Dentures and Dental Bridges in London, Ontario

Missing teeth can make everyday things harder — eating, speaking, smiling and even feeling comfortable in social situations.

At Olive Tree Dental, we provide dentures and dental bridges in London, Ontario to replace missing teeth and restore your ability to eat and smile with confidence. Depending on your oral health, the number of teeth you are missing, the condition of the surrounding teeth and your goals, we may recommend a partial denture, complete denture or dental bridge.

During your consultation, we will examine your teeth and gums, take any necessary X-rays and explain your treatment options. You will know what is involved before treatment begins.

Dental Bridges in London, Ontario

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth.

A traditional bridge uses the teeth beside the gap as supports. The supporting teeth are prepared to receive crowns, which are connected to the replacement tooth or teeth. The finished bridge is then cemented into position.

Unlike a removable denture, a conventional dental bridge stays in your mouth and is not removed for daily cleaning.

A bridge may be an option when:

You are missing one or more teeth.
The teeth beside the space are strong enough to support a restoration.
You want a fixed alternative to a removable denture.
You want to restore chewing function and the appearance of your smile.
An examination shows that a bridge is appropriate for your oral health.

A dental bridge is not suitable for everyone. The health of the supporting teeth, your bite, gum health and the location and size of the missing-tooth space all matter.

Types of Dental Bridges

The most appropriate type depends on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of the surrounding teeth.

Traditional dental bridge

This is the most common type of fixed bridge. The replacement tooth is supported by crowns placed on the neighbouring teeth.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is supported from one side rather than both sides. It is only suitable in certain situations because the supporting tooth has to withstand additional forces.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge uses a framework attached to the back of nearby teeth rather than placing full crowns over them. This type may be considered for selected cases, particularly in areas where biting forces are lower.

Implant-supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth. This can be an option when several adjacent teeth are missing and implants are appropriate. We will explain which options are suitable for your mouth after an examination.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth.

They can replace several teeth or an entire upper or lower arch. Modern dentures are designed to restore the appearance of your smile while helping you speak and chew more comfortably. At Olive Tree Dental, we provide different denture options depending on how many teeth you are missing and the condition of your remaining teeth.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture replaces some missing teeth while keeping your remaining natural teeth.

It is removable, which means you can take it out for cleaning and at night.

A partial denture may be considered when:

The design will depend on the location of the missing teeth and your overall oral health.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch.

They may be recommended when natural teeth can no longer be saved or when an entire arch is already missing teeth.

Complete dentures are individually designed to fit your mouth and restore the appearance and function of the missing teeth.

Immediate Dentures

An immediate denture may be placed around the time teeth are removed, depending on your treatment plan.

This can allow you to have replacement teeth while your gums heal. However, the shape of your gums and underlying tissues changes during healing, so adjustments or further treatment may be needed as your mouth settles.

Dentures or a Dental Bridge: Which Is Right for You?

There is no single solution that is best for every patient.

A dental bridge may make sense when you are missing a small number of teeth and the neighbouring teeth are suitable to support the restoration.

A partial denture may be more appropriate when several teeth are missing in different areas of the mouth.

A complete denture is used when all teeth in an upper or lower arch are missing.

Dental implants may provide another option for replacing individual teeth or supporting a bridge or denture.

The decision depends on your oral health, the number and location of missing teeth, your bite, the condition of your remaining teeth, your preferences and your budget.

At Olive Tree Dental, we will explain the advantages and limitations of each appropriate option rather than recommend a treatment simply because it is the most expensive one.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

A missing tooth is more than a cosmetic concern.

Depending on where the tooth is missing, leaving a gap can affect chewing, speech and the way your remaining teeth contact each other.

Replacing missing teeth can help:

Restore chewing function.
Improve the appearance of your smile.
Support clearer speech.
Restore a more balanced bite.
Replace teeth that are no longer present.
Make it easier to maintain a functional smile.

