A dental bridge is a fixed, non-removable restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. As the name suggests, a bridge literally “bridges the gap” left by a missing tooth, using the neighboring teeth for support.
A traditional dental bridge consists of crowns placed over the teeth on either side of the space, with an artificial tooth connected between them. The supporting teeth are carefully prepared, and the completed bridge is securely cemented into place, restoring the appearance of your smile and allowing you to chew and function comfortably.
One of the greatest advantages of a dental bridge is how quickly it can replace a missing tooth. At Cedars Family Dental, we can often design, fabricate, and deliver a dental bridge in a single visit using our in-office technology, depending on the individual case.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Dental bridges can be an excellent option when the neighboring teeth already have large fillings, existing crowns, or other restorative needs. In these situations, placing crowns on the supporting teeth can serve two purposes: strengthening and restoring those teeth while also replacing the missing tooth.
However, the health and strength of the supporting teeth are essential to the long-term success of a bridge. Teeth with inadequate support or significant structural concerns may not be suitable candidates.
When the neighboring teeth are healthy and have little or no existing dental work, a dental implant may be a more conservative alternative. Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant replaces the missing tooth without requiring us to reshape otherwise healthy adjacent teeth.
At Cedars Family Dental, we believe in preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Barbosa will evaluate your individual needs, discuss the advantages of bridges and implants, and help you choose the treatment that best supports your long-term dental health.
