What is a dental bridge, and how does it work?
A dental bridge is a restoration used to substitute one or more missing teeth. It includes prosthetic teeth, referred to as pontics, which are secured by crowns placed on the healthy teeth, known as abutments, located on both sides of the gap.
Dental bridges can be made from several materials, but we prefer porcelain or ceramics because of their durability and lifelike appearance. Once placed, they are indistinguishable from other teeth and can last many years with proper care.
Traditional bridges are placed over two visits. During your first visit, we’ll prep your teeth and make digital impressions. Once your bridge is ready—usually in a few weeks—you’ll return for final placement and leave with a restored smile.
Are bridges worth it?
Dental bridges do more than fill the gap left by missing teeth. Here are reasons why dental bridges stand out:
- Confidence boost: With your toothless gaps gone, you can smile, eat, speak, and laugh without holding back.
- Restored eating ability: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew certain foods. Dental bridges restore your ability to chew and bite food properly, as you did before missing teeth.
- Speak clearly: Dental bridges fill gaps in your mouth, restoring your natural speech. Speak like you mean it, whether holding private or public conversations.
- Improved aesthetics: It’s not just about functionality—dental bridges improve aesthetics, too. Dental bridges are crafted from lifelike materials that enhance the natural aesthetics of your smile.
- Prevent shifting: When a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth may drift into the space left by the missing tooth. Dental bridges keep your teeth aligned to maintain optimal bite alignment.
- Avoid uneven dental wear: Bridges help balance your bite by distributing pressure evenly while chewing, which protects other teeth from excessive wear.
- Durability: With good maintenance, including routine dental visits and proper brushing, they can last many years.
