Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Bridges in Ottawa
Natural-looking, durable bridges that restore your smile
Custom Dental Bridges in Westboro
Missing teeth affect more than your smile—they can change how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. At BluSky Dental Holland Cross, we create custom dental bridges that restore your smile's function and beauty. Our Westboro patients appreciate how bridges provide a fixed, permanent-feeling solution that looks and works like natural teeth without the need for surgery.
Dental bridges have been a trusted tooth replacement option for decades, and today's bridges are more natural-looking and durable than ever. Whether you're missing one tooth or several, a custom bridge could be the solution that transforms your daily life.
Serving Westboro, Hintonburg, Wellington West, Little Italy, and Downtown Ottawa.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration that "bridges" the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of:
- Pontics – The artificial teeth that fill the gap (typically made from porcelain or ceramic)
- Abutments – Crowns placed on the natural teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap that anchor the bridge
The bridge is cemented into place as a single unit, creating a fixed restoration that stays in your mouth like natural teeth. You don't remove it for cleaning or sleeping—it becomes a permanent part of your smile.
At BluSky Dental Holland Cross, we craft bridges from high-quality materials that match your natural teeth in color, shape, and translucency for seamless results.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer several types of bridges to meet different needs:
Traditional Bridge
The most common type, a traditional bridge uses crowns on adjacent teeth to support one or more pontics in between. This requires preparing the abutment teeth by removing enamel to accommodate the crowns.
Best for: Replacing teeth with healthy, strong adjacent teeth on both sides
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge anchors to teeth on only one side of the gap. While less common today, this option works when teeth exist on only one side.
Best for: Situations where only one side has suitable anchor teeth
Maryland Bridge (Resin-Bonded)
Also called a resin-bonded bridge, this uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth rather than full crowns. It requires minimal preparation of supporting teeth.
Best for: Replacing front teeth when neighboring teeth are healthy and strong
Implant-Supported Bridge
Instead of natural teeth, dental implants serve as anchors for the bridge. This preserves healthy teeth and provides the stability of implant support.
Best for: Longer spans, preserving adjacent teeth, or when adjacent teeth aren't suitable anchors
During your consultation at our Hintonburg-area office, we'll examine your teeth and recommend the best type of bridge for your specific situation.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Choosing a dental bridge offers numerous advantages:
Restore Your Smile
A bridge fills the gap with natural-looking artificial teeth, giving you a complete, beautiful smile again.
Improve Chewing Ability
Missing teeth make chewing difficult and can lead to digestive issues from poorly chewed food. Bridges restore normal chewing function.
Speak Clearly
Gaps can affect pronunciation of certain sounds. Bridges help you speak clearly and confidently.
Prevent Teeth from Shifting
When teeth are missing, adjacent and opposing teeth can shift into the gap, causing bite problems and additional tooth loss. Bridges maintain proper spacing.
Maintain Facial Structure
Missing teeth can cause your face to sag over time. Bridges help support facial muscles and maintain your appearance.
Quick Treatment Timeline
Unlike implants, which require healing time, bridges can often be completed in just two appointments over 2-3 weeks.
No Surgery Required
Traditional bridges use existing teeth as anchors without surgical procedures, making them ideal for patients who want to avoid surgery.
Fixed, Permanent Feel
Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges stay in your mouth permanently. No removing, no adhesives, no worrying about them moving.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
Our bridge procedure typically requires two appointments at our Holland Cross office:
Appointment 1: Preparation (60-90 minutes)
Examination and Planning:
- We examine your teeth and discuss bridge options
- X-rays help assess the health of supporting teeth
- We plan your bridge design and select materials
Tooth Preparation:
- Local anesthesia ensures your comfort
- Abutment teeth are reshaped by removing enamel to accommodate crowns
- Impressions or digital scans capture precise measurements
- We select the perfect shade to match your natural teeth
- A temporary bridge protects your prepared teeth
You'll leave with a temporary bridge that looks and functions reasonably well while your permanent bridge is crafted.
Laboratory Fabrication (1-2 weeks)
Your impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians create your custom bridge. Each bridge is crafted to precise specifications for optimal fit, function, and aesthetics.
