Missing teeth affect more than just your smile: they impact how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. At Dental Arts of Florida in Jacksonville, Dr. Fred Tepedino and our compassionate dental team restore your smile and oral function with high-quality dental bridges. Whether you're missing one tooth or several, a dental bridge offers a natural-looking, durable solution that fits seamlessly into your life.
Don't let missing teeth hold you back. Call Dental Arts of Florida at (904) 822-9786 for new patient appointments, or request your consultation online today. We're open most weekends for your convenience.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that literally bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth), with a false tooth or teeth in between (called a pontic). This pontic is anchored to the abutment teeth, creating a stable, natural-looking replacement that restores both function and aesthetics.
Bridges are custom-made from durable materials, ensuring they match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. Unlike removable dentures, bridges are fixed in place, remaining stationary whether you're eating, speaking, or smiling.
Missing teeth create far more than an aesthetic concern. They disrupt your bite, strain remaining teeth, and accelerate bone loss in your jaw. Left untreated, missing teeth lead to serious consequences, including difficulty eating nutritious foods, speech problems, increased risk of gum disease, shifting and misalignment of remaining teeth, accelerated aging of your facial appearance, and compromised confidence and quality of life.
Professional dental bridges in Jacksonville restore your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting and bone loss, maintain the natural shape of your face, improve bite alignment and oral function, provide a permanent, fixed solution (no removal or maintenance like dentures), restore your appearance and boost self-esteem, and protect your long-term oral health. Early replacement of missing teeth prevents costlier problems down the road.
Dental bridges are an excellent option if you have:
Bridges work best for patients with realistic expectations who are committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Contact Dental Arts of Florida for a thorough evaluation to determine if a bridge is right for you. Consider exploring our guide on Dental Bridges vs Implants: Which Tooth Replacement Option Is Right for You?
| Bridge Type | Best For | Advantages | Considerations |
| Traditional Bridge | One or more missing teeth with healthy teeth on both sides | Most common, very durable (5–15+ years), excellent support, works for any tooth position | Requires preparation of two abutment teeth |
| Cantilever Bridge | Missing tooth at the end of the row with a healthy tooth on one side only | Preserves one natural tooth, still very effective | Places more stress on the single supporting tooth, which is used less frequently |
| Maryland Bridge | Single missing front tooth with healthy adjacent teeth | Minimal tooth preparation, preserves natural tooth structure | Less durable than traditional bridges, best for front teeth only, may not suit back teeth with strong biting forces |
| Implant-Supported Bridge | Multiple missing teeth, sufficient jawbone density | No natural teeth removed, excellent long-term stability, and prevents bone loss | Requires surgery, takes several months to complete, and has a higher upfront cost |
Choosing a dental bridge at Dental Arts of Florida delivers comprehensive benefits that improve your oral health and quality of life.
Missing teeth result from various causes. Understanding what led to your tooth loss helps determine the best replacement option for your situation.
At Dental Arts of Florida, the bridge process is straightforward, comfortable, and designed with your convenience in mind. Dr. Tepedino uses advanced techniques and modern materials to create bridges that look and feel natural.
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Tepedino examines your teeth and gap, takes digital X-rays to assess bone support and abutment tooth health, discusses your goals and preferences for the restoration, and explains bridge options and the treatment process. This consultation ensures you understand every step and feel confident moving forward.
During your first appointment, Dr. Tepedino gently prepares the abutment teeth (the teeth anchoring the bridge) by removing a small amount of tooth structure. This creates space for the crowns that will support the bridge. Local anesthetic ensures the process is completely painless. Impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken to create a precise mold for your custom bridge.
A temporary bridge protects your prepared teeth and maintains your appearance and function while your permanent bridge is being crafted. This temporary restoration allows you to eat, speak, and smile normally during the waiting period.
Your permanent bridge is meticulously crafted in a dental laboratory using high-quality materials like porcelain or ceramic. Dr. Tepedino works closely with our laboratory to ensure the bridge matches your natural teeth perfectly in color, shape, and translucency. This process typically takes one to two weeks.
