Where Families in Green Lake Come to Smile
Dental Bridges Seattle, WA
Does the gap in your smile bother you more than you let on? Maybe you’ve gotten used to chewing on one side of your mouth, or you catch yourself covering your smile in photos. The truth is, a missing tooth affects way more than aesthetics. It shifts your bite, puts extra strain on your other teeth, and can even change the shape of your face over time.
At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Cherryl Ellison creates custom dental bridges that do more than fill a gap. We restore your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently. Each bridge is carefully built to match your natural teeth so seamlessly that even you might forget which tooth is the replacement.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent restoration that replaces one or a row of missing teeth by securing artificial teeth to the real teeth on either side of the gap. The supporting teeth, called abutments, are typically capped with dental crowns to hold the bridge securely in place. The replacement tooth (or teeth) in the center, called pontics, fill the empty space and restore your bite.
Bridges are milled from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. The average out-of-network cost for a dental bridge is around $3,965. At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, we design each bridge to mimic the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth so it blends flawlessly into your smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
Different bridge designs work better for different situations. Your specific needs determine which type makes the most sense.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional bridges rely on crowns placed over the teeth adjacent to the gap. This approach works well when you have healthy, natural teeth on the bordering sides of the missing tooth. The crowns provide stable support for the replacement tooth.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges attach to only one adjacent tooth rather than two. We may recommend this option when you only have one natural tooth next to the gap, though it’s less common because it places more stress on a single supporting tooth.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain structure fused to the back of adjacent teeth with minimal alteration to those teeth. This conservative approach saves more of your natural tooth structure but may not be suitable for areas of your mouth that handle heavy chewing forces.
Benefits of Choosing a Dental Bridge
Replacing missing teeth does more than improve your appearance. A bridge restores your ability to chew properly, which helps you maintain a nutritious diet. It also supports clear speech by filling gaps that can affect pronunciation.
Dental bridges prevent your existing teeth from shifting out of position. When you lose a tooth, the remaining teeth naturally drift toward the empty space over time. This movement can create bite problems, jaw pain, and make it harder to brush and floss your teeth effectively. A bridge maintains proper tooth alignment and supports your oral health.
The fixed nature of a bridge means you don’t remove it for cleaning like you do with a partial denture. You brush around it just like your natural teeth, making daily care straightforward.
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a bridge typically requires two appointments. During your first visit, we prepare the supporting teeth by reshaping them to accommodate crowns. We then take precise impressions of your teeth, which serve as a blueprint for creating your custom bridge. You’ll wear a temporary bridge while your permanent restoration is being made.
At your second appointment, we remove the temporary bridge and assess the fit of your new permanent bridge. We make any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and proper bite alignment before permanently cementing the bridge in place. The result is a stable restoration that feels natural and functions like your original teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Maintaining a bridge requires consistent daily care. Brush twice daily, paying special attention to the areas where the bridge meets your gums. Food particles and plaque can develop in these spaces if not cleaned properly.
Flossing around a bridge requires a slightly different technique than flossing natural teeth. We recommend using a floss threader or special bridge floss to clean beneath the pontic and between the crowns. Your hygienist can demonstrate the most effective cleaning method during your appointment.
Regular dental cleanings and exams help us monitor your bridge and the health of the supporting teeth. We check for any signs of wear, decay, or gum problems that could affect the longevity of your restoration. With proper care, a well-made bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
When to Consider a Dental Bridge
You might be a good candidate for a bridge if you're missing one to three consecutive teeth and have healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The supporting teeth need sufficient structure and healthy gums to effectively anchor the restoration. If you've been living with a missing tooth for a while, a bridge can prevent the dental problems that develop when gaps remain untreated. Some patients also choose bridges as an alternative to dental implants when they prefer a less invasive procedure or when implants aren't suitable for their specific situation.
Restore Your Smile at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Cherryl Ellison brings her training from Indiana University and years of experience to every dental bridge she creates. Our Seattle practice prioritizes making your experience comfortable from consultation through final placement. We use premium materials and precise methods to craft bridges that look natural and function reliably for years to come.
We accept most major PPO insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, and Premera Blue Cross, and offer flexible payment options through Cherry Financing with 0% interest for 12 months. Our convenient Green Lake location on Aurora Avenue provides easy access with free parking. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and discover how a custom dental bridge can complete your smile.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Cherryl Ellison – Dental Fillings In Green Lake
With over six years of experience and a reputation for clarity and kindness, Dr. Cherryl Ellison delivers dental fillings in Green Lake that feel calm, transparent, and comfortable. She’s known for explaining procedures in plain terms, using modern techniques, and treating each patient like a person—not a chart. From first-time patients to longtime regulars, she makes dental visits feel approachable and personalized.
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