Dental Bridge Collingwood

The process of receiving a dental bridge usually takes place over two appointments, allowing time for careful preparation, detailed impressions, and precise laboratory fabrication. Although the specific steps may vary depending on the type of bridge you’re getting, the overall sequence remains similar for most patients. Once you and your dentist have confirmed the treatment plan, the first visit focuses on shaping the supporting teeth or preparing the implants, and the second visit involves fitting and bonding the final bridge.

First visit
During the initial appointment, which generally lasts between 45 minutes and two hours, the focus is on preparing the abutment teeth. These teeth are gently reshaped so that the crowns anchoring the bridge can fit snugly and securely. If the teeth are weakened by decay or previous dental work, a post-and-core buildup may be added to reinforce them before the bridge is placed. After shaping, a digital scan or traditional impression is taken to record the exact contours of your mouth. This information is sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians craft your custom bridge.

To protect your prepared teeth and maintain appearance, a temporary bridge is placed at the end of the first visit. This temporary restoration holds the space, allows you to chew lightly, and keeps your smile looking natural while your permanent bridge is being fabricated. You’ll be given instructions on how to care for the temporary bridge and what to avoid until the final restoration is ready.

Second visit
Your second visit, which normally takes 45 to 90 minutes, is dedicated to fitting and securing the permanently designed bridge. Your dentist removes the temporary bridge, cleans the area, and checks the new restoration for fit, colour match, bite alignment, and margin accuracy. Several small adjustments may be made to ensure comfort and proper function. Once everything fits precisely, the bridge is bonded in place using dental cement or, in the case of implant-supported bridges, tightened using abutment screws.

A final bite check ensures your teeth come together naturally, and you’ll receive instructions on caring for your new bridge to keep it lasting for years. While the process is straightforward, it plays a transformative role in restoring comfort, appearance, and long-term oral stability. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how seamless and routine the experience feels, and most resume normal eating shortly after.

The cost of a dental bridge in Collingwood can vary widely depending on the type of bridge you select, the number of missing teeth being replaced, and the materials used to create the restoration. A traditional fixed bridge tends to fall on the lower end of the cost range, while an implant-supported bridge is typically more expensive because it involves surgery, additional planning, and several stages of care. The complexity of your case, the presence of other dental issues, and any preparatory treatment — such as gum therapy or restorative work on neighbouring teeth — can also influence the final price.

Key cost factors include:

● bridge type (e.g., cantilever, Maryland, traditional, implant-supported)
● number of gaps to fill
● material choice (zirconia, PFM, gold, etc.)
● any preparatory work (e.g., implants, grafting)
● clinical expertise required
● number of X-rays or diagnostic images
● overall case complexity
● any existing oral or health conditions

While it’s difficult to give a precise estimate without an examination, a single-unit bridge typically ranges from approximately $1,500 to $5,000 in total, including laboratory fees but excluding implants, imaging, or other procedures that may be necessary in your treatment plan. At Peaks Family Dentistry Collingwood, our fees are aligned with the current Ontario Dental Fee Guide to ensure fairness and transparency.

The most accurate way to understand your cost is to attend a free consultation at our office. During your visit, we’ll evaluate your teeth, review your treatment options, confirm what type of bridge is appropriate, and prepare a detailed estimate tailored to your needs. If you have dental insurance, our team can help you understand your benefits, submit estimates on your behalf, and provide guidance regarding coverage or financing so you can move forward with confidence.

The process should not be painful. You may feel slight discomfort during the local anesthetic, but treatment is generally smooth. The anesthetic ensures your comfort during the procedure. In the end, the renewed function and aesthetics are well worth it!

For those who are anxious, we offer mild sedation—such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas)—to help you relax. Let us know if you’d like to explore sedation.

Many dental insurance plans cover bridges as “major restorative” work—often covering 50% to 100%. We'll help you understand your benefits and can submit a pre-determination claim on your behalf.

We offer direct insurance billing so you only pay co-pays or deductibles at the time of service. We handle the paperwork for you for convenience.

Choosing the right provider means finding someone skilled who genuinely cares about your oral health and goals. At Peaks Family Dentistry Collingwood, we offer a variety of materials and treatment choices, along with free consultations. If you're in Collingwood or the surrounding area, we’d be happy to help you review your options and begin treatment when you’re ready.