restorative dentistry
What to Expect With Dentures: Guide to a Confident New Smile
Dentures are removable false teeth. They replace missing teeth. They help you eat and talk better. Many people wonder what […]
- Maria Rhode, D.M.D.
- Vivien Mesina, D.M.D.
- Sara Siddiqui, D.M.D.
- Jared Levin, D.D.S.
Dental Bridges
Losing even a single tooth does more than change how your smile looks — it sets off a chain of changes that can affect your remaining teeth, your bite, and your jawbone. At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts, our dentists use fixed dental bridges and dental implants to close that gap, restore full function, and protect your long-term oral health.
The Problem: What Happens When a Tooth Is Missing
A gap left by a missing tooth rarely stays just a gap. The mouth is a balanced system, and removing one tooth puts the others under new stress. Left untreated, a single missing tooth can trigger several problems:
Teeth begin to drift
The teeth bordering the gap slowly tip and migrate into the open space, throwing off the alignment you spent years maintaining.
Your bite collapses
As teeth shift, the way your upper and lower teeth meet changes, which can lead to uneven wear, jaw strain, and discomfort.
The jawbone shrinks
Without a tooth root or restoration stimulating the bone, the jaw begins to resorb, which can change your facial profile over time.
Chewing and speech suffer
A missing tooth makes it harder to chew certain foods comfortably and can affect how clearly you speak.
The Fix: How a Dental Bridge Solves It
A dental bridge literally "bridges" the gap with one or more prosthetic teeth (called pontics) held in place by the healthy teeth or implants on either side. Once it is in place, the bridge stops neighboring teeth from drifting, redistributes your bite evenly, and gives you back comfortable chewing and a complete smile. Because the restoration looks and feels natural, most patients quickly forget which teeth were replaced.
- Prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into the open space
- Restores chewing function and balances your bite
- Supports clearer speech and a full, confident smile
- Reduces the risk of future bite-related and gum problems
Types of Dental Bridges
There is no one-size-fits-all bridge. The right choice depends on where the gap is, how many teeth are missing, and the health of the surrounding teeth. We will recommend the option that best fits your mouth and goals.
Traditional Bridge
The most common type. A pontic (replacement tooth) is held in place by crowns cemented onto the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Ideal when the neighboring teeth are strong.
Cantilever Bridge
Used when there is only one natural tooth next to the gap. The pontic is anchored to a single adjacent tooth. Best for areas of the mouth under lighter bite pressure.
Maryland Bridge
A conservative option that bonds the pontic to the backs of adjacent teeth with a metal or porcelain framework, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Instead of relying on neighboring teeth, the bridge is anchored to dental implants. The most stable option for replacing several teeth in a row, and it helps preserve the jawbone.
The Dental Bridge Procedure, Step by Step
Getting a traditional bridge is a comfortable, well-established process that usually spans two visits over about one to two weeks. Here is what to expect from start to finish:
- 1
Consultation & Exam
Day 1 · about 45–60 minWe review your medical and dental history, take X-rays or a 3D scan, evaluate the teeth around the gap, and discuss whether a bridge or a dental implant is the better fit. You leave with a clear treatment plan and cost estimate.
- 2
Tooth Preparation
Visit 1 · about 60–90 minThe anchor (abutment) teeth are gently shaped to make room for crowns. We then take a digital scan or impression so your bridge fits precisely, and match the shade to your surrounding teeth.
- 3
Temporary Bridge
Same visitA temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and keep your smile intact while your custom bridge is fabricated in the dental lab.
- 4
Fabrication
1–2 weeksSkilled lab technicians build your permanent bridge from durable, natural-looking porcelain or zirconia, designed for both strength and a lifelike appearance.
- 5
Fitting & Bonding
Visit 2 · about 45–60 minWe remove the temporary, check the fit, bite, and color of the final bridge, make any fine adjustments, and permanently cement it in place. You walk out with a complete, functional smile.
- 6
Follow-Up & Care
OngoingA short follow-up confirms everything feels right. With daily brushing, flossing under the bridge, and regular checkups, a well-made bridge can last 10–15 years or more.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
Both replace missing teeth, but they work differently. A bridge is faster and relies on the neighboring teeth for support; an implant takes longer but stands on its own and preserves the jawbone. Here is a quick comparison:
| Dental Bridge | Dental Implant | |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 2 visits over 1–2 weeks | Several months (includes healing) |
| Affects nearby teeth? | Yes — anchor teeth are shaped | No — stands independently |
| Preserves jawbone? | No | Yes |
| Typical lifespan | 10–15 years | 20+ years |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
Not sure which is right for you? We will walk through both options during your consultation and recommend the approach that fits your health, timeline, and budget. Contact Imagine Advanced Dental Arts to get started.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
A bridge is built to last, and good daily care is what keeps it — and the teeth that support it — healthy. Brush twice a day, clean under the pontic with a floss threader, super floss, or a water flosser, and keep your routine cleanings and checkups so we can catch any issues early. Avoid using your teeth as tools or chewing very hard objects like ice.
Testimonials
"I got in an accident during a race and fractured my teeth. After seeing Dr. Schor, I don't have to hide my smile anymore and now it's back to business!" Pablo, Broken Tooth Repair Following an Injury
FAQs
+What does a dental bridge do?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with fixed prosthetic teeth anchored to nearby teeth or to a dental implant. At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts we use bridges to restore chewing, speech, and the look of a complete smile.
+Is a dental bridge removable?
A fixed bridge is not removable. At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts we cement it permanently in place, and you clean around it like your natural teeth, including flossing underneath the pontic.
+How long does getting a bridge take?
At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts most traditional bridges are completed over two visits about one to two weeks apart, allowing the lab time to craft your permanent restoration. Implant-supported bridges take longer because the implants must heal first.
+How long does a dental bridge last?
With good oral hygiene and regular visits to Imagine Advanced Dental Arts, a bridge commonly lasts 10 to 15 years, and often longer. Keeping the anchor teeth and gums healthy is key to its longevity.
+Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts the preparation and fitting are done with local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.
+How do I know whether a bridge or implant is better?
During your consultation at Imagine Advanced Dental Arts, we review your teeth, bite, bone support, and goals. Bridges are faster and rely on neighboring teeth; implants take longer but preserve the jawbone and do not alter adjacent teeth.
+How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Brush twice daily and use a floss threader, super floss, or a water flosser beneath the pontic where food collects. At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts we show every bridge patient exactly how to keep this area clean.
+What are dental bridges made of?
At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts we craft bridges from durable, natural-looking porcelain or zirconia, shade-matched to blend with your surrounding teeth.
+Will a dental bridge look natural?
Yes. At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts we custom-design each bridge to match the color, shape, and contours of your natural teeth so it blends seamlessly into your smile.
+How much does a dental bridge cost?
Cost depends on the type of bridge and number of teeth replaced. At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts we provide a clear estimate at your consultation and offer financing through CareCredit and Lending Club.
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