Dental Bridges FAQs

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with an artificial tooth held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap. Mint Dental Loft fabricates bridges in porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain fused to metal, and the finished bridge stays fixed in the mouth rather than being removed for cleaning.

How is a Dental Bridge different from a denture?

A bridge is cemented permanently onto the neighboring teeth and stays in the mouth, while a partial denture clasps onto the teeth and is taken out daily. A bridge feels closer to natural teeth and does not cover the palate, but it requires healthy adjacent teeth to anchor to. Mint Dental Loft recommends one over the other based on the number of teeth missing and the condition of those that remain.

Does getting a Dental Bridge hurt?

No. The teeth on either side are prepared under local anesthetic, so the appointment itself is not painful. Mild gum tenderness and temperature sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal while the temporary bridge is in place. Mint Dental Loft adjusts the bite at delivery, since a bridge sitting high is the usual cause of lingering soreness.

How long do Dental Bridges last?

A well-maintained dental bridge lasts ten to fifteen years, and frequently longer. The bridge itself rarely fails first; decay at the margin of the supporting crowns is the usual reason for replacement. Mint Dental Loft monitors those margins at every recall visit.

Will my Dental Bridge look natural?

Yes. Mint Dental Loft shade-matches the bridge to the surrounding teeth and contours the artificial tooth so it emerges from the gum line the way a natural tooth does. All-ceramic and zirconia bridges transmit light more like enamel than metal-based bridges, which makes them the usual choice for teeth visible in the smile.

How do I care for a Dental Bridge?

Brush twice daily and clean underneath the artificial tooth once a day with a floss threader, superfloss, or a water flosser, because ordinary floss cannot pass between the connected crowns. Plaque trapped under the bridge is the leading cause of failure. Mint Dental Loft demonstrates the technique at delivery.

What does a Dental Bridge cost, and is it covered by insurance?

A three-unit bridge generally runs $2,500 to $5,000 depending on the material. Dental plans commonly cover about 50 percent as a major restorative service, subject to the annual maximum and any waiting period. Mint Dental Loft submits a pre-treatment estimate so the out-of-pocket figure is known in advance.

Are there alternatives to Dental Bridges?

Yes. A single dental implant replaces the missing tooth without altering the neighboring teeth, and a removable partial denture is a lower-cost option. Mint Dental Loft generally favors an implant when the adjacent teeth are healthy and intact, since preparing sound teeth to carry a bridge removes enamel that cannot be replaced.

Am I a good candidate for a Dental Bridge?

A bridge suits patients with one to three missing teeth in a row, healthy teeth on both sides of the gap, and stable gum and bone support. It is often the better choice when the adjacent teeth already need crowns. Mint Dental Loft assesses this with an examination and radiographs of the supporting teeth.

How do I get started with Dental Bridges at Mint Dental Loft?

Call Mint Dental Loft in Altadena at (626) 639-8618 or request an appointment online. The first visit includes an examination, radiographs, and a discussion of bridge, implant, and partial denture options, with a written estimate for each.