-$2,000) are removable appliances replacing multiple teeth, attached with metal clasps—most affordable but less stable. Complete dentures ($1,500-$3,000 per arch) replace all teeth in upper or lower arch when extensive tooth loss exists. Implant-supported dentures combine implant stability with denture coverage, more secure than traditional dentures. Your best option depends on number and location of missing teeth, jawbone health, adjacent teeth condition, budget, and lifestyle needs. Schedule a consultation at White Pine Family Dental to explore all options.
Bridges feel quite natural once you adjust, though most patients need 1-2 weeks for complete comfort. Initially, you may experience slight sensitivity in anchor teeth, awareness of the bridge, minor bite adjustments, and increased saliva production—all temporary. Start with soft foods cut small, chew slowly using both sides equally, gradually introduce firmer foods, and avoid extremely hard or sticky foods. Speaking may feel awkward initially as your tongue adapts, but practice reading aloud and speech typically normalizes within days. Well-fitted bridges don’t significantly impact eating or speaking long-term. Unlike removable dentures, fixed bridges stay firmly in place during meals and conversations. Contact White Pine Family Dental if your bridge feels uncomfortable after adjustment, causes pain, or feels loose.
Proper bridge care is essential for longevity. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention where bridge meets natural teeth and gums. Clean underneath the bridge daily using floss threaders, super floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers to remove food debris and bacteria—this prevents decay in anchor teeth. Maintain six-month professional cleanings for tartar removal and bridge inspection. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or bones; don’t use teeth as tools; don’t bite directly into hard foods with front bridges; and minimize sticky foods like caramels. If you grind teeth, wear a custom night guard. Rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash. Visit immediately if bridge feels loose, causes pain, or has visible damage. With proper care, your bridge from White Pine Family Dental can exceed its average lifespan.
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