A Practical Guide to Dental Bridges

If you’ve been missing a tooth or two and are tired of that gap in your smile, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the world of dental bridges—a fantastic way to restore your smile, improve your chewing, and even help you speak more clearly.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Simply put, a dental bridge is a fixed appliance that “bridges” the gap created by missing teeth. It consists of:

• Abutments: The natural teeth (or dental implants) on either side of the gap.

• Pontics: The false tooth (or teeth) that fill the space.
  

Dental bridges can be made from materials like porcelain, gold, or alloys. They’re designed to match your natural teeth so seamlessly that you might even forget you ever had a gap.

Types of Dental Bridges

Your dentist will help decide which type of bridge is best for your unique smile, based on factors like the number of missing teeth and the condition of your neighboring teeth. Here’s a quick rundown:

Traditional Dental Bridges

This is the most common type. It uses crowns on both sides of the gap with a pontic in between. The pontic replaces the missing tooth and is supported by the crowns on the adjacent teeth. It works best when you have healthy natural teeth on each side of the missing tooth.

Cantilever Dental Bridges

A bit like its traditional cousin, but with a twist—the pontic is held by a crown on only one side. This option is typically reserved for cases where there’s only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap. 

(Fun fact: This method is not usually recommended for back teeth, as it can put too much stress on that lone supporting tooth.)

Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges

Also known as resin-bonded bridges, these use a metal or porcelain framework that attaches to the back of your adjacent teeth, rather than fully crowning them. This option is often used for front teeth where a conservative approach is desired.

Implant-Supported Bridges

This modern marvel uses dental implants as anchors instead of natural teeth. Two or more implants are placed in the missing region, and a bridge can be placed and supported by the implants. 

Though it requires a few more steps—and patience while your jaw heals (3-6 months, give or take)—this type is considered the strongest and most stable option.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

No need to worry—getting a dental bridge isn’t as scary as it sounds. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect, depending on the type of bridge:

Traditional or Cantilever Bridges

1. Initial Visit:

   • Numbing: You’ll get local anesthesia (so you won’t feel a thing).

   • Preparation: I’ll gently shape the adjacent teeth to make room for the crowns. (Yes, this means a little enamel is removed—but only as much as necessary!)

   • Impressions: We take digital molds of your teeth to send off to the lab.

   • Temporary Bridge: You get a temporary fix to keep that gap covered until the final bridge is ready.

     
     

2. Second Visit (1-2 weeks later):

   • Fitting: We remove the temporary bridge, fit the new permanent one, and make any needed adjustments.

   • Cementing: Once everything fits perfectly, the bridge is cemented into place.

     
     

Maryland Bridges

This procedure is similar, but instead of full crowns, we prepare the backs of your teeth for the metal or porcelain wings that will bond the bridge in place.

Implant-Supported Bridges

1. Surgical Phase:

   • Two or more dental implants are surgically placed in your jaw.

   • You’ll need to wait a few months while the implant fuses with your bone—a process called osseointegration (a fancy term for “your jaw and the implant becoming best buddies”).

     
     

2. Restorative Phase:

   • After healing, we attach scannable abutments, take a digital impression, and later fit and secure your permanent bridge.

     
     

Benefits (and a Few Considerations)

Dental bridges offer several perks, including:

• Restoring Your Smile: A full, confident smile that looks natural.

• Improved Chewing and Speech: No more chewing on your food with an awkward gap, and your words will flow more smoothly.

• Maintaining Facial Structure: Replacing missing teeth helps preserve the shape of your face.

• Preventing Teeth Shifting: A bridge stops your remaining teeth from drifting into the empty space.

  
  

Considerations:

• A dental bridge typically lasts 5-15 years, so it’s not exactly a “forever” fix.

• Good oral hygiene is key. Failing to clean around and under your bridge can lead to decay or gum issues.

• The bridge depends on the strength of the supporting teeth, so any problems with those teeth can affect the longevity of your new smile.

  
  

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Taking care of your dental bridge is crucial.

• Daily Brushing and Flossing: Use a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste and make sure to clean under your bridge with floss threaders, interproximal brushes or a water flosser.

• Avoid Hard Foods: Steer clear of anything overly chewy that might put too much stress on your bridge.

• Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. After all, maintenance is key to longevity.

  
  

FAQs About Dental Bridges

Q: How long do dental bridges last?

A: With proper care, dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. 

Q: Are dental bridges painful?

A: Not at all! With local anesthesia and modern techniques, the procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible.

Q: How do I care for my dental bridge?

A: Simply stick to your daily routine of brushing and flossing, and avoid biting into very hard or sticky foods. Regular dental visits are also crucial.

Q: Can a dental bridge be removed and re-cemented?

A: If your bridge becomes loose, it might be re-cemented. However, if there’s significant damage from decay or gum disease, a new bridge might be necessary.

Q: What’s the difference between a dental bridge and a dental implant?

A: A dental implant replaces the tooth’s root and is considered a more permanent solution, while a bridge covers the gap using crowns on adjacent teeth or implants. Both have their pros and cons—your dentist can help you decide which is best for your unique needs.

Final Thoughts

Missing a tooth can be a real confidence buster, but dental bridges offer a simple and effective way to restore both function and aesthetics to your smile. Whether you opt for a traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported bridge, the key is finding the right fit for you—and that’s what I’m here for.

If you’re in Buffalo, NY and want to explore your options for dental bridges, give my office a call. Together, we can bridge that gap and bring back your radiant smile. Remember, life’s too short for gaps in your smile!