Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance—they can also cause problems with chewing, speaking, and the alignment of your remaining teeth. A dental bridge is an effective solution to replace one or more missing teeth. This treatment is designed to “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth and restore your smile’s function and appearance. At Center Valley Dental, we offer dental bridges to help you regain confidence in your smile and enjoy a healthy bite.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) that are held in place by natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth or implants are called abutments. Bridges are made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal. They should match the shape and color of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are different types of dental bridges, and the one that’s best for you depends on your specific needs. The most common types include:
Traditional Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is the most common type and is used when there are natural teeth on both sides of the gap. The bridge is supported by crowns placed on the neighboring teeth. These crowns anchor the artificial tooth or teeth in place, creating a strong and reliable solution.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but it only requires one natural tooth to support the bridge. This type of bridge is used when there is only one tooth next to the gap. Cantilever bridges are less common and are typically used in areas of the mouth that do not experience heavy chewing forces, such as the front teeth.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge is a more conservative option that does not require crowns on the neighboring teeth. Instead, the artificial tooth is held in place by metal or porcelain wings that are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. This type of bridge preserves more of your natural tooth structure but may not be as strong as traditional bridges.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is used when you have multiple missing teeth in a row and the adjacent teeth are not strong enough to support a traditional bridge. Instead of using crowns on natural teeth, dental implants are placed in the jawbone to support the bridge. This option is more durable and long-lasting, as it provides the strength and stability of dental implants.
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two to three visits to Center Valley Dental. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
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Consultation and Examination During your initial visit, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you. X-rays or digital scans may be taken to assess the health of your teeth and jawbone. If you have healthy teeth or implants to support the bridge, we can move forward with treatment.
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Tooth Preparation If you’re getting a traditional bridge, the dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by reshaping them to fit the crowns. This may involve removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns. If you’re getting an implant-supported bridge, the implants will be placed during this step.
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Impressions and Temporary Bridge After the teeth are prepared, the dentist will take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a custom-made bridge. While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, you will receive a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and restore your smile.
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Placement of the Permanent Bridge Once your custom bridge is ready, you will return to the office for placement. The dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent one. This makes sure it fits properly and feels comfortable. The bridge will be cemented into place, restoring the gap in your smile.