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Dental Bridges
Services > Orthodontic Dentistry > Clear Aligners
A Fixed Solution for Replacing Missing Teeth
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth to the healthy teeth or implants on either side of the gap. Because a bridge is cemented permanently into place, it restores chewing, speech, and appearance without the removal and daily handling that a partial denture requires.
What are
Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a custom restoration made up of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, supported by crowns placed on the neighboring teeth or by dental implants. Several designs are available, including traditional bridges supported on both sides, cantilever bridges supported on one side, resin-bonded bridges that attach with a thin framework, and implant-supported bridges that do not rely on natural teeth.
Dental bridges may be used to treat:
- One or more missing teeth in a row
- Gaps remaining after an extraction
- Difficulty chewing caused by tooth loss
- Shifting of teeth adjacent to a gap
- Bite changes following tooth loss
- Speech changes related to missing teeth
- Cosmetic gaps in the smile
Signs You May Benefit from Dental Bridge
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Restores chewing and speaking ability
- Fixed in place and never removed by the patient
- Helps prevent adjacent teeth from shifting
- Tooth-colored materials for a natural appearance
- Supports facial shape and smile fullness
- Distributes bite forces more evenly
- Typically completed within a few weeks
Potential Risks of Dental Bridges
- Traditional bridges require reshaping the supporting teeth
- Does not preserve jawbone the way an implant does
- Requires careful cleaning beneath the bridge
- Supporting teeth remain susceptible to decay
- May need repair or replacement over time
- Not suitable when supporting teeth are unhealthy
The Dental Bridge Process
Initial Consultation
Your gap, bite, and the health of the surrounding teeth are evaluated to determine whether a bridge is appropriate.
Preparation of Supporting Teeth
The abutment teeth on either side of the gap are shaped to receive the supporting crowns.
Impressions or Digital Scanning
Detailed impressions or digital scans capture your teeth and bite so the bridge can be fabricated to fit precisely.
Temporary Bridge
A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth and maintains your appearance while the final restoration is made.
Final Placement
The completed bridge is checked for fit, bite, and color, then cemented securely into place.
Comparing Bridges to Other Tooth Replacement Options
Patients replacing a missing tooth generally choose between a bridge, a dental implant, and a removable partial denture. A bridge is fixed and typically completed faster than an implant, which requires surgery and a healing period, and it feels more stable than a removable partial. The right choice depends on the health of the neighboring teeth, the condition of the underlying bone, and your long-term goals, all of which are reviewed during your consultation.
FAQs about Dental Bridges
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a bridge can last many years before it needs to be replaced.
Bridges are commonly made from porcelain, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, or zirconia, depending on the location and appearance goals.
The replacement teeth are shaped and shade-matched to blend with your surrounding teeth.
A floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser is used to clean beneath the pontic, which is essential for keeping the supporting teeth healthy.
Neither option is better in every case. Implants preserve bone and do not involve the neighboring teeth, while bridges avoid surgery and are usually completed sooner.
The area is numbed during preparation, and most patients experience only mild sensitivity for a short time afterward.
Replace Missing Teeth and Restore Your Bite
Leaving a gap untreated can affect your bite, your neighboring teeth, and your confidence. At Zaller Family Dentistry, we provide dental bridges in Reisterstown, MD, to restore function and appearance with a fixed, natural-looking replacement. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn which tooth replacement option is right for you.
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