At Contemporary Dentistry, we help patients restore lost teeth with solutions that prioritize comfort, durability, and a natural appearance. Missing teeth affect more than the way you look — they can change how you chew, speak, and maintain oral health. This page focuses on dental bridges: what they are, how they work, which situations they suit best, and what to expect from diagnosis through final restoration. Our goal is to give clear, practical information so you can make informed decisions with your dental team.
Losing a tooth initiates a cascade of changes that can affect the entire mouth. Neighboring teeth tend to drift into the empty space, slowly altering your bite and increasing the chance of abnormal wear patterns. When the alignment changes, chewing efficiency drops and the distribution of forces across the jaw becomes uneven, which can strain the supporting teeth and jaw joints over time.
Bone loss in the area of a missing tooth is another important consequence. Without stimulation from a tooth root or implant, the underlying bone can resorb, gradually reducing the height and volume of the jaw where the tooth was. This change in bone can alter facial contours and make future restorative options more complicated if left unaddressed.
Finally, gaps can create hygiene challenges. Teeth that shift may be harder to clean effectively, increasing the risk of decay and periodontal disease in the surrounding teeth. Replacing a missing tooth, when appropriate, restores function and helps protect the long-term health of the adjacent teeth and supporting structures.
Contemporary restorative dentistry focuses on three primary goals: reestablishing function, maintaining oral health, and creating a natural-looking smile. When a missing tooth is replaced properly, patients should regain comfortable chewing ability, predictable speech, and renewed confidence in appearance. A thoughtful restoration also preserves neighboring teeth and the jawbone by restoring proper force distribution during biting and chewing.
Treatment planning begins with a thorough evaluation, including dental imaging and a review of medical history, lifestyle, and cosmetic preferences. The care team balances these factors to select a solution that fits the patient's needs and long-term oral health goals. Often, more than one valid option exists, and the final recommendation reflects both clinical suitability and the patient’s priorities.
Durability and maintenance are key considerations. While different restorations require varying levels of upkeep, modern materials and techniques produce results that are strong, wear-resistant, and lifelike. With routine professional care and a consistent at-home hygiene routine, most restorations provide many years of service.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis designed to close the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Traditional bridges use crowns placed on adjacent teeth as anchors, supporting one or more artificial teeth called pontics. The result is a single, continuous restoration that restores chewing surfaces and fills the visible gap in the smile without the need for daily removal like a denture.
Bridgework can also be supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges anchor securely into the jawbone, offering exceptional stability and avoiding the need to alter healthy adjacent teeth. Because implants behave like tooth roots, they also help maintain bone volume and facial structure.
Benefits of a well-designed bridge include improved chewing efficiency, restored speech patterns, and protection against the shifting of remaining teeth. In many cases, bridges provide a predictable, esthetic solution that closely mimics the appearance and function of natural teeth.
Traditional fixed bridges are often recommended when the teeth next to the gap are healthy but require crowns for other reasons or when they can support the restoration without risk. They provide a stable, long-term solution and are constructed from durable materials such as porcelain fused to metal or ceramic, chosen to match the patient’s bite and esthetic goals.
Cantilever bridges are a variation used when adequate support is available on only one side of the missing tooth. Because they place different forces on the supporting tooth, cantilevers are selected cautiously and typically for specific clinical situations where a second abutment is impractical or undesirable.
Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges use a lightweight framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. They require less alteration of healthy tooth structure but are generally best for replacing front teeth with lower bite forces. Their minimally invasive nature can be appealing when conserving tooth structure is a priority.
Implant-supported bridges represent a modern approach that often offers the best long-term preservation of bone and function. When implants are feasible, they eliminate the need to modify neighboring teeth and distribute forces directly into the jawbone, closely resembling the mechanics of natural dentition. Your dentist will evaluate bone volume, gum health, and overall oral condition to determine implant candidacy.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive exam and diagnostic imaging to assess the gap, the health of surrounding teeth, and bone levels. Any active gum disease or untreated decay must be addressed before moving forward; stable oral health is essential for a predictable outcome. The care team will discuss suitable bridge options, explain the steps involved, and outline the anticipated timeline for each approach.
For a traditional bridge, preparation usually involves shaping the abutment teeth to receive crowns, taking impressions or digital scans, and placing a temporary restoration while the permanent bridge is fabricated. Once the final restoration is ready, the dentist verifies fit, color, and bite, then cements the bridge in place. Minor adjustments can be made to ensure comfort and proper occlusion.
Implant-supported bridges require surgical placement of implants followed by a healing period that allows bone to integrate with the implant surfaces. Depending on the case, a temporary prosthesis may be provided during healing so patients have functional teeth while osseointegration occurs. After adequate healing, the final bridge is attached to the implants and fine-tuned for fit and function.
After placement—whether conventional or implant-supported—patients receive instructions for care, which typically include gentle cleaning techniques, regular professional checkups, and attention to any changes in fit or comfort. With appropriate maintenance, a well-made bridge can offer many years of dependable service.
In summary, dental bridges are a reliable way to restore missing teeth, protect surrounding teeth, and reestablish normal oral function and appearance. If you would like to learn whether a bridge is the right option for your smile, please contact our office for more information.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Contemporary Dentistry, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Contemporary Dentistry, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth, called a pontic, to adjacent supporting teeth or implants. Traditional bridges anchor to crowns placed on natural teeth next to the gap, while implant-supported bridges attach to dental implants that act like tooth roots. The goal is to restore chewing surfaces, fill the visible space in the smile, and reestablish normal biting forces.
Bridges are designed to function as a single, continuous restoration so patients do not need to remove them daily like a removable denture. Materials commonly used include porcelain, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal, selected to balance strength and appearance. Proper planning and precise fit are essential to ensure predictable function and long-term comfort.