The right timing and treatment depend on why the tooth was lost and your current oral health.

If you have had a missing tooth for years, that does not automatically mean you cannot replace it. We can assess the area and discuss what options are available.

What Happens When You Get a Dental Bridge?

Your treatment begins with an examination and any necessary diagnostic imaging. If a conventional bridge is appropriate, the supporting teeth are carefully prepared so the restoration can fit properly. A digital scan or impression is then used to create the bridge.

A temporary restoration may be placed while the final bridge is being made. At the next appointment, the temporary restoration is removed and the final bridge is checked for:

Once everything is satisfactory, the bridge is cemented into place. The exact number of appointments and treatment time depends on your individual case.

What Is the Denture Process?

The denture process begins with an examination and treatment planning.

If teeth need to be removed first, we will discuss the sequence of treatment and whether an immediate denture is appropriate. Depending on the type of denture, impressions or digital records are taken so the dental laboratory can create your custom appliance.

Once the denture is ready, we check its fit and make any necessary adjustments. It is normal for a new denture to take some time to feel familiar. Your mouth, tongue and facial muscles need time to adapt to the new appliance.

If you experience pressure or sore areas, contact us. Small adjustments can often make a significant difference in comfort.

Getting Used to New Dentures

New dentures can feel unusual at first. You may notice changes in:

Most people need an adjustment period.

Start with softer foods and gradually return to a wider range of foods as you become more comfortable. Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing evenly on both sides can also help during the adjustment period.

If your dentures repeatedly move, cause pain or create sore spots, do not simply tolerate the problem. Your denture may need an adjustment or another solution may need to be considered.

What If My Dentures Are Loose?

Loose dentures are common as the shape of the gums and supporting tissues changes over time. If your dentures have become loose, uncomfortable or difficult to eat with, we can assess their fit. Depending on their condition, treatment may include:

Do not rely on denture adhesive to solve a poorly fitting denture indefinitely. If your denture no longer fits properly, have it assessed.

How Long Do Dental Bridges and Dentures Last?

The lifespan of a bridge or denture varies from patient to patient.

A dental bridge can remain functional for many years when the restoration and supporting teeth are properly maintained. Regular dental examinations are important because problems can develop around the supporting teeth even when the bridge itself looks fine.

Dentures also require ongoing care. Your mouth naturally changes over time, which can affect the fit of a denture.

A denture that once fitted comfortably may eventually become loose or uncomfortable. A reline or replacement may then be recommended.

The best way to protect your investment is to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental examinations.

How to Care for Your Dental Bridge

Your bridge needs the same level of attention as your natural teeth. Brush twice daily and clean carefully around the supporting teeth.

You also need to clean underneath the replacement tooth. A floss threader, interdental cleaner or water flosser may help you reach areas that a normal toothbrush cannot. Your dental team can show you the best method for cleaning your particular bridge.

How to Care for Your Dentures

Proper denture care helps keep your appliance clean and comfortable.

Remove your dentures when advised, including while sleeping unless your dentist recommends otherwise.
Clean them regularly using products designed for dentures.
Avoid abrasive products that can scratch the denture surface.
Clean your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth.
Store dentures appropriately when they are not being worn.
Handle them carefully to avoid accidental damage.
Attend dental appointments so the fit and condition of your mouth can be checked.

If your dentures become damaged, do not try to repair them yourself with household adhesives.

Are Dentures Covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers a range of removable denture services for eligible patients, including complete dentures, partial dentures, repairs, relines and rebases. Some services require preauthorization and frequency limits apply.

Importantly, the current CDCP rules list fixed prosthodontics, including dental bridges and bridge-related procedures, as excluded services. Implant procedures and implant-supported dentures are also excluded.

CDCP coverage does not necessarily mean that you will have no out-of-pocket costs. Your income, the CDCP fee schedule, provider fees and whether the service is covered can all affect what you pay. The Government of Canada recommends confirming any costs that will not be covered before receiving treatment.

