A dental bridge is a row of false teeth, fixed in place, that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. At Luka Dental Care on Aldersbrook Road in London, Ontario, we plan and fit dental bridges for adults across the city. Many of our bridges are made in our in-house dental lab, right here in the building.
The teeth on each side of the gap anchor the bridge, so we cap them with porcelain crowns. If an anchor tooth has decay or damage, it may need composite fillings or root canals first. When many teeth are missing, dentures may fit better than a bridge.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by joining the teeth on each side of the gap. It is fixed in place, so you do not take it out to clean it. Some bridges are anchored by dental implants, not by natural teeth.
We design each bridge to fit your bite and match your smile. Bridges are one part of our work as your restorative dentist in London, Ontario, along with crowns, fillings and dentures.
Pontic: the false tooth that fills the gap
Abutments: the crowned teeth or implants on each side that anchor the bridge
Even one missing tooth can change your mouth over time. The teeth next to the gap can drift into it, and chewing on that side gets harder. A dental bridge can help you:
Fill the gap from one or more missing teeth in a row
Stop the teeth around the gap from drifting out of place
Chew on both sides of your mouth again
Speak better when the gap is near the front
Spread your bite force evenly across your teeth
Have a fixed tooth that you do not take out, unlike a partial denture
Before we suggest anything, we check your teeth, gums and bite. Then we explain whether a bridge, an implant or a partial denture suits you best, and you can take your time to decide.
Getting a dental bridge at our London, Ontario office usually takes two visits. Here is how it goes:
We numb the area, then reshape the teeth on each side of the gap so the crowns fit over them. If implants will anchor your bridge, we prepare those. Then we take a digital scan of your mouth, with no goopy trays.
We place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while your new one is made. It lets you chew and talk in the meantime.
We use your scan to make a bridge that fits your bite and matches the color of your teeth. Our in-house dental lab makes many of them. For some materials and designs, we use a trusted outside lab.
At your second visit, we remove the temporary bridge and try in your new one. We adjust it until your bite feels right, then cement it in place.
The right type of bridge depends on where the gap is and how strong the teeth around it are. We make these four types:
Traditional bridge: the most common type, anchored by crowns on the natural teeth on each side of the gap
Implant-supported bridge: anchored by dental implants, a good choice when several teeth in a row are missing
Cantilever bridge: used when there is an anchor tooth on only one side of the gap
Maryland bridge: bonded to the back of the teeth next to the gap with a metal or ceramic frame. It works best for front teeth, which take less biting force
At Luka Dental Care in London, ON, we use modern dental technology to improve precision, comfort, and outcomes for every bridge we place.
We scan your teeth for fast, accurate 3D models, with no messy trays
Let you see what we see, improving understanding and communication
Helps us choose a color that matches your natural teeth
Speeds up the process and gives us full control over the result
Assists in planning implant-supported bridges for long-term success
Here’s how a dental bridge is made and delivered at Luka Dental Care:
We take a detailed digital scan of your teeth and bite
We plan the bridge on the computer for a good fit and a natural look
Depending on the case, we either mill it in-house or send it to our trusted lab partners
Your temporary bridge is replaced with the permanent one, adjusted as needed for comfort
Once everything looks and feels right, the bridge is bonded into place
With good care, most dental bridges last 10 to 15 years, and some last longer. How long yours lasts depends on the health of the anchor teeth and on your daily habits.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Decay can start under the bridge, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Clean under it every day with a floss threader, an interdental brush or a water flosser.
Do not chew ice or popcorn kernels on the bridge. Visit us for a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can spot a problem early. For more on what helps a bridge last, read our guide on how long a dental bridge lasts.
Yes. A gap near the front can change how you say some sounds, since your tongue has lost a tooth to press on. A bridge fills that space, so your words come out clearer.
Chewing gets easier too. Once the gap is filled, you can bite evenly on both sides and enjoy the foods you used to skip.
Matthew R.
Luka Dental Care Patient
Our family practice has cared for patients on Aldersbrook Road since 1972. We explain each option in plain words and take time to answer your questions, so you can choose with confidence.
Here’s why patients trust us:
Advanced technology for more accurate, comfortable care
Multiple options tailored to your lifestyle and oral health
A kind team that listens to you
The cost of each step explained before we start
An in-house dental lab right here in the building
Beautiful, long-lasting results
If you are missing a tooth and want a fixed way to fill the gap, we can help. Call 519-472-4460 or book online to see us on Aldersbrook Road in London, Ontario.
With good care, most bridges last between 10 and 15 years, sometimes longer.
We numb the area first. Most patients feel little discomfort, and recovery is quick.
A bridge is often faster and costs less up front. An implant does not need the teeth next to the gap, and it can last longer. We help you choose what suits your mouth.
Yes. Once your bridge is in and adjusted, most patients eat their favorite foods again. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy on it.
Many plans partially cover bridges. Our team will help verify your benefits and explain your costs upfront.
Bridges are fixed (permanent), while partials are removable. Bridges feel more like natural teeth, but not everyone is a candidate.
Yes. We carefully match the color and shape to your existing teeth. Most people can’t tell the difference.
Yes. If your bridge is worn, loose or causing problems, we check it and the teeth under it. Then we talk with you about a new one.
It depends on how many teeth the bridge replaces, the type of bridge and whether an anchor tooth needs work first. After an exam, we tell you the cost of each step before we start.
2101 Aldersbrook Rd, London, ON N6G 3X1
