At Eliot Dental, we help patients rebuild comfortable, functional smiles after tooth loss. A missing tooth creates more than a visible gap — it can influence chewing, speech, oral hygiene, and the long-term health of surrounding teeth and bone. This page outlines how dental bridges work, the modern options available, the clinical steps involved, and practical guidance for caring for a bridge so your restored smile performs well for years.
When a tooth is removed or lost, the immediate concern is the open space, but the effects reach farther. Teeth adjacent to the gap tend to drift or tip into the empty spot, which can distort your bite and create tight spots that trap food. These shifts make daily cleaning more difficult and raise the risk of decay and gum inflammation around neighboring teeth.
Beyond tooth movement, the jaw itself responds to the loss. The bones that support teeth require regular stimulation from biting and chewing to remain dense. Without that stimulation, the bone in the area may slowly resorb, which alters facial contours and can complicate future restorative work because less support is available for replacements.
Functionally, a missing tooth can change how you chew and speak. You may unconsciously favor one side, which increases wear on opposing teeth and can cause muscle strain. In some cases, missing front teeth affect sound formation, while gaps toward the back reduce chewing efficiency for certain foods. Addressing the gap helps restore balance across the mouth and reduce secondary problems.
Replacing a tooth is not just a cosmetic decision — it’s a restorative step that should support the health of the entire mouth. A careful treatment plan looks at how the intended replacement will interact with the bite, the condition of adjacent teeth and gums, and any future dental needs you may have. The goal is to restore normal function while preserving as much natural structure as possible.
To choose the best option, clinicians use diagnostic tools like digital X-rays and, when needed, three-dimensional imaging. These help the dental team evaluate bone levels, root positions, and the relationship between teeth. This information guides whether a traditional bridge, a resin-bonded bridge, or an implant-supported solution is the most appropriate for long-term success.
Patient priorities also shape the plan. Considerations such as desired appearance, how quickly you want the work completed, and any medical or dental conditions that affect healing are all part of the decision-making process. Clear communication ensures the chosen solution aligns with functional goals and realistic expectations.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth, called pontics, that fill the void and are anchored at each end to supporting structures — typically crowns placed on natural adjacent teeth or attachments connected to dental implants. Because a bridge is fixed, it restores chewing surfaces and prevents nearby teeth from drifting.
Modern bridge materials, such as high-strength porcelain, zirconia, and advanced ceramic blends, are selected for both durability and a lifelike appearance. These materials can be color-matched and shaped to mimic natural tooth translucency and contour, producing a restoration that integrates visually and functionally with the surrounding dentition.
Beyond looks, a properly designed bridge reinstates contact points between teeth and helps distribute bite forces evenly, which protects remaining teeth from unusual wear. Bridges also help maintain the facial outline by supporting soft tissues that would otherwise lose volume after tooth loss. With regular care and professional maintenance, a well-made bridge can be a dependable long-term solution.
There are several bridge types, and the right design depends on the clinical situation. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on the adjacent teeth (abutments) to support one or more pontics and is widely used when those teeth are strong enough to receive crowns. It is a robust option for restoring posterior chewing function and for single-tooth replacements when neighboring teeth already need restoration.
For small spaces or when minimal alteration of healthy teeth is preferred, a resin-bonded (Maryland) bridge can be considered. This design features a framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth with minimal tooth preparation. While conservative, it is typically recommended for low-stress areas and situations where the aesthetic and functional demands are moderate.
Cantilever bridges are anchored on one side only and may be suitable when support is only available on a single adjacent tooth, often in areas with lighter bite forces. When preserving bone is a priority or when multiple teeth in a row are missing, implant-supported bridges provide an excellent alternative. Because implants replace tooth roots, they offer strong anchorage and help maintain bone by transmitting normal chewing forces to the jaw.
Treatment begins with a detailed evaluation that includes medical and dental history, a thorough oral examination, and appropriate imaging. Any active infection or gum disease will be managed first because a stable, healthy foundation is essential for predictable results. If implants are part of the plan, additional assessment of bone volume and overall health is required to support surgical placement.
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared to receive crowns. Impressions or digital scans are taken to create a custom bridge that fits the bite precisely. A temporary restoration protects the prepared teeth while the final bridge is fabricated. At final insertion, the fit, contacts, and bite are carefully adjusted before the bridge is cemented into place.