When a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth commonly drift toward the empty space, which can change bite alignment and increase abnormal wear on other teeth. This shift in alignment often reduces chewing efficiency and can create uneven forces on the remaining teeth and jaw joints. Over time those altered forces may contribute to tooth mobility and jaw discomfort.
Bone loss is another important consequence of a missing tooth because the underlying jawbone loses stimulation without a tooth root or implant. Reduced bone volume can change facial contours and make future restorative options more complex. Additionally, gaps can be harder to clean effectively, raising the risk of decay and periodontal disease in surrounding teeth.
Several common bridge designs exist to accommodate different clinical situations. Traditional fixed bridges rely on crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap and are frequently chosen when those abutment teeth either already need crowns or are strong enough to support the restoration. Cantilever bridges attach to a single abutment tooth and are used selectively when support on one side is the only practical option.
Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges use a lightweight framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, making them more conservative but best suited for low-stress areas such as front teeth. Implant-supported bridges replace missing teeth without altering neighboring teeth and help preserve jawbone by transmitting chewing forces into the bone. Your dentist will recommend the option that best fits your bite, esthetic goals, and oral health.
A good candidate for a bridge has stable oral health, healthy supporting teeth or sufficient bone for implants, and realistic expectations about the restoration process. If adjacent teeth are strong and free of active decay or severe gum disease, a traditional bridge may be appropriate. When bone volume and gum health support implants, an implant-supported bridge can be an excellent option that avoids altering healthy neighboring teeth.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough exam and diagnostic imaging to evaluate tooth structure, periodontal status, and bone levels. At Contemporary Dentistry the team considers your medical history, oral hygiene, and cosmetic priorities to recommend the most suitable treatment. If active disease is present, that will be treated first to establish a predictable foundation for a durable restoration.
Treatment typically starts with a comprehensive evaluation that includes dental imaging and a discussion about options and timelines. For a traditional bridge the dentist prepares the abutment teeth by shaping them for crowns, takes impressions or digital scans, and places a temporary restoration while the final bridge is fabricated. The final visit focuses on fitting, adjusting, and cementing the restoration to ensure proper bite and comfort.
Implant-supported bridge procedures require surgical placement of implants followed by a healing period to allow bone integration, which may take several months depending on the case. Temporary prostheses can maintain appearance and function during healing when needed, and the final bridge is attached after the implants have integrated. Your team will provide clear post-operative instructions and schedule follow-ups to monitor healing and fit.
The lifespan of a dental bridge depends on factors such as the materials used, the quality of the fit, oral hygiene practices, and bite forces. With proper care and routine professional cleanings, many bridges last for a decade or longer, and some implant-supported restorations can provide even longer-term service. Regular dental visits help identify early problems so small issues can be corrected before they compromise the restoration.
Maintaining excellent home hygiene, including effective cleaning around abutment teeth and pontics, reduces the risk of decay and gum disease that can shorten a bridge’s functional life. Avoiding habits that subject restorations to excessive force, such as chewing very hard foods or using teeth as tools, will also help prolong longevity. If a bridge shows wear or fit changes, prompt attention can often extend its useful service.
Daily care for a bridge includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth using floss, floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to remove plaque beneath and around the pontic. Meticulous attention to the area where the bridge meets the gums helps prevent decay and periodontal problems on the supporting teeth. Gentle, thorough cleaning preserves both the restoration and the surrounding tissue.
Professional hygiene visits are also important to remove buildup in areas that are harder to access at home and to monitor the health of abutment teeth and gums. Your dentist or hygienist can recommend specific tools and techniques tailored to the type of bridge you have and the shape of your mouth. Following their guidance helps maintain comfort and function over time.
Although bridges are reliable restorations, potential complications include decay or fracture of abutment teeth, loosening of the restoration, and periodontal disease if hygiene is inadequate. Traditional bridges require some alteration of healthy tooth structure to place crowns, which can increase the long-term risk for problems on those teeth if they are not well maintained. Cantilever designs may subject supporting teeth to different forces and are chosen only when clinically appropriate.
Implant-supported bridges carry surgical risks such as infection, nerve irritation, or issues with osseointegration in rare cases, and they require sufficient bone to succeed. Early diagnosis of complications through routine checkups improves the likelihood that corrective treatment will be straightforward. Your dentist will discuss specific risks for your situation and outline steps to minimize them.
Bridges, implants, and removable dentures each have advantages and limitations that make one option more suitable than another depending on clinical and personal factors. Dental implants preserve bone and do not require modifying adjacent teeth, often providing the most natural long-term biomechanics when bone volume and health permit. Traditional bridges can be an efficient solution when neighboring teeth already need crowns or when implants are not feasible.
Removable dentures are less invasive initially and can replace multiple teeth but may offer lower chewing efficiency and require daily removal and maintenance. Implant-supported restorations often outperform removable options in stability and comfort but involve surgical placement and a longer treatment timeline. A careful evaluation of oral health, bone anatomy, and patient priorities helps determine the best path forward.
Ultimately, the decision balances preservation of tooth structure, long-term oral health, function, and esthetics. Your dentist will review the diagnostic findings and explain how each option aligns with your goals so you can make an informed choice.
You should schedule an evaluation as soon as possible after losing a tooth or noticing changes such as shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, or alterations in speech. Early assessment allows your dentist to document bone and soft tissue conditions and to recommend timely solutions that can prevent further complications. Prompt attention often makes more restorative options available and simplifies treatment planning.
If you have persistent discomfort, visible gaps, or concerns about how a missing tooth affects your smile, contact our office at (480) 983-3444 to arrange an assessment. During the visit the team will review your medical and dental history, perform imaging, and discuss treatment paths tailored to your needs and long-term oral health goals.