Our Kalispell Dentist Can Replace Your Missing Teeth
Missing a tooth can feel like a blow to your confidence, affecting your smile, speech, and ability to enjoy your favorite foods. Fortunately, dental bridges offer a reliable, long-lasting solution to restore your smile and oral health. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other dental issues, a dental bridge can seamlessly fill the gap, blending aesthetics with functionality.
Are you ready to replace your lost teeth? Contact our Kalispell dentists near you today by calling (406) 393-8877. We welcome new patients at Alpine Family Dental.
Meet Our Kalispell Dentists
At Alpine Family Dental, you’re not just seeing “a dentist”—you’re cared for by a skilled, collaborative team that brings decades of combined experience in restorative and implant dentistry.
Dr. Evan Olson, D.ABDSM
A second-generation Montana dentist, Dr. Olson earned his degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and has completed extensive postgraduate training in surgical and restorative implant dentistry. He’s a Fellow of the Implant Pathway Surgical Program, a Mentor for CEREC Doctors, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. His advanced skills in CAD/CAM technology and implant-supported restorations make him especially adept at designing and placing high-precision dental bridges—whether traditional, cantilever, or implant-supported.
Dr. Autumn Chapman, DDS
Dr. Chapman brings a passion for smile design and conservative dentistry. After receiving her DDS from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and working alongside her grandfather (a respected Montana dentist), she focuses on creating beautiful, natural-looking restorations. Her attention to detail ensures every dental bridge she helps design blends seamlessly with your existing teeth and facial features.
Dr. Greg Eller
With over 14 years at Alpine Family Dental and specialized training in IV moderate sedation, Dr. Eller continues to provide sedation services for patients who feel anxious about longer restorative appointments. His calm, reassuring presence makes bridge procedures comfortable even for those who have avoided the dentist for years.
Together, our team offers the perfect combination of surgical precision, aesthetic excellence, and patient comfort—exactly what you want when restoring missing teeth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It “bridges” the gap in your smile by anchoring artificial teeth (called pontics) to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. These supporting teeth, known as abutments, provide stability for the bridge, ensuring it stays securely in place.
Dental bridges are crafted to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, restoring both the appearance and functionality of your smile. They’re a popular choice for patients seeking a fixed, non-removable solution to tooth loss, offering a more permanent alternative to dentures.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridges
The most common type, traditional dental bridges, consists of one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns cemented onto the abutment teeth. These bridges are ideal when you have healthy, natural teeth on either side of the gap.
- Best for: Patients with strong, healthy adjacent teeth.
- Advantages: Highly durable, natural appearance, and widely available.
- Considerations: Requires reshaping of adjacent teeth to accommodate crowns.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For patients missing multiple teeth or lacking strong adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. These bridges offer superior stability and longevity.
- Best for: Multiple missing teeth or weak adjacent teeth.
- Advantages: Extremely stable, prevents bone loss, and mimics natural tooth roots.
- Considerations: Higher cost and longer treatment time due to implant surgery.
Dental Bridge Benefits
Patients can experience the following dental bridge benefits:
- Restored smile
- Improved functionality
- Maintains facial structure
- Prevents further dental complications
- Long-lasting restoration
- Affordable solution
- Boost in confidence
- Minimally-invasive procedure
Are you ready to love your smile again? Contact the best dentists near you today by calling our dental office in Kalispell at(406) 752-1107.
The Dental Bridge Procedure at Alpine Family Dental
Our process is designed for comfort and precision:
- Dr. Olson or Dr. Chapman prepares the abutment teeth and takes digital impressions using our advanced scanning technology.
- A temporary bridge is placed on the same day, so you never leave the office without teeth.
- The permanent bridge is fabricated in a high-quality lab (or, when appropriate, abutment crowns are milled in-office with CEREC).
- At the final appointment, the bridge is tried in, adjusted for perfect bite and aesthetics, and permanently cemented.
How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?
While the costs of your dental bridge will vary based on several factors, you can expect to spend between$2,000 and $5,000. Factors that will influence the total cost include:
- Geographical location
- Materials used
- The type of dental bridge
- Number of teeth that need to be replaced
- Dentist’s experience
- Dental insurance plan
- Additional procedures
Are you ready to schedule a consultation? Contact our dentist in Kalispell at(406) 393-8877 today.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
To ensure your dental bridge lasts as long as possible, proper care is essential. Follow these tips to keep your bridge in top condition:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily, using floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean under the bridge.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing on hard or sticky foods (like ice or caramel) can damage your bridge. Stick to a bridge-friendly diet.
- Visit Our Dentists Regularly: Schedule checkups and dental cleanings every six months to monitor your bridge and overall oral health.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can stain your bridge and increase the risk of gum disease, which can compromise the bridge’s stability.
- Use a Nightguard if Needed: If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can protect your bridge from excessive wear.
Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Ideal dental bridge candidates include patients with:
- Healthy Adjacent Teeth: The abutment teeth must be strong enough to support the bridge.
- Good Oral Health: Candidates should have healthy gums and no active dental infections.
- Sufficient Bone Density: For implant-supported bridges, adequate jawbone density is required for implant placement.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Patients must be willing to maintain proper oral hygiene to ensure the longevity of the bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many dental insurance plans partially cover dental bridges, especially if deemed medically necessary. Coverage varies by provider and plan, typically ranging from 50% to 80% of the cost. Check with your insurance provider for specific details and eligibility.
Dental bridges are a fixed, long-term solution, but not permanent. With proper care, they last 10 to 15 years or more. Implant-supported bridges may last longer due to their stability. Regular dental checkups help extend the longevity of your restoration.
Schedule an Appointment at Alpine Family Dental
Missing teeth don’t have to define your smile or your confidence. A dental bridge offers a reliable, attractive, and functional solution to restore your oral health and enhance your quality of life. Don’t let gaps in your smile hold you back—take action today to reclaim your confidence.
Contact our Kalispell dentist today at(406) 393-8877 to explore your tooth replacement options.