Dental Bridges in San Francisco
Anchor Dental (West Portal)

Dental Bridges in San Francisco – Anchor Dental

At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we offer dental bridges to restore missing teeth and bring balance back to your smile. A bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth using a custom-crafted prosthetic anchored to the neighboring teeth or dental implants. Each bridge is designed for a precise fit, natural appearance, and long-term durability allowing you to chew comfortably.  

That’s what bridges do, they quietly bring comfort and confidence back. At Anchor Dental in San Francisco, we design bridges that restore both the look and function of your missing teeth, so you can smile, chew, and speak naturally again.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration that literally “bridges” the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It’s anchored to the healthy teeth (or implants) next to the space, and the replacement tooth called a pontic fills the gap.

Think of it like rebuilding a section of a fence: the posts on either side hold everything steady, and the new section blends in perfectly with the rest.

Why missing teeth matter more than you think

When a tooth goes missing, your mouth doesn’t just leave an empty space it begins to shift.

• Nearby teeth start drifting toward the gap.
• The opposing tooth may over-erupt, throwing off your bite.
• Food traps increase the risk of decay and gum irritation.
• Bone in the empty area slowly shrinks over time.

A bridge stops all that by keeping your bite aligned and your smile stable.

Types of dental bridges we offer at Anchor Dental

Every smile is different, so we tailor the bridge type to your situation:

At Anchor Dental, we use high-strength porcelain or zirconia for a natural appearance that resists wear.

The bridge process at Anchor Dental

1. Consultation and planning

We start with a full exam and digital X-rays to check the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. If those teeth are strong, they can act as supports (abutments).

2. Tooth preparation

We reshape the supporting teeth slightly so crowns can fit securely over them. You’ll be completely comfortable under local anesthesia.

3. Digital impressions

Using a 3D scanner, we take precise images  no messy impression trays. This ensures your bridge fits seamlessly with your bite.

4. Temporary bridge

While your final bridge is crafted at our Bay Area partner lab, we place a temporary bridge so you can eat and smile normally.

5. Final fitting

At your second visit, we cement the custom bridge, fine-tune your bite, and polish the surface for a perfect feel. Most patients forget which tooth was ever missing.

What it feels like after getting a bridge

For the first few days, your bite may feel slightly “new.” That’s normal  your mouth adjusts quickly.
Once settled, bridges feel completely natural. You’ll chew evenly again, and the gap that once caught every seed or crumb will be gone.

One patient joked, “I didn’t realize how lopsided my smile was until you fixed it now I smile without hiding the gap.”

Caring for your bridge

A well-made bridge can last 10–15 years or longer with good care.
Here’s how to keep it strong:

• Brush twice daily with a soft brush.
• Floss under the bridge with a threader or water flosser.
• Schedule cleanings every six months.
• Avoid biting down on ice or very hard foods.
• Let us adjust it if it ever feels loose never force it.

If you clench your teeth, a night guard will protect both your bridge and your natural teeth.

Common questions from our patients

Will a bridge look natural?
Yes. Modern materials like porcelain and zirconia are color-matched to your enamel. No metal lines, no dark edges.

How long does it take?
Most dental bridges require two appointments, typically spaced one to two weeks apart, depending on your specific case.

Can it replace more than one tooth?
Absolutely. We can design multi-unit bridges supported by either natural teeth or implants.

Is a bridge better than an implant?
It depends. A single missing tooth may do better with an implant, while multiple adjacent gaps often suit a bridge. We’ll review both options with you.

Cost and insurance

Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a bridge — typically 50 to 70 percent — when tooth loss affects function or bite.
We’ll check your benefits before treatment and provide a clear estimate.

Even without insurance, a bridge is an investment that prevents shifting teeth, bone loss, and future complications — saving both money and comfort down the line.

Why San Francisco patients choose Anchor Dental

At Anchor Dental, your bridge isn’t made “somewhere out there.” We partner with trusted Bay Area labs known for precision craftsmanship and color accuracy.

• Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener, DDS, PhD personally designs every case for strength and aesthetics.
• We use digital scanners for exact fits  no distortion, no guesswork.
• Our bridges are made from high-quality porcelain and zirconia, never low-grade alloys.
• We focus on comfort and long-term function, not just filling a space.

Patients from West Portal, Inner Sunset, Noe Valley, and the Peninsula  visit us for durable, natural-looking results that stand the test of time.

Ready to restore your missing tooth?

A missing tooth doesn’t have to change how you chew, smile, or speak. A well-designed bridge can bring everything back into harmony.