At your second appointment, Dr. Tepedino removes your temporary bridge and places your permanent bridge. He carefully checks your bite, ensures proper fit and comfort, and makes any necessary adjustments. The bridge is then permanently cemented in place using specialized dental cement.
The cost of a dental bridge in Jacksonville varies depending on several factors. Here's what you can typically expect:
Service | Cost Range |
Single-tooth bridge (one pontic) | $1,500–$3,000 |
Multi-tooth bridge (two or more pontics) | $2,500–$5,000+ |
Initial consultation and X-rays | $100–$200 |
Temporary bridge | Included |
Adjustments and follow-up | Included |
Factors Affecting Bridge Cost:
While bridges represent an investment in your oral health and quality of life, they offer exceptional value. Unlike tooth loss, which can lead to ongoing problems and costly repairs, a bridge prevents future complications and lasts for many years with proper care.
Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; please call at (904) 822-9786 for clarity.
Don't let missing teeth limit your life. A dental bridge from Dental Arts of Florida can restore your smile, your function, and your confidence, all in just a few weeks.
Contact Dental Arts of Florida today. Call (904) 822-9786 or request an appointment online,
New patient information and forms are available. We're open most weekends for your convenience and offer same-day appointments for urgent dental needs. Dr. Tepedino and our team look forward to helping you restore your smile.
With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges typically last 5–15 years or longer. The longevity depends on your oral hygiene, bite forces, and overall health. Regular dental visits and excellent home care maximize your bridge's lifespan. Eventually, bridges may need to be replaced, but quality craftsmanship and diligent care can significantly extend their lifespan.
Yes. After a brief adjustment period of a few days to a week, your bridge will feel completely natural. You'll eat, speak, and smile without thinking about it. The custom fit and materials ensure comfort and function that closely mimics your natural teeth.
No. Your teeth are numbed with local anesthetic before preparation so that you won't feel pain during the procedure, only pressure and vibration from the instruments. You may experience sensitivity to temperature after placement, but this is temporary and manageable with sensitive toothpaste.
Yes, but with some initial caution. Avoid very hard, sticky, or crunchy foods for the first week after placement. Once you've adjusted, you can eat most normal foods comfortably. Just avoid biting directly on tough objects like ice or hard candy.
Brush your bridge twice daily like your natural teeth. Use special floss threaders or water flossers to clean under the bridge and around the abutment teeth. Regular dental checkups every six months ensure your bridge and supporting teeth remain healthy.
Both are excellent options with different advantages. Bridges are faster, less invasive, and more affordable. Implants don't require preparation of adjacent teeth and last longer on average. Dr. Tepedino will recommend the best option based on your specific situation during your consultation.
Many insurance plans cover 40–60% of bridge costs after your deductible. Coverage varies by plan and individual circumstances. We'll verify your benefits before treatment and explain precisely what you'll pay out of pocket.
Love the customer service and professionalism of the staff. Great location, convenient and typically able to get appointments in a matter of days.
Great office staff and exemplary care. Same day appointments for urgent issues and state of the art office. Also handles most dental concerns. Highly recommended.
I Thought Dr Trepidino was first class professional and knew what he was doing... Very polite. And kind. And his staff were gregarious folks as well..
Fantastic Staff, great job taking care of the patient to make sure they are comfortable at all times. Doctor is amazing. Can't say enough about this Dentist.
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Dr. Fred Tepedino comes from a long line of dentists spanning four generations. He received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University and graduated with Honors in Periodontology. Always furthering his education and abilities, Dr. Tepedino continued his surgical training to achieve a Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association and training in Advanced Alveolar Reconstruction. Taking the time to listen to his patients and hear their perspective on their oral health and dental needs, Dr. Tepedino establishes trust and rapport with them. Ever a perfectionist, Dr. Tepedino provides a high level of care and skill that truly set his practice apart.
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