Dental Bridges in Edmonton | Prevent Tooth Drift & Restore Your Smile
Gallery Dental provides advanced dental bridges in Edmonton to restore your smile’s natural appearance and full functionality while preventing tooth drift.
Gallery Dental
What Are Dental Bridges and How Do They Work?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth (pontic) between two dental crowns. At Gallery Dental in Edmonton, Dr. Sekhon uses iTero 3D scanning technology to create custom bridges that prevent dental drift and super-eruption—two complications that affect 70% of untreated tooth loss cases within two years (Alberta Health Services).
According to Statistics Canada, approximately 38% of Canadians will require some form of tooth replacement by age 60. Dental bridges offer a proven two-week solution compared to 3-6 month dental implant timelines, making them a quick and more cost-effective restorative option for tooth replacement.
The Structure of a Dental Bridge
A standard dental bridge consists of three main components working together. The pontic (replacement tooth) sits in the middle, crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. On either side, dental crowns cap the healthy adjacent teeth, providing stable anchors for the entire structure.
When natural teeth aren’t strong enough to support a bridge (or if you’re missing multiple adjacent teeth) Gallery Dental can use dental implants as anchors instead. This hybrid approach allows us to replace up to four missing teeth with exceptional stability.
7 Signs You Might Be a Candidate For A Dental Bridge
Consider a dental bridge consultation if you can check off these criteria:
You’re missing one or more permanent teeth in a row
Your surrounding teeth are starting to tilt or drift into the gap
Chewing feels compromised or uncomfortable on one side of your mouth
You’ve noticed opposing teeth shifting vertically toward the empty space
Your jawbone density is sufficient to support anchor crowns
A dental implant is too expensive for your budget and/or not covered by your insurance plan
If you checked most or all of these items, a dental bridge consultation is highly recommended.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters:
Preventing Dental Drift
When you lose a tooth, nature doesn’t leave the gap alone. Two problematic processes begin almost immediately:
Dental Drift
When you lose a tooth, the teeth on either side of that gap start shifting inward, much like books on a shelf if you remove a one from the middle. This sideways tilt (called “dental drift”) creates many problems: teeth become harder to clean, and your risk of decay and gum disease increases! You also might notice your teeth becoming more crooked, causing your bite to become uneven, which can put extra force on certain teeth.
According to Alberta Health Services, dental drift occurs in nearly 70% of untreated cases within just two years of tooth loss.
Super-Eruption
Here’s what many people don’t realize: the tooth in the opposite jaw (the one that used to bite against your missing tooth) will actually start moving vertically into the gap. Without a contact point to stop it, this tooth “super-erupts” from its socket.
Super-eruption disrupts your entire bite alignment and exposes parts of the tooth that were never meant to be exposed, making them vulnerable to decay. Over time, this process can alter your facial structure and make future dental work significantly more complex and expensive.
The bottom line: Dental bridges act as “space maintainers” that keep every tooth in your mouth exactly where it belongs, preventing the need for orthodontic treatment later and protecting your long-term oral health.
The Gallery Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge at our Edmonton clinic typically takes just two appointments spread over about two weeks. Dr. Sekhon has refined this process to maximize both precision and your comfort.
Here’s what you can expect:
First Appointment: Digital Impressions with iTero 3D Scanner
Gone are the days of uncomfortable putty molds that make you gag. We use the iTero 3D Scanner to capture incredibly accurate digital maps of your mouth (completely goop-free!). During this first visit, Dr. Sekhon carefully prepares the anchor teeth (removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns) and takes these digital scans.
The digital impressions are sent directly to our trusted dental laboratory, where skilled technicians craft your custom bridge using high-quality materials matched precisely to your natural teeth.
The Two-Week Laboratory Crafting Period
While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, we’ll provide you with a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your appearance. The laboratory process takes approximately two weeks because each bridge is custom-created for your unique mouth—this isn’t a one-size-fits-all product.
Second Appointment: Final Fitting and Permanent Cementation
When you return for your second visit, Dr. Sekhon will carefully check the fit, bite, and appearance of your new bridge. We make any necessary adjustments to ensure your complete comfort and satisfaction. Once everything is perfect, we permanently cement the bridge in place using dental-grade adhesive.
You’ll leave our office with a fully restored smile that looks natural and functions just like your original teeth.
Dental Bridge Cost in Edmonton
At Gallery Dental, we believe in complete financial transparency. We align our fees with the provincial standards set by the Alberta Dental Association, which means you can plan your dental investment with confidence.
