A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth held in place by the natural teeth or dental crowns on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth are carefully prepared to anchor the bridge securely.
Dental bridges are designed to blend with your natural teeth, helping create a seamless, natural-looking result. They restore the structure of your smile while helping maintain proper spacing between teeth.
Depending on your needs, different types of dental bridges may be recommended:
A traditional dental bridge is the common type and is supported by crowns placed on adjacent teeth.
Used when there is only one supporting tooth next to the gap.
These use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, offering a more conservative option.
Instead of relying on natural teeth, these bridges are anchored by dental implants for added stability.
Your dentist will help determine which option fits your oral health needs and goals.
Dental bridges may be recommended if you:
Have one or more missing teeth
Have healthy teeth or implants to support the bridge
Maintain good oral hygiene habits
Want to restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably
A thorough evaluation will help determine whether a dental bridge is the right option for your smile.
Dental bridges fill visible gaps, helping create a more balanced and complete smile.
They allow you to chew food more evenly and speak more clearly.
By filling the gap, bridges help prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of place.
Replacing missing teeth can help maintain your face's natural shape.
Each bridge is tailored to fit comfortably and blend with your existing teeth.
Getting a dental bridge typically involves a few visits:
Your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss your goals.
The adjacent teeth are shaped to allow for the proper placement of crowns.
Impressions are taken to create your custom bridge, and a temporary restoration may be placed in the meantime.
Once ready, the permanent bridge is fitted and adjusted for comfort and function.
Brush and floss daily to maintain good oral hygiene
Use flossing tools designed for bridges to clean underneath
Attend regular dental checkups and cleanings
Avoid chewing on very hard objects
With proper care, a dental bridge can provide long-lasting support for your smile.
Yes—we're one of the dentists who take Medicare in Pompano Beach, so patients with Medicare coverage can put it toward their bridge treatment. We also accept most dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing, and we'll walk you through your specific coverage before any work begins.
Bridge pricing depends on the type of bridge, the number of teeth being replaced, and whether the supporting teeth require additional work, such as crowns. Because every case is different, we provide a personalized, itemized quote after your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
With proper care, most dental bridges last 10 to 15 years, and some can last even longer. Good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and avoiding excessive strain on the bridge (like biting very hard foods) all help maximize its lifespan.
A bridge relies on your natural teeth (or crowns placed over them) for support and can typically be completed faster and at a lower upfront cost, while an implant is anchored directly into the jawbone and doesn't require altering healthy adjacent teeth. We'll help you weigh the tradeoffs based on your oral health, budget, and long-term goals.
Bridges are permanently fixed in place, so they tend to feel more natural and offer better chewing and speaking function than a removable partial denture, which comes out for cleaning. Bridges do require healthy adjacent teeth for support, so a thorough evaluation will help determine which option suits you best.
The main tradeoff is that the teeth on either side of the gap need to be reshaped to support the bridge, which is a permanent alteration. There's also a small risk of decay or discomfort at the supporting teeth if oral hygiene isn't maintained, which is why proper cleaning around and underneath the bridge is so important.
Patients without healthy adjacent teeth or with significant bone loss near the gap may not be ideal candidates for a traditional bridge and might be better suited to an implant-supported option instead. A comprehensive evaluation of your oral health will determine the best path forward for your specific situation.
If you are ready to restore your smile and improve your daily comfort, our team is here to help. Dental bridges offer a reliable way to replace missing teeth while supporting your overall oral health. Contact Park Plaza Dental today to schedule your consultation and learn more about your options.