A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between them. The treatment timeline refers to the period it takes for the mouth to fully adjust to the new device. The three most common types are traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges, determined by how they anchor to the surrounding teeth. The overall process typically involves multiple appointments spread over several weeks to ensure the final prosthetic is functional and comfortable.
Preparing the Teeth and Initial Visit Duration
The treatment timeline begins with the first major appointment: preparing the teeth that will support the bridge, known as the abutment teeth. For a traditional bridge, the dentist administers local anesthesia before reshaping the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. This creates space for the crowns that will cap these teeth and anchor the prosthetic.
This initial procedure, including taking precise digital scans or physical impressions, usually takes between one to two hours. These impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory to serve as the custom blueprint for the final bridge. Following the appointment, minor soreness in the gums and increased temperature sensitivity in the prepared teeth are common for a few days.
Laboratory Fabrication and the Temporary Bridge Phase
The duration between the first and second appointments is the main waiting period while the custom bridge is crafted in a dental laboratory. This fabrication process involves modeling, layering ceramic or porcelain materials, and firing to achieve the correct shape, color, and fit. Standard laboratory production ranges from two to three weeks, though complex cases may take longer.
During this waiting time, the dentist places a temporary bridge over the prepared abutment teeth. The temporary prosthetic serves a dual purpose: it protects the newly shaped teeth from sensitivity and decay, and prevents surrounding natural teeth from shifting position. Patients must exercise specific care, avoiding sticky or extremely hard foods that could dislodge the temporary cement.
The Final Placement Appointment and Adjustment Period
The next stage is the final placement appointment, where the permanent bridge is fitted. The temporary bridge is removed, and the restoration is placed to check the fit, bite alignment, and aesthetics. Minor adjustments to the surfaces are often made chairside to ensure a seamless fit against the opposing teeth.
Once the dentist confirms the bridge fits correctly and the bite is balanced, the prosthetic is permanently cemented onto the abutment teeth. This appointment is often shorter than the first, typically lasting around one hour. Following placement, the adjustment period begins, where the patient’s mouth adapts to the new restoration, which can take a few days to a couple of weeks until the bridge feels completely natural.
Variables That Can Extend the Treatment Timeline
The standard two-to-three-week timeline assumes a healthy starting point, but several factors can significantly extend the overall treatment duration. A major variable is the need for pre-treatment procedures, such as addressing existing gum disease or performing root canal therapy. These treatments require their own healing periods before bridge preparation can begin.
If adjacent teeth are unsuitable for support, an implant-supported bridge may be chosen, necessitating a surgical phase and a healing period called osseointegration. This process, where the implant fuses with the jawbone, can add three to six months to the overall timeline. Furthermore, if the custom bridge returns from the lab with an imperfect fit or incorrect color match, it must be sent back for corrections, causing a delay of several days to a week or more.