Appointment 2: Fitting and Cementation (30-60 minutes)
Final Placement:
- We remove your temporary bridge
- Your permanent bridge is tried in and checked for fit
- Bite adjustments ensure comfortable chewing
- Color and appearance are verified
- The bridge is permanently cemented
You'll leave with your final restoration, ready to enjoy your new smile immediately.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Proper care ensures your bridge lasts as long as possible:
Daily Care:
- Brush twice daily – Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste
- Clean under the bridge daily – Use floss threaders, super floss, or interdental brushes
- Consider a water flosser – Effectively cleans under and around the bridge
- Use an antiseptic rinse – Helps reduce bacteria around the bridge
What to Avoid:
- Chewing ice or hard candy
- Very sticky foods (caramels, taffy)
- Using teeth as tools
- Biting fingernails
Professional Care:
- Visit BluSky Dental every nine months
- Professional cleaning reaches areas home care can't
- We monitor bridge condition and fit
- We check supporting teeth health
With proper care, your bridge should serve you well for 10-15 years or longer.
Bridges vs. Other Options
Understanding your options helps you make the best decision:
| Feature | Dental Bridge | Dental Implant | Partial Denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment Time | 2-3 weeks | 3-6 months | 2-4 weeks |
| Surgery Required | No | Yes | No |
| Affects Adjacent Teeth | Yes (crowns needed) | No | May have clasps |
| Bone Preservation | No | Yes | No |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 20+ years | 5-10 years |
| Stability | Fixed | Fixed | Removable |
| Cost | Moderate | Higher | Lower |
Each option has advantages. During your consultation, we'll help you weigh the factors most important to you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Bridges?
You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have healthy teeth adjacent to the gap (for traditional bridges)
- Have adequate bone and gum tissue
- Are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene
- Want a fixed (non-removable) solution
- Prefer to avoid surgery
- Need a relatively quick restoration
Conditions that might affect bridge candidacy include:
- Severely decayed or weakened adjacent teeth
- Advanced gum disease
- Insufficient teeth to support a bridge
- Preference for preserving adjacent tooth structure
We'll evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best approach for you.
Bridge Cost and Insurance
At BluSky Dental, we make quality dental care accessible:
Typical Costs:
- Three-unit bridge (replacing one tooth): $2,000-$4,000
- Longer bridges: Cost increases with additional units
- Implant-supported bridges: Higher cost due to implant component
Insurance Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of dental bridges, often 50% after deductibles. Our team:
- Verifies your coverage before treatment
- Provides detailed estimates
- Files claims directly
- Helps maximize your benefits
Payment Options
For any out-of-pocket costs:
- Major credit cards accepted
- Direct insurance billing
Why Choose BluSky Dental for Your Bridge?
Experienced Restorative Team
Our dentists have extensive experience creating beautiful, functional dental bridges. We've helped countless Ottawa patients restore their smiles.
Quality Materials
We use premium porcelain and ceramic materials that look natural and last for years. Our laboratory partners are skilled craftsmen who take pride in their work.
Precise Fit
Digital impressions and careful attention to detail ensure your bridge fits perfectly and feels comfortable from day one.
Comprehensive Care
From initial consultation through years of maintenance, we're your partners in oral health. We handle everything in-house for seamless care.
Convenient Westboro Location
Our Holland Cross office serves patients throughout Westboro, Hintonburg, Wellington West, and Downtown Ottawa with convenient appointment times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients adjust within a few days to a week. The bridge may feel slightly different at first, but your mouth quickly adapts. If discomfort persists, contact us for an adjustment.
While uncommon with proper care, bridges can become loose over time due to decay in supporting teeth or cement failure. If your bridge feels loose, contact us immediately—we can often re-cement it.
Some food may lodge under the pontic, which is why cleaning under the bridge daily is important. With proper technique, keeping the area clean is straightforward.
Yes, bridges can replace multiple adjacent missing teeth. However, longer spans require more support. We may recommend implant-supported bridges for replacing several teeth.
Signs include looseness, changes in bite, visible wear, or decay in supporting teeth. Regular check-ups help us identify issues early. Many bridges function well for 15+ years with proper care.
Schedule Your Bridge Consultation
Don't let missing teeth hold you back. At BluSky Dental Holland Cross, we'll evaluate your situation, explain your options, and help you choose the best solution for your smile. Patients from throughout Westboro, Hintonburg, Wellington West, Little Italy, and Downtown Ottawa trust us for expert restorative care.
Call: (613) 728-1511
Address: 20 – 1620 Scott Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S7
Email: hollandcrossreception@blusky.dental
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