Restorative dentistry
A missing tooth is not only a cosmetic problem. The teeth beside it drift toward the space, the tooth above or below drifts down into it, and the bite changes in ways that cause wear and joint strain over years. A bridge stops that drift by filling the space.
The bridge is a single piece: crowns on the supporting teeth with a replacement tooth suspended between them. It is cemented in place, so it feels and functions much closer to natural teeth than a removable partial does.
Bridges do require preparing the neighboring teeth, which is worth weighing against an implant, which does not. If those neighboring teeth already need crowns, a bridge is often the more sensible choice. We will lay out both options honestly during your free consultation.
Step by step
We check the health of the teeth on each side of the gap, since they will carry the bridge.
Those teeth are shaped under local anesthetic to receive crowns.
The lab needs an accurate record of the space and the surrounding teeth to build a bridge that fits and matches.
You leave with a temporary that protects the prepared teeth and holds the space.
We check fit, contacts, and bite, then cement the finished bridge permanently.
Worth knowing
Teeth move toward empty space. The longer a gap stays open, the harder it becomes to restore properly.
Avoiding a side puts all the work on the other, which accelerates wear and often causes jaw discomfort.
Front teeth shape sound. A gap in the front changes speech in ways that are easy to hear and easy to fix.
Common questions
With a floss threader or an interdental brush. We will show you at the fitting appointment. Cleaning under the bridge is what determines how long it lasts.
An implant leaves the neighboring teeth untouched, which is a real advantage. A bridge is faster and often better when those neighbors already need crowns. We will talk you through both.
Often ten to fifteen years or more. Failure usually starts as decay on an anchor tooth, which is why cleaning around the margins matters so much.
New patients welcome
We want to help you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. Contact us today and we will find a convenient time.