The Benefits of a Dental Bridge: What to Expect

A dental bridge is a set of teeth held in place by two or more crowns. It can be attached to existing teeth or fused to the jawbone with dental implants on either side. A bridge is the second-best option for replacing a single tooth — second only to dental implants — and the best option for replacing several missing teeth that are adjacent to each other.

The anchoring teeth of a dental bridge are called abutments, with a false tooth or set of teeth placed between them. Made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination, the false teeth are known as pontics.

A dental bridge can be a great way to restore your smile, proper chewing, and ability to speak. It will help maintain the shape of your face. A dental bridge will also prevent teeth from shifting out of position, which often happens when you are missing teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges available. These include:

Traditional Bridges

Traditional dental bridges include a pontic, or artificial tooth, to replace the missing tooth, held in place by implants on either side. This is the most common type of dental bridge.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are used when you have adjacent teeth on one side of the missing tooth or teeth. The dental bridge is essentially connected to one tooth or dental implant. Dentists don’t recommend cantilever bridges in the back of the mouth because the bite force there is too high to be comfortable or functional.

Resin Bonded Dental Bridge

These are comprised of porcelain, metal-infused porcelain, or plastic teeth and gums. They typically involve less shaving down or alteration of adjacent teeth. Many of our younger patients prefer resin-bonded dental bridges because they don’t disrupt the development of the jawbone in patients whose jaws are still growing.

What to Expect When You Get a Dental Bridge

On your first visit to a dentist for a dental bridge, we’ll prepare the abutment teeth. We’ll re-contour them by removing a portion of enamel to make room for a crown. Then we’ll take an impression of the teeth to serve as a model for the dental bridge. We’ll give you a temporary dental bridge to wear while we custom-make your new one.

You’ll make a second dental visit. We’ll remove the temporary bridge and check the new one, making any necessary adjustments. We’ll check for a proper bite. Sometimes multiple visits are necessary to ensure a proper fit. We may cement the bridge into place with temporary cement to ensure the dental bridge fits properly.

The dental staff at Beckham Square Family Dental can answer all your questions about dental bridges, what the procedure involves, and whether you’d be a good candidate for a bridge. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation, and take the next step to a restored smile!

Frequently Asked Questions