Implant-supported bridges involve a surgical phase where implants are placed into the jawbone and allowed to integrate over a healing period. After integration, abutments and the final prosthetic are attached. Timelines vary by individual factors such as bone healing and any preparatory treatments, and your dental team will explain each step and any comfort measures used during appointments.
Once a bridge is in place, good daily hygiene is essential. Brushing twice daily and using floss or interdental cleaners to clean under pontics and around abutments prevents plaque buildup. Regular professional cleanings and checkups let the dental team monitor how the restoration is performing and make any needed adjustments. With attentive care, a bridge can maintain both function and appearance for many years.
Choosing the right approach to replace a missing tooth involves balancing durability, appearance, and the long-term health of adjacent teeth and bone. If you’re considering a bridge and want to understand what option best fits your mouth and lifestyle, our team is available to explain the choices and walk you through the process. Contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation with our providers.
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 Eliot Dental, 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 Eliot Dental, 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 restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics anchored to supporting structures.
Bridges are most commonly supported by crowns on adjacent natural teeth or by dental implants, and because they are cemented or fixed in place they restore chewing function and prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the empty space.
Good candidates for a dental bridge are patients who are missing one or more teeth and have healthy adjacent teeth or sufficient bone for implant support when appropriate.
A comprehensive exam evaluates gum health, tooth condition, and occlusion to determine candidacy, and any active periodontal disease or decay is treated before the bridge is planned.
Traditional fixed bridges use crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap as abutments and are a reliable option when those teeth are strong enough to receive crowns.
Cantilever bridges are similar but are anchored on only one side, while Maryland or resin-bonded bridges use a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth and require minimal alteration of tooth structure.
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth, offering excellent stability and preserving jawbone because implants act like natural tooth roots.
Implant-supported bridges are secured by titanium posts placed into the jawbone that integrate with bone, providing a foundation that closely mimics natural tooth roots and often yields superior long-term stability.
Traditional bridges rely on prepared natural teeth for support and may be completed in a shorter timeline when implant surgery or grafting is not indicated, so the choice depends on bone volume, the condition of adjacent teeth, and the patient’s medical and restorative goals.
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation that typically includes digital X-rays or 3D imaging, a review of medical history, and an assessment of periodontal health to identify any preparatory care needed.
For a traditional bridge, adjacent teeth are shaped for crowns, impressions or digital scans are taken, and a temporary restoration protects prepared teeth while the final bridge is fabricated and adjusted for proper fit.
If implants are part of the plan, posts are surgically placed and allowed to heal and integrate before the final bridge is attached; throughout the process clinicians discuss anesthesia and follow-up care to support comfort and healing at the office of Eliot Dental.
Daily care includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning beneath the pontic and around abutments using floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to remove plaque and food debris.
Consistent home hygiene combined with regular professional cleanings and exams helps protect the health of supporting teeth and gums and reduces the risk of decay or inflammation that can compromise the restoration.
Many bridges last a decade or longer with proper care, though lifespan varies based on material, location in the mouth, the condition of supporting teeth and gums, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits.
Regular dental checkups to assess fit, detect wear or loosening, and address any emerging issues are key to extending a bridge’s service life and preserving surrounding oral structures.
Potential complications include decay of the abutment teeth, gum inflammation, sensitivity, or the need for endodontic treatment if the prepared teeth become irritated or infected.
Implant-supported bridges add surgical considerations such as infection, implant failure, or the need for bone grafting when bone volume is insufficient, but careful planning and adherence to postoperative instructions help minimize these risks.
Patients often experience a brief adjustment period during which speech and chewing may feel different as the tongue and muscles adapt to the new contours of the restoration, but these changes usually resolve within days to weeks.
When properly fitted, a bridge restores efficient chewing and normal speech patterns, and minor adjustments by the clinician can correct persistent issues to improve comfort and function.
The decision begins with a comprehensive assessment of adjacent teeth, jawbone quality, periodontal health, and the patient’s overall medical history and treatment goals to determine which option best preserves oral health.
Your dental team will outline the benefits and limitations of each approach and, at Eliot Dental, clinicians use evidence-based recommendations and diagnostic imaging to tailor a treatment plan that balances function, aesthetics, and long-term preservation.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Eliot Dental is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
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