Yuma's Best Dentist
Restore Your Smile And Your Confidence
Missing one or more teeth? A dental bridge can restore your smile and your confidence. At Arizona Avenue Dentistry in Yuma, we create custom dental bridges that look natural, feel comfortable and function just like your real teeth.
Whether you've lost teeth due to decay, injury, or other reasons, we're here to help you smile again with compassionate care focused on getting you back to feeling like yourself.
Call (928) 782-3685 to schedule your bridge consultation today.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one to three missing teeth. The bridge consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap.
Unlike removable dentures, a dental bridge is permanently cemented in place. You don't take it out at night, and you care for it just like your natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
You might think one missing tooth isn't a big deal, especially if it's in the back where others can't see it. But leaving gaps in your smile can lead to serious problems:
Replacing missing teeth protects your oral health and overall well-being.
We offer several types of dental bridges depending on your needs and the location of your missing teeth:
The most common type. Crowns are placed on the teeth on both sides of the gap, with artificial teeth in between. This is the strongest and most durable option for replacing one or more missing teeth.
Best for: Replacing teeth with healthy natural teeth on both sides
Similar to a traditional bridge, but only one adjacent tooth supports the bridge instead of two. This is used when there's only one natural tooth next to the gap.
Best for: Situations where there's only one supporting tooth available
A conservative option that uses metal or porcelain "wings" bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. This requires minimal preparation of the supporting teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Best for: Front teeth where appearance matters and less chewing force is applied
During your consultation, Dr. Grady will examine your teeth, discuss your goals and recommend the best bridge option for your situation.
Getting a dental bridge typically takes two to three appointments over two to four weeks:
Dr. Grady examines your teeth and gums, takes X-rays and discusses your options. If you proceed with a bridge, we prepare the supporting teeth by reshaping them to accommodate the crowns. We take impressions of your teeth and place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while your custom bridge is made.
Your impressions are sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians craft your custom bridge from high-quality materials. The bridge is designed to match the color, shape and size of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
We remove your temporary bridge and carefully fit your new permanent bridge. Dr. Grady checks the fit, bite and appearance, making any necessary adjustments. Once everything is perfect, the bridge is permanently cemented in place.
The procedure is comfortable, and we offer options to help you relax during your appointments. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the process.
With proper care, dental bridges typically last 5 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer. The lifespan of your bridge depends on several factors:
We'll provide detailed care instructions after your bridge is placed, and we're always here to answer questions about maintaining your restoration.
When you're missing teeth, you have several replacement options. Here's how dental bridges compare:
Dental implant: A titanium post is surgically placed in your jawbone, then a crown is attached on top. Implants don't require altering adjacent teeth, but they're more expensive and require surgery with a longer healing time (3-6 months).
Dental bridge: Less expensive, no surgery required and completed in just a few weeks. However, the adjacent teeth must be prepared (reshaped), which removes healthy tooth structure.
Best choice: If you have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap and want a faster, more affordable solution, a bridge is often ideal. If you want to preserve adjacent teeth and don't mind the wait and cost, an implant may be better.
Partial denture: A removable appliance that hooks onto your natural teeth. Less expensive than a bridge but also less stable. You must remove it daily for cleaning and at night.
Dental bridge: Fixed in place permanently, more comfortable and more stable for chewing. Looks and feels more natural but costs more than a partial denture.
Best choice: If you want a permanent solution that feels and functions like natural teeth, choose a bridge. If budget is your primary concern and you don't mind a removable appliance, a partial denture works well.
Dr. Grady will review all your options during your consultation and help you make the best choice for your needs, budget and goals.
The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on the number of teeth being replaced, the type of bridge and the materials used. On average, bridges can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of bridge costs, typically 50% after your deductible is met. We'll verify your benefits before treatment and provide a detailed cost estimate so there are no surprises.
We work with you to make dental bridges affordable:
Don't wait to replace missing teeth because of cost concerns. Call us at (928) 782-3685 to discuss your options, and we'll help you find a solution that fits your budget.
Don't wait another day with missing teeth. Call us at (928) 782-3685 to schedule your bridge consultation, or request an appointment online.
We're proud of the care we give, but hearing from our patients means everything. Read the reviews that reflect our commitment to comfort, compassion and exceptional dentistry.