Dental Bridge
Houston, TX

Porcelain Dental Bridges

At Innovative Smiles, we understand the inconvenience of missing or decayed teeth, which is why we’re proud to provide porcelain dental bridges to the Houston community. If you have missing teeth, a dental bridge may be a perfect solution to boost your confidence and restore your oral health. We utilize the latest technology to make our dental bridges look seamless and complement your smile.

Don’t let dental pain or missing teeth disrupt your life – contact Innovative Smiles now to schedule an appointment with the most reliable dentist for dental bridges in Houston.

graphic of a dental bridge

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a solution for replacing missing teeth that are adjacent to existing teeth by using a crown on each end as an anchor, and an artificial tooth (or teeth) in between to fill in the gap. Bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your remaining teeth’s natural shape, size, and color; providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.

After the porcelain bridge has been placed, your compromised teeth will be protected from most of the natural pressures and stresses of daily activities, such as eating. This will also help your teeth keep its structure and help save it from having to be extracted down the line.

When might you need a dental bridge?

A tooth bridge acts like a protective shield and has both restorative and cosmetic purposes. In each case, it plays a role in preserving oral health and enhancing a patient’s smile.

Restorative | A dental bridge can replace missing teeth and shield surrounding teeth from further decay. This can help address a number of different issues such as cracks, missing teeth, and tooth decay.

Cosmetic | Often used to address gaps created by missing teeth, a cosmetic dental bridge can improve your overall appearance, leading to a brighter and more confident smile.

Our experienced dentist will determine if a dental bridge is right for your unique case. Note that if you only have one infected tooth, a dental crown might be a better solution. A dental crown is designed to cap and cover a problematic tooth and protect it from further damage.

dental bridges on black background

Types of Dental Bridges

There are many types of dental bridges for your teeth – each with their own set of advantages and considerations.

Porcelain Dental Bridge | At Innovative Smiles, we offer porcelain dental bridges because of their durability and natural-looking aesthetics. A traditional porcelain bridge is attached by placing dental crowns on the adjacent natural teeth. Once the bridge is designed, we’ll customize it to match your healthy teeth so it blends flawlessly with your smile.

Maryland Bridge | A Maryland bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge, is attached to your adjacent teeth using a metal framework or porcelain “wings” on the back of the artificial tooth. Maryland bridges are best for missing front teeth due their seamless appearance.

Implant-Supported Bridge | These are supported by dental implants, which are surgically placed in the jawbone. Implant-supported bridges are an excellent option when multiple adjacent teeth are missing and provide the most stability compared to other options.

Dental Bridge Cost

The cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on the complexity of the case. The final cost depends on the type of bridge (e.g. traditional dental bridge, maryland-bonded bridge, porcelain-fused-to-metal bridge), the location of the teeth, and any potential insurance coverage. To get an estimate, schedule a visit online or call (281) 859-9073, and we’ll be able to provide a detailed cost breakdown and discuss financing options to make your treatment as affordable as possible.

Dental Bridge Procedure

Exam
Dr. Al will evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine if a dental bridge is necessary. You will also be able to discuss your treatment goals and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Exam
Bridge Preparation
If a porcelain bridge is deemed appropriate, Dr. Al will discuss pain management options to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once sedated, Dr. Al will remove any damage or decay from the teeth and reshape them to create a suitable base for the bridge. He will also take impressions of your teeth for the dental lab and create a temporary restoration for you to wear until we complete your final bridge.
Bridge Preparation
Final Bridge Placement
Next, we will fabricate your final restoration, which typically takes one to two weeks. Once it’s ready, you’ll return to our dental office where Dr. Al will place your final porcelain bridge on each abutment tooth, ensuring its fit and appearance is in alignment with the rest of your teeth. Lastly, the bridge will be “cemented” into place using an adhesive to keep it from falling out. Now you can enjoy all the benefits of eating and smile with your newly restored teeth!
Final Bridge Placement

Recovery after the procedure

Dental bridge recovery is typically straightforward and relatively quick. Since the procedure doesn’t involve any invasive surgery, most patients can return to their daily activities almost immediately. However, it’s common to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for the hours following your dental bridge placement. This usually subsides within a day or two as your mouth adjusts to the new bridge.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help you manage any discomfort during this initial period. If the sensitivity persists or worsens, we recommend consulting our dentist to rule out any potential issues.

How to care for your dental bridge

Proper care and attention to your dental bridge is essential for maintaining its longevity. If you’re wondering how long a dental bridge lasts, a new one can serve for more than 15 years with good oral hygiene habits. Following these tips will help ensure your bridge remains strong and reliable:

Regular Oral Hygiene | Brush your teeth regularly. Treat the bridge just like your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean the bridge and the surrounding teeth.

Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects | While your bridge is designed to be robust, it’s essential to be mindful of chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, as these habits can cause damage to your bridge.

Regular Dental Check-Ups | Maintain regular cleanings as these appointments are crucial for assessing the health of your bridge and ensuring it remains securely in place.

Address Any Issues Promptly | If you notice any discomfort, unusual sensations, or damage to your bridge, don’t hesitate to contact Innovative Smiles for a prompt evaluation.

no insurance? no problem!

Interested in getting a dental bridge near you but don’t have insurance? Not a problem! Patients who would like to break their treatment costs into affordable monthly payments can benefit from working with a financing company. Applying for financing is quick and easy, and you’ll receive an instant decision so you can proceed with your treatment promptly.

If you are interested in seeing our skilled bridge dentist but don’t have insurance, call Innovative Smiles today at (281) 859-9073 to speak with our insurance coordinator who can provide more information about our financing options.

have insurance? we've got you covered!

We accept most PPO plans, and our treatment coordinator will be able to provide an estimate of what your plan may cover. We’re also happy to bill your dental insurance plan on your behalf to help you maximize your benefits. Visit our Insurance & Financing page to view the insurances we are in-network with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Bridge Houston, TX

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a dental restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that are anchored in place by dental crowns or dental implants on either side of the gap left by the missing teeth.

At Innovative Smiles, we custom-make your dental bridge to fit securely in your mouth in order to restore your smile, bite, and speech. The pontics can be made from various materials such as porcelain, gold, or a combination of both. The dental crowns or dental implants that hold the bridge in place are typically made of porcelain or ceramic materials that closely match the color of your natural teeth.

There are different types of dental bridges available that Dr. Al will recommend depending on your specific needs. Traditional dental bridges are the most common and are supported by dental crowns on either side of the gap. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap, and Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth.

The cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on the type of bridge and the number of teeth being replaced. Generally, the cost of a dental bridge can range from several hundred to over $1,000 per tooth.

Traditional dental bridges are typically more expensive than cantilever or Maryland bridges because they require the placement of dental crowns on the adjacent teeth to support the bridge. Additionally, the materials used for the pontics can also affect the cost of the bridge. Porcelain or ceramic pontics tend to be more expensive than metal pontics.

Keep in mind that dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost of a dental bridge, depending on the terms of your policy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to see what your coverage is for dental bridges.

Additionally, at Innovative Smiles we offer financing options which spread out your payments and help fit a dental bridge into your budget.

Whether a dental bridge is right for you depends on the condition of your teeth and your specific dental issue. Here are some situations in which a dental bridge may be recommended:

  • Missing teeth | If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be used to fill in the gap and restore your smile, bite, and speech.
  • Adjacent teeth in need of crowns | If you have adjacent teeth that are damaged or decayed and in need of crowns, a dental bridge may be a good option to restore the missing tooth or teeth at the same time.
  • Jawbone structure | If you do not have sufficient jawbone structure to support a dental implant, a dental bridge may be recommended as an alternative solution.
  • Age and health | If you are older or have certain health conditions that may make dental implant surgery too risky, a dental bridge may be a better option.

Dr. Al will be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend the best treatment plan for your individual needs. We will also answer any questions you may have about the dental bridge procedure and help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Dental crowns and dental bridges are both dental restorations, but they serve different purposes:

  • Dental crowns are used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a single damaged or decayed tooth. The crown is placed over the entire tooth, covering it completely above the gumline, to protect and strengthen the tooth.
  • Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth by filling the gap with an artificial tooth or teeth (pontics) that are anchored to adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. These adjacent teeth are typically fitted with dental crowns to support the bridge.

In a nutshell, dental crowns are used to repair or strengthen a damaged or decayed tooth, while dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by using dental crowns as anchors to support the artificial tooth or teeth.

The lifespan of dental bridges can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the restoration, the material used, the location of the teeth being restored, and how well you maintain your oral health. Generally, dental bridges can last between 5-15 years or more with proper care.

Porcelain and ceramic bridges are typically more durable and long-lasting than resin or metal restorations. Additionally, dental restorations on front teeth may be more prone to wear and tear from biting and chewing, and may require replacement sooner than restorations on back teeth.

To help extend the lifespan of your dental bridge, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoid using your teeth to bite or chew hard objects, and wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth.

If you experience any problems with your dental bridge, such as pain or sensitivity, a loose or broken restoration, or signs of infection, please contact Innovative Smiles as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment. With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges can provide a durable and effective solution for restoring damaged or missing teeth.

New Patient Special!

Without Insurance – $165
Includes exam, x-rays, standard cleaning, and fluoride

With PPO Plan – $150 Credit
Towards dental treatment with full exam and x-rays

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