A missing tooth changes more than your smile. It changes how you chew, how you speak, and — over time — how the neighboring teeth line up. Left alone, the teeth on either side of a gap slowly drift toward it, and the opposing tooth can begin to over-erupt into the empty space. A dental bridge is one of the most reliable, time-tested ways to close that gap, and at Madison Square Dental we’ve been restoring Arlington smiles with bridges for decades.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that literally “bridges” the space left by one or more missing teeth. The classic design uses a crown on each tooth beside the gap (the abutment teeth) with a replacement tooth (the pontic) fused between them. Unlike a removable partial denture, a bridge is cemented in place — you brush it, chew with it, and smile with it just like natural teeth.
Types of bridges we place in Arlington
- Traditional bridges — the most common option, anchored by crowns on both neighboring teeth. Strong, natural-looking, and ideal when the adjacent teeth already have fillings or crowns.
- Cantilever bridges — anchored on one side only, used in select situations where there is a healthy tooth on just one side of the gap.
- Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges — a conservative option that bonds a replacement tooth to the backs of the neighboring teeth with minimal preparation, most often used for front teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges — when several teeth in a row are missing, dental implants can anchor the bridge instead of natural teeth, protecting healthy enamel entirely.
Bridge or implant — which is right for you?
Both are excellent solutions, and the honest answer is: it depends on your mouth. A bridge is often the better choice when the neighboring teeth would already benefit from crowns, when you’d prefer to avoid surgery, or when you want the fastest path to a complete smile — a bridge is typically finished in a few weeks. A single dental implant is often preferred when the adjacent teeth are completely healthy, since it doesn’t require reshaping them. At your consultation we’ll walk you through both options with X-rays in hand so you can make an informed choice — and we’re always happy to give a second opinion on a treatment plan you’ve received elsewhere.
What the bridge process looks like
Visit 1 — exam and preparation. We examine the gap and the neighboring teeth, take X-rays, and confirm a bridge is the right fit. The abutment teeth are gently reshaped to make room for their crowns, we take precise impressions, and you leave the same day with a comfortable temporary bridge.
Between visits. A dental lab custom-crafts your bridge, matching the shade and shape of your natural teeth.
Visit 2 — fit and cementation. We remove the temporary, check the fit and your bite carefully, make any fine adjustments, and cement the finished bridge in place. Most patients adapt to chewing and speaking with their new bridge within a few days.
How much does a dental bridge cost in Arlington?
Bridge pricing depends on how many teeth are being replaced, the type of bridge, and the materials used — so the fair answer is a personalized quote after an exam rather than a one-size-fits-all number. What we can promise: transparent pricing before any work begins, insurance verification handled for you, and financing options that fit real budgets. If your treatment plan involves crowns on the anchor teeth, our zirconia crowns are $899 each, which gives you a sense of the components involved. New to our office? Your first visit — comprehensive exam, X-rays, and cleaning — is just $129.
Caring for your bridge
A well-maintained bridge commonly lasts 10–15 years or longer. Care is simple: brush twice daily, clean under the pontic with floss threaders or a water flosser, and keep up with regular checkups so we can monitor the anchor teeth. Avoid chewing ice or using your teeth as tools — good advice for natural teeth, too.
Why Arlington families choose Madison Square Dental
Our practice has served Arlington for more than 40 years. Our doctors — including Dr. Mansour Ahangarzadeh, Dr. Brijesh Patel, and Dr. Priyaben Patel — combine restorative experience with a gentle, unhurried chairside approach, and we offer free consultations and second opinions so you never feel pressured into treatment. Same-day emergency appointments are available if a failing tooth simply can’t wait.
Ready to close the gap in your smile? Call Madison Square Dental at (817) 275-2229 or learn more about dental bridges. We’ll help you decide whether a bridge, an implant, or another option is the best fit — and we’ll make sure you understand every step before we begin.