Fixed Bridges

When you’re missing one or more teeth, the effects go beyond your smile. Gaps in your bite can cause neighboring teeth to shift, make chewing more difficult, and affect the way you speak. A fixed bridge is one of the most reliable ways to close that gap, restoring function and appearance at the same time.

At Wenatchee Dental Arts, we’ve been helping patients in Wenatchee and the surrounding communities rebuild their smiles since 1993. As part of our restoration services, fixed bridges are a long-standing solution that Dr. John Divis, DDS, FAGD, uses to give patients results that look natural and hold up over time. Our approach is comprehensive and personal because you’re not a number here, you’re an individual.

What Is a Fixed Bridge?

A fixed bridge is a non-removable prosthetic that fills the space left by a missing tooth or multiple teeth. It is made of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, fixed by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighboring teeth, called abutment teeth, are prepared and fitted with dental crowns that hold the bridge securely in place.

Because a fixed bridge is cemented into position, it functions much like your natural teeth. You eat, speak, and care for it just as you would the rest of your smile.

Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters

Tooth loss is more common than many people realize. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults between 20 and 64 have an average of 3.28 missing or decayed teeth, making tooth replacement an important part of maintaining long-term oral health.

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the jawbone underneath begins to deteriorate over time. The teeth surrounding the gap may move out of position, leading to changes in your bite. Over time, this can create problems with your jaw joint and put extra wear on surrounding teeth. A fixed bridge helps preserve the structure of your mouth by filling the space before these changes take hold.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The fixed bridge process typically takes two appointments. Your first visit focuses on preparing the abutment teeth. We gently reshape them to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge, then take impressions of your teeth that are sent to a dental lab where your custom bridge is crafted.

During that time, we place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and maintain your smile. Once your permanent bridge is ready, you return for your second visit. We remove the temporary and check the fit, appearance, and bite of your new bridge before cementing it permanently in place.

Here is a general overview of what each appointment involves:

• First visit: Tooth preparation, impressions, and temporary bridge placement
• Between appointments: Custom bridge fabrication at a dental lab
• Second visit: Final fit check and permanent cementation

Most patients find the process straightforward and manageable with local anesthesia.

Caring for Your Fixed Bridge

With good care, a fixed bridge may last many years. Daily brushing and flossing are essential, including cleaning under the pontic using a floss threader or interdental brush. Routine exams and cleanings allow us to monitor the bridge and the surrounding teeth, catching any potential concerns early.

Avoid habits that put excess pressure on the bridge, such as chewing ice or using your teeth to open packages. Treating your bridge with the same care you’d give your natural teeth goes a long way toward keeping it in good shape.

Is a Fixed Bridge Right for You?

A fixed bridge is a strong option for patients who are missing one or a few teeth in a row and have healthy teeth on either side to serve as anchors. It’s a more permanent alternative to removable partial dentures and may be a good fit for patients who want a fixed solution without pursuing dental implants.

In some cases, Dr. Divis may also recommend root canal therapy on an abutment tooth before placing the bridge, depending on the condition of that tooth. During your consultation, we evaluate your overall oral health to help determine which restoration aligns best with your needs.

Schedule Your Consultation at Wenatchee Dental Arts

Dr. John Divis, DDS, FAGD, has been providing comprehensive dental care to patients in the Wenatchee area for over 30 years. At Wenatchee Dental Arts, every patient receives individualized attention. We take the time to understand your situation and walk you through your options clearly. Whether a fixed bridge is the right solution or another restoration is a better fit, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

If you’re ready to restore your smile with care you can count on, we invite you to request an appointment and take the first step toward a complete, healthy bite.