Dental Bridges

Bridges are one of three tooth replacement options, alongside dental implants and dentures.

Why replacing a missing tooth matters

When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth can shift into the gap, changing your bite and making chewing harder. The opposing tooth can drift too, and the gap can trap food and raise the risk of decay and gum disease. A bridge fills the space, keeps the other teeth in position, and restores your smile.

How a bridge works

Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. It is bonded onto the surrounding teeth for support, so it stays fixed in place and is not removed like a denture. The replacement tooth is held by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap.

Types of bridges

• Traditional bridges use crowns on the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. They are the most common type.
• Cantilever bridges are anchored on one side only, when there is a healthy tooth on just one side.
• Maryland bridges attach to the backs of the neighboring teeth with a metal or porcelain framework, so less of those teeth needs to be reshaped. They are typically used for front teeth.
• Implant-supported bridges rest on dental implants instead of natural teeth, which is often the best choice when several teeth in a row are missing.

What to expect

A traditional bridge usually takes two visits. At the first, the anchor teeth are numbed and shaped, an impression is taken, and a temporary bridge protects them. The lab then makes your bridge, which typically takes two to four weeks. At the second visit, the bridge is checked for fit and bite, then cemented in place.

Keeping your bridge healthy

The success of any bridge depends on its foundation: the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. That makes it very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.

• Brush twice a day and clean under the false tooth daily with a floss threader or a small interdental brush
• Avoid very hard or sticky foods that can loosen it
• Keep up with regular checkups so we can check the anchor teeth
• Call us if your bridge feels loose, cracks, or hurts when you chew

With good care, bridges commonly last seven to ten years, and many last longer.

Bridge or implant?

A bridge relies on the teeth beside the gap, so it is a good fit when those teeth already need crowns. An implant replaces the root itself and does not involve the neighboring teeth. Our tooth replacement page compares implants, bridges and dentures side by side, and our financial information page covers payment options. Request an appointment to talk through your options.