Dental Bridge in Idaho Falls, ID

West Wind Dental in Rigby provides affordable dental bridges for patients in Idaho Falls and throughout Eastern Idaho

Imagine trying to drive across town if half the roads were missing. Every trip would be harder than it needs to be, and simple tasks would feel frustrating. That’s what missing teeth can feel like. Eating your favorite foods, speaking clearly, or even smiling with confidence can suddenly feel like a challenge. A dental bridge fills in the gap, restoring your smile so everything works the way it should again.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

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This implant-supported bridge replaces 3 missing teeth with mini dental implants.

A dental bridge is an aptly named dental appliance. It literally “bridges” the gap left behind by a missing tooth. If you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or gum disease, a bridge may be a good option to restore your smile. A traditional dental bridge is effective for patients who still have healthy teeth on either side of the gap, since those teeth will help support the bridge.

So, what does a bridge look like? A bridge is made of one or more replacement teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns that fit over the neighboring teeth. Once it’s in place, it fills the empty space, restoring your smile’s appearance and your oral function.

Dental Bridge Options

Not every smile is the same, and that means not every bridge is, either. At West Wind Dental, we take the time to match the right type of bridge to your needs, so you can enjoy a strong, natural-looking smile that feels like your own.

Traditional and Cantilever Bridges

Traditional bridges use crowns on the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap to hold a replacement tooth in place. A cantilever bridge is similar, but it’s anchored by a crown on just one side instead of two. Both options are effective solutions if the surrounding teeth are healthy enough to support them.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

A Maryland bridge is considered a more conservative option because it doesn’t require reshaping your natural teeth the way crowns do. Instead of using crowns to secure a replacement tooth, this type of bridge has small “wings” that attach to the back of the neighboring teeth. Maryland bridges are best for front teeth, where the biting force is lighter and less stress is put on the restoration.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Strong structures depend on strong support, whether it’s a bridge over a waterway or the roof over your house. Artificial teeth are no different. But what if that support was made of titanium? That’s what an implant-supported bridge offers: replacement teeth anchored to titanium posts.

A bridge supported by dental implants is the strongest and longest-lasting solution. Instead of relying on natural teeth, the bridge is supported by implants that we place in your jawbone. This connection to the jawbone gives the bridge exceptional stability and helps prevent bone loss. Because the implants are artificial tooth roots, they stimulate the bone every time you bite or chew. That stimulation keeps the bone strong and healthy, preventing the deterioration that can happen with other types of bridges.

Implant-supported bridges can replace just a few teeth (a 3-unit bridge) or even an entire arch of teeth (what we refer to as a roundhouse). No matter how many teeth you’re missing, an implant-supported bridge feels the closest to having natural teeth again.

The Advantages of Mini Implants for a Dental Bridge

Mini dental implants offer many of the same benefits as traditional implants, but with a simpler, less invasive process. Here’s why they’re often our preferred choice:

  • Greater eligibility: Mini implants require less bone, making them a great option even if you’ve had bone loss. And, for most patients, bone grafting isn’t needed.
  • Less invasive placement: Since mini implants are often half the diameter of traditional implants, we can use a much gentler and simpler method to place them in the bone.
  • Comfortable recovery: The smaller size and simpler procedure mean less disruption to your tissues and less discomfort after placement.
  • Fast results: Implant bridges with conventional implants typically require several months before you receive your final restoration. Because mini implants fuse with the bone more quickly, you can enjoy your finished smile much sooner.
  • Affordable option: Mini implants cost less than conventional implants without compromising on stability. Despite their size, mini implants give your bridge a stable foundation for chewing, speaking, and smiling with confidence.

At West Wind Dental, a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, we often recommend mini implants as a practical, patient-friendly solution for securing a dental bridge.

Take the Next Step Toward a Complete Smile

Gaps in your smile can quickly impact your daily routines, making meals less enjoyable, conversations a little awkward, or photos something you’d rather avoid. A dental bridge changes that. With options ranging from traditional styles to implant-supported bridges with mini implants, we can restore your smile in a way that feels natural and lasting.

At West Wind Dental in Rigby, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in finding what works best for you. Ready to see what’s possible? Schedule a free consultation or second opinion today.

Frequently Asked Questions

The process depends on the type of bridge you need.

For a mini implant-supported bridge, we may place 3-4 implants to replace a few missing teeth, or 6-12 for a roundhouse bridge that restores a full arch. We use a minimally invasive technique to gently place the implants into the jaw. You’ll be numb or sedated the whole time to ensure you’re comfortable. After a healing period, we take a digital impression and send the details to our trusted local lab. About 10 days later, your custom bridge is ready to be secured, giving you a smile that looks and feels natural.

With a traditional or cantilever bridge, we must reshape the neighboring tooth or teeth so we can place crowns over them. The crowns hold the bridge securely in place, using the stability of your natural teeth. For a Maryland bridge, we don’t have to alter any tooth structure. Instead, we’ll bond the wing-like framework to the back of the teeth adjacent to the gap.

No matter which type you choose, our goal is to keep the process comfortable and give you a bridge that feels natural and secure.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the process is. Getting a bridge does involve some preparation, but we use gentle techniques and local anesthesia to keep you at ease.

With mini implants, the procedure is minimally invasive, so healing is typically smooth with only mild soreness for a few days. Once healed, your bridge should feel natural and allow you to chew, smile, and speak without discomfort.

Insurance coverage for dental bridges depends on your specific plan. Many plans will cover a portion of the cost, such as a percentage of a three-unit bridge. Coverage can vary widely, so it’s always best to check your benefits in advance.

December and January are busy months for dental labs because patients often use their remaining yearly benefits or reset with a new allowance at the start of the year. We’re happy to help you review your plan and maximize your coverage so you know exactly what to expect.