Dental Bridge Cost ≈ $2,915.60
According to the Alberta Dental Association’s 2026 Fee Guide, a standard three-unit dental bridge costs approximately $2,915.60. This represents the most common bridge configuration—replacing one missing tooth with support from two adjacent teeth.
What Affects the Final Cost?
Several factors can influence the price of your specific bridge:
Material selection: We offer different materials ranging from traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal to all-ceramic options. All-ceramic bridges typically cost more but offer superior aesthetics for front teeth.
Case complexity: If you need additional preparatory work (such as treating gum disease or building up damaged anchor teeth), this will affect the total investment.
Number of units: A four-unit bridge (replacing two adjacent teeth) will cost more than a three-unit bridge.
During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a detailed, personalized estimate based on your specific needs. Many dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of bridge costs, and we’re happy to help you understand your coverage.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants:
Which Is Right For You?
Both dental bridges and dental implants are excellent solutions for replacing missing teeth, but they work differently and suit different situations. Your oral health, timeline, and personal goals will help determine which option makes the most sense for you.
| Feature | Traditional Dental Bridge | Dental Implant |
|---|---|---|
| Support Source | Natural adjacent teeth | Titanium post anchored in jawbone |
| Treatment Timeline | Approximately 2 weeks | 3–6 months (includes healing time) |
| Expected Longevity | 10–15 years with proper care | 25+ years, potentially lifetime |
| Bone Preservation | Limited (bone may recede over time) | Excellent (implant stimulates bone) |
| Effect on Adjacent Teeth | Requires reshaping healthy teeth | No impact on neighboring teeth |
| Base Fee | $2,915.60+ | Ranging from $3,500 – $5,500+ |
The Hybrid Solution: Implant-Supported Bridges
When you’re missing multiple adjacent teeth, Gallery Dental can combine the best of both approaches. By anchoring a bridge to dental implants rather than natural teeth, we can replace up to four missing teeth with exceptional stability and longevity.
Implant-supported bridges offer several advantages: they don’t require altering healthy adjacent teeth, they provide stronger support than tooth-supported bridges, and they help preserve jawbone density. This makes them an excellent option when natural teeth aren’t available or aren’t strong enough to serve as anchors.
During your consultation, Dr. Sekhon will evaluate your specific situation and help you understand which approach will give you the best long-term results.
Caring For Your Dental Bridge
The good news? According to National Institutes of Health research, dental bridges maintained with proper hygiene show a 10-year survival rate exceeding 90%. With the right care, your bridge can serve you well for many years.
Daily Cleaning
Cleaning your dental bridge requires one additional step beyond normal brushing and flossing. The area underneath the pontic (the replacement tooth) needs special attention because food particles and bacteria can accumulate there.
Use a floss threader or interdental brush daily. Threading floss underneath the pontic takes about 60 seconds and prevents the two most common bridge problems: decay on the anchor teeth and gum disease around the bridge. Your hygienist will demonstrate the proper technique during your bridge placement appointment.
Continue brushing twice daily and visiting Gallery Dental for regular cleanings every six months. These professional cleanings allow us to check your bridge’s condition and catch any small issues before they become big problems.
What to Avoid
Protect your investment by avoiding habits that stress the bridge: don’t chew ice or hard candy, avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages, and if you grind your teeth at night, talk to us about a custom nightguard to protect both your bridge and natural teeth.
Emergency Bridge Support in Edmonton
If your bridge feels loose, causes discomfort, or sustains damage, don’t wait. Gallery Dental provides same-day emergency appointments for damaged or problematic dental bridges. Prompt attention prevents further damage to the supporting teeth and can often save the bridge itself.
Common warning signs to watch for: persistent sensitivity around the bridge, visible gaps between the bridge and gum line, looseness or movement when eating, or a change in how your bite feels. If you notice any of these, contact our office right away.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Missing teeth don’t just affect your appearance, they set off a chain reaction that impacts your entire mouth, your bite, and even your facial structure. Dental bridges offer a proven, efficient solution that prevents these complications while restoring your confidence and chewing ability.
At Gallery Dental in Edmonton, Dr. Sekhon combines advanced technology like the iTero 3D Scanner with personalized care and transparent pricing based on the 2026 Alberta Fee Guide. Whether you need a traditional bridge or an implant-supported solution, we’ll help you understand your options and create a treatment plan that fits your needs and timeline.Schedule your consultation today to learn how a dental bridge can protect your oral health and bring back your natural smile.
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