Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges in Loudoun County, VA

A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth, anchored to the natural teeth or implants on either side. Beyond the cosmetic benefit, a bridge helps you chew and speak normally, supports the shape of your face, and keeps neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Bridges: crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap, with the artificial tooth (pontic) anchored between them.
Cantilever Bridges: used when there’s only one adjacent tooth available to support the bridge.
Maryland Bridges: a metal or porcelain framework bonds to the back of neighboring teeth, without needing full crowns.
Implant-Supported Bridges: anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, often the most stable option for replacing several missing teeth in a row.

LDA is the leading provider of Dental Bridge treatment

Dental bridges are dental prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are designed to “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth, providing both functional and cosmetic benefits. A typical dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are anchored in place by dental crowns or abutments on the natural teeth or dental implants adjacent to the empty space.

Dental Bridges and Types of Tooth Bridges

Traditional Bridges: These bridges involve creating crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and placing the pontic in between.
Cantilever Bridges: In cases where there is only one adjacent tooth to support the bridge, a cantilever bridge is used, with the pontic anchored to the single supporting tooth.
Maryland Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges): These bridges use a framework of metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, eliminating the need for crowns.
Implant-Supported Bridges: Dental implants are used to support the pontic, providing a stable and durable solution for multiple missing teeth.

Bridge vs. Implant

A traditional bridge relies on healthy neighboring teeth for support, which usually means those teeth need to be shaped for crowns. An implant replaces just the missing tooth without altering the teeth next to it, but involves a longer process and typically costs more upfront. Which makes sense for you depends on the health of your remaining teeth, the number of teeth you’re replacing, and your budget — we’ll walk through both options with you.

How Long Do Bridges Last?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental bridges typically last five to 15 years, and sometimes longer with good care. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily (a floss threader helps clean underneath the bridge), and keeping up with regular checkups all help it last. A bridge depends on the health of the teeth or implants supporting it, so protecting those is just as important as caring for the bridge itself.

Cost and Financing

Bridge cost depends on the type of bridge and how many teeth are being replaced. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer CareCredit financing. Visit our Financial Info page, or call and we’ll go over your specific costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental bridges last?

Typically five to 15 years, and sometimes longer with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Is a bridge or an implant better for replacing a missing tooth?

It depends on your situation. A bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support, while an implant stands on its own but involves a longer process. We can help you weigh the two.

Does getting a bridge require altering healthy teeth?

For a traditional bridge, yes — the teeth on either side of the gap are shaped to hold crowns. Implant-supported and Maryland bridges involve less or no alteration of neighboring teeth.

How do I clean a dental bridge?

Brush and floss as you normally would, and use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean underneath the bridge where food and plaque can collect.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

Call (703) 542-7600 or schedule your appointment online.