If you’re missing one or more teeth in Lexington, a dental bridge can fill that gap. We can help you chew, speak, and smile with confidence again. Dr. Morgan Chambers creates custom bridges that look natural and feel secure. Most patients get their permanent bridge in just two to three weeks.
Our office is located at 2353 Alexandria Drive, #300, Lexington, KY, in the Cygnus building near New Circle Road and Harrodsburg Road. We’re easy to get to from Beaumont, Andover, Hamburg, and Nicholasville.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Think of a bridge exactly as it sounds. It closes the gap where one or more teeth are missing. A replacement tooth (called a pontic) is held in place by anchors on either side of the gap. Those anchors can be your natural teeth or modern dental implants.
A bridge can:
- Restore your ability to chew and speak normally
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of place
- Maintain the shape of your face and jaw
- Distribute the force of your bite evenly
- Give you back a complete, confident smile
Cost & Insurance for Dental Bridges in Lexington
We accept most dental insurance plans as an out-of-network provider. That means we work for you, not the insurance company, but we still file all your claims. Many plans cover 50% or more of the cost of a bridge because it’s considered medically necessary restorative care.
No insurance? No problem. We offer phased treatment plans so you can spread the cost over time. And you can use your HSA or FSA dollars. Call us at 859-251-3809 for a personalized cost estimate.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dr. Chambers will recommend the type of bridge that best fits your situation. The right choice depends on where the gap is, how many teeth are missing, and the health of your surrounding teeth.
- Traditional Bridge: The most common type. It uses natural-looking crowns on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The false tooth (or teeth) in the middle attaches to the crowns. It’s strong and reliable for replacing one or more missing teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Instead of using crowns on natural teeth, this bridge is anchored by dental implants. The implants are placed in your jawbone and act as artificial roots. This option is the strongest and most stable, and it helps prevent bone loss. It’s an excellent choice when multiple teeth are missing in a row.
- Cantilever Bridge: This type is used when there’s only one healthy tooth next to the gap. The bridge is anchored to that single tooth. It’s less common today because it can put extra stress on the supporting tooth.
- Maryland Bridge: A more conservative option. Instead of crowns, it uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the teeth next to the gap. It’s used to replace front teeth, though it’s not as strong as a traditional bridge or an implant bridge.
Dr. Chambers prefers implant-supported bridges whenever possible because they are the most stable and protect your jawbone. But she will always recommend the option that is best for your unique health and goals.
Why Lexington Patients Trust Dr. Chambers for Dental Bridges
- Lexington native. Grew up here, practices here, raises her family here.
- Advanced training. General Practice Residency at the University of Kentucky with extra training in surgical and sedation procedures.
- Implant certified. If an implant-supported bridge is right for you, she can place both the implants and the bridge without specialist referrals needed.
- She asks, “Would I do this on me?” That’s her standard before recommending any treatment.
- Botox certified & Invisalign preferred provider.
Traditional Dental Bridge Procedure
The Dental Bridge Procedure: What to Expect
If you’ve never had a bridge before, knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. Here’s how Dr. Chambers approaches the process.
Step 1: Your Comprehensive Exam
Every good outcome starts with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Chambers will examine the gap and your entire mouth. She will look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and bite. This ensures that any treatment she recommends is built on a stable, healthy foundation.
Step 2: Creating Your Custom Plan
Once Dr. Chambers has all the information she needs, she will discuss your options with you. She will explain the pros and cons of each bridge type and help you choose the path that best fits your needs and budget. If you are using natural teeth as anchors, those teeth will be gently prepared for crowns.
Step 3: Taking Impressions
Dr. Chambers will take precise digital scans or impressions of your teeth. These are sent to a high-quality dental laboratory here in the U.S. Skilled ceramists will craft your custom bridge to her exact specifications. In the meantime, we’ll provide you with a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and maintain your smile.
Step 4: Placing Your New Bridge
In about two to three weeks, your permanent bridge will be ready. You will return to our Lexington office. Dr. Chambers will carefully check the fit, comfort, and appearance of your new bridge.
She will make sure your bite feels right and that the color blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Once everything is perfect, she will cement it securely in place.
Here’s what our patients say about their bridges:
Real Results from Lexington Patients
How to Make Your Dental Bridge Last 15+ Years
Dr. Chambers will show you exactly how to clean under your bridge during your placement appointment. But here’s what you should know ahead of time:
- Use a floss threader. Regular floss can’t reach under the false tooth. We’ll give you one for free.
- Consider a water flosser. Many patients find it easier than threaders. We recommend the Waterpik brand.
- Avoid these foods: Caramel, taffy, ice, popcorn kernels, and hard nuts can damage your bridge.
- See us every six months. We’ll check the fit and clean areas you can’t reach at home.
Keep up with your regular dental checkups. We will examine your bridge at each visit, thoroughly clean around it, and ensure everything is healthy. Regular visits are the key to catching small issues before they become big problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dental bridge painful to get?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort. The procedure is done with local anesthesia to numb the area. Afterward, there may be some mild sensitivity, but it usually fades within a few days.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good care, a traditional bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Implant-supported bridges can last even longer because the implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime, though the bridge may need replacement after many years.
How many teeth can a bridge replace?
A traditional bridge can typically replace one to three missing teeth in a row. An implant-supported bridge can sometimes replace 6 or more teeth, depending on the location and the number of implants placed.
What happens if a bridge breaks or comes loose?
If your bridge ever feels loose or gets damaged, call our office right away. Don’t wait. In some cases, we may be able to re-cement it or repair it. In others, you may need to replace it. The sooner we see it, the better.
Can I get a bridge if I have missing teeth on both sides of my mouth?
Yes. Dr. Chambers can create a treatment plan that addresses multiple missing teeth. This might involve multiple bridges or a combination of bridges and implants. She will design a plan that restores balance and function to your entire smile.
Restore Your Smile and Your Confidence
You don’t have to live with the discomfort and self-consciousness of missing teeth. A dental bridge can give you back a full, functional, beautiful smile.
Call us today at 859-251-3809 or request an appointment online. Let’s talk about how your dentist in Lexington, KY, can help you complete your smile. We welcome new patients from all around Lexington, Beaumont, Andover, Hamburg, Nicholasville, and all of Fayette County.