If you have CDCP coverage and are considering dentures, ask our team about your treatment plan and expected costs before proceeding.

How Much Do Dentures or Dental Bridges Cost?

There is no single price for dentures or dental bridges because the treatment is customised to each patient. Your cost can depend on:

The number of missing teeth
The type of restoration
The materials used
The condition of your remaining teeth
Whether extractions are required
Whether additional restorative treatment is needed
The type of denture or bridge selected
Whether you require adjustments, repairs or relining

Rather than giving you a generic price that may not apply to your situation, we assess your mouth and provide a treatment plan based on your actual needs. If you have dental insurance, we can also help you understand the expected coverage before treatment begins.

Bridge vs Dental Implant

A dental bridge and a dental implant can both replace a missing tooth, but they work differently.

A conventional bridge uses neighbouring teeth for support. An implant replaces the missing tooth’s root and supports a crown without relying on the adjacent teeth. An implant may be worth discussing when the neighbouring teeth are healthy and you want to avoid preparing them for a conventional bridge.

A bridge may be a practical option when the surrounding teeth already require crowns or when an implant is not suitable. There are several factors to consider, including oral health, bone availability, treatment time, cost and your personal preferences.

The best option is determined after an examination rather than by choosing the treatment that sounds best online.

Why Choose Olive Tree Dental for Missing Teeth?

Replacing missing teeth is not simply about filling a space. The restoration needs to fit comfortably, work with your bite and suit the condition of the rest of your mouth.

At Olive Tree Dental in London, Ontario, we look at the complete picture before recommending treatment. If you need a bridge, denture, extraction, crown, implant consultation or other restorative treatment, you can discuss your options with the same dental team.

If you need a bridge, denture, extraction, crown, implant consultation or other restorative treatment, you can discuss your options with the same dental team.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of:

You can then make an informed decision about replacing your missing teeth.

Book a Denture or Dental Bridge Consultation in London, Ontario

If you are missing one tooth, several teeth or an entire arch, you do not have to decide which replacement option is right on your own. The first step is an examination.

At Olive Tree Dental, we can assess your teeth, gums, bite and existing restorations and explain whether dentures, dental bridges or another tooth-replacement option may be appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bridge and a denture?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that is attached to supporting teeth or implants. A denture is removable and can replace several teeth or an entire arch.

Are dental bridges permanent?

A dental bridge is fixed, meaning you cannot remove it yourself. However, it is not considered permanent for life. Its longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, bite, supporting teeth and regular dental care.

Can dentures replace all of my teeth?

Yes. Complete dentures are designed to replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch when natural teeth are no longer present or cannot be saved.

Can I eat normally with dentures?

Dentures can restore much of your chewing function, but eating with dentures can feel different from eating with natural teeth. Most patients need an adjustment period and may initially find some foods more difficult to chew.

What should I do if my dentures keep slipping?

Have them examined. Loose dentures may need an adjustment, reline or replacement. In some cases, implant-supported dentures may be worth discussing.

Can I sleep with my dentures in?

Your dentist can advise you based on your individual circumstances. In many cases, dentures are removed at night to allow the oral tissues to rest.

How do I clean my dentures?

Clean your dentures regularly with a denture-safe cleaning product and a suitable brush. You should also clean your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth.

Are partial dentures covered by the CDCP?

The CDCP covers eligible removable partial dentures, although some partial denture services require preauthorization and frequency limitations apply. Coverage is subject to the plan’s current rules.

Does the CDCP cover dental bridges?

No. Under the current CDCP Dental Benefits Guide, fixed prosthodontics, including bridges and bridge-related procedures, are excluded.

Should I get a bridge or an implant?

It depends on your oral health and the condition of the teeth around the missing tooth. A bridge relies on supporting teeth, while an implant is placed into the jawbone and can support a replacement tooth without using neighbouring teeth. Your dentist can assess which options are appropriate for you.