Dental Bridges in Aurora, ON | Fixed Tooth Replacement | Aurora Borealis Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

Dental Bridges in Aurora, ON

A fixed, natural-looking way to replace one or more missing teeth — restoring your bite, your smile, and your confidence.

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A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a prosthetic tooth — called a pontic — to crowns on the adjacent natural teeth, or to dental implants.

At Aurora Borealis Dentistry in Aurora, Ontario, Dr. Waji Khan designs fixed bridges that restore chewing function, keep neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap, and blend naturally with your existing teeth. Unlike a removable appliance, a bridge stays securely in place — you care for it much like your natural teeth.

A gap is more than cosmetic. When a tooth is missing, the teeth on either side gradually shift and tilt into the space, and the opposing tooth can over-erupt. This changes your bite over time. Replacing a missing tooth promptly keeps the rest of your teeth properly aligned.

Your Options

Types of dental bridges

The right type of bridge depends on where the gap is, how many teeth are missing, and the condition of the surrounding teeth. Dr. Khan will recommend the most appropriate option after examining your teeth:

Traditional Bridge

The most common type — a pontic held in place by crowns cemented onto the natural teeth on each side of the gap. A strong, well-established solution when the adjacent teeth are healthy.

Cantilever Bridge

Used when there's a healthy tooth on only one side of the gap. The pontic is anchored to a single adjacent tooth rather than both sides.

Most Conservative

Maryland Bridge

A resin-bonded bridge that uses a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth — preserving more natural tooth structure since the neighbouring teeth aren't crowned.

Most Stable

Implant-Supported Bridge

Anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth — ideal when several teeth in a row are missing, and it preserves the jawbone the way a tooth-supported bridge cannot.

Learn about dental implants

Compare Your Options

Bridge vs. implant for a missing tooth

For a single missing tooth, the two most common fixed options are a traditional bridge and a dental implant. Each has its place:

Feature	Dental Bridge	Dental Implant
Affects adjacent teeth	✗ Adjacent teeth are crowned	✓ None affected
Preserves jawbone	✗ No	✓ Yes
Treatment time	✓ Weeks	Several months
Surgery required	✓ No	Yes — implant placement
Typical lifespan	10–15 years	✓ Decades or more

A bridge is often the better choice when the adjacent teeth would benefit from crowns anyway, when treatment time matters, or when an implant isn't suitable. An implant is usually preferred for long-term bone preservation. Dr. Khan will help you weigh the trade-offs for your specific situation.

Why It Helps

Benefits of a dental bridge

Restores chewingEat comfortably and naturally again across the restored area

Fixed in placeStays put — no removing it for cleaning like a denture

Prevents shiftingStops adjacent teeth from drifting into the gap

Natural appearanceTooth-coloured materials matched to your smile

Supports your biteMaintains proper alignment and even bite forces

Relatively quickCompleted in a matter of weeks, no surgery required

What To Expect

The dental bridge process

Examination & planning

Dr. Khan examines your teeth and gums, takes digital X-rays, and confirms a bridge is the right option. You'll get a clear treatment plan before any work begins.

Preparing the anchor teeth

Under local anaesthetic, the teeth on either side of the gap are shaped to receive crowns. Sedation is available for anxious patients.

Impressions

A precise impression is taken so your bridge is fabricated to fit your bite exactly and match your surrounding teeth.

Temporary bridge

A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth and the gap while your permanent bridge is being made.

Fitting the permanent bridge

At your next visit, the permanent bridge is checked for fit, bite, and appearance, then cemented securely in place.

Care & maintenance

We show you how to clean under the bridge and monitor it at your regular hygiene visits to keep it lasting as long as possible.

Most bridges involve two appointments over a few weeks. Implant-supported bridges follow a longer timeline because they include implant placement and healing — Dr. Khan will outline your specific timeline at the planning stage.

Related Treatments

Related tooth-replacement options

Anchors The Bridge

Dental Crowns

A traditional bridge relies on crowns over the adjacent teeth to hold the replacement tooth. Crowns are also used to restore individual damaged teeth.

Learn about dental crowns

Replaces The Root

Dental Implants

For long-term bone preservation and to avoid crowning healthy teeth, an implant replaces the tooth root itself and supports a crown or implant bridge.

Learn about dental implants

Replacing several teeth or a full arch? A implant-supported denture may be a better fit than a bridge. Dr. Khan will review every option with you so you can choose with confidence.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How long does a dental bridge last?

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, a dental bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and often longer. Longevity depends on the health of the supporting teeth, the forces on the bridge, and how well it's cleaned. We monitor your bridge at every hygiene visit.

Is getting a bridge painful?

No — the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain while the anchor teeth are prepared. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal. Sedation is available for anxious patients.

How do I clean under a dental bridge?

Because a bridge is fixed, you clean under the pontic using a floss threader, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. We'll show you the technique that works best for your bridge so the supporting teeth and gums stay healthy.

What's the difference between a bridge and an implant?

A bridge requires crowning the teeth on either side of the gap to support the replacement tooth, while an implant replaces the tooth root itself without involving the neighbouring teeth. Implants also preserve the jawbone, which a bridge does not. For many patients an implant is the preferred long-term solution, though a bridge may be more appropriate in certain situations or where treatment time and cost are priorities.

How many teeth can a bridge replace?

A bridge can replace one tooth or several teeth in a row. The more teeth being replaced, the more support is needed — which is where implant-supported bridges become valuable, since they don't rely solely on the natural anchor teeth. Dr. Khan will advise what's appropriate for your case.

Will my bridge look natural?

Yes. Bridges are made from tooth-coloured materials shade-matched to your surrounding teeth, so the replacement tooth blends in naturally in both colour and shape.

Does insurance cover bridges in Ontario?

Many dental plans cover major restorative treatments such as bridges at a reduced coverage level. Aurora Borealis Dentistry accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and direct bills most major insurers. Your coverage is reviewed before treatment begins so there are no surprises.

Book Now

Book a bridge consultation in Aurora

If you're missing one or more teeth and want a fixed, natural-looking replacement, Dr. Khan will assess your teeth and gums and walk you through the options — bridge, implant, or implant-supported — so you can choose the right one. We're located at 107–14785 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON, open Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 9PM. New patients are always welcome and the CDCP is accepted.

Book Online 905-538-8808

Individual results vary. The appropriate tooth-replacement option depends on a clinical examination and diagnostic imaging; treatment recommendations are made on an individual basis. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a professional consultation.