Dental Bridges

Filling the Space Left by Missing Teeth

When you lose a tooth, you may notice the difference every time you smile, speak, or eat. Over time, the open space can also allow neighboring teeth to shift and may affect the way your teeth come together when you bite.

A dental bridge is one option for replacing one or more missing teeth and restoring continuity to your smile. At Foley Family Dentistry, we will look at your oral health, the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and your personal goals before recommending the type of tooth replacement that makes sense for you.

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What Is a Dental Bridge?

A traditional fixed dental bridge uses the teeth on either side of a gap to support a replacement tooth.

The replacement tooth, called a pontic, fills the open space. Dental crowns placed over the neighboring supporting teeth, known as abutment teeth, hold the bridge securely in position. The entire restoration is designed to work together as a single unit.

Because a fixed bridge is cemented in place, you do not remove it for eating or cleaning.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?

Replacing a missing tooth can benefit both the appearance and function of your smile. Depending on your individual situation, a bridge can:

  • Fill a visible space in your smile
  • Restore a more complete biting and chewing surface
  • Help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the open space
  • Help maintain the alignment of your bite
  • Provide a fixed tooth replacement that does not need to be removed
  • Be customized to complement your surrounding natural teeth

Our goal is to create a restoration that feels comfortable, functions well, and looks like a natural part of your smile.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?

A bridge is not the only way to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants and removable restorations may also be possibilities, depending on your oral health and circumstances.

A traditional bridge may be particularly appropriate when the teeth next to the space would benefit from crowns themselves or when an implant is not the preferred option.

Because the neighboring teeth support a traditional bridge, they need to be healthy enough to serve as a stable foundation. We will carefully evaluate these teeth, your gums, your bite, and the surrounding area before recommending treatment.

We want you to understand your choices rather than simply telling you which restoration to select. If you have more than one appropriate option, we can discuss the advantages and considerations of each.

What Happens When You Get a Dental Bridge?

A traditional bridge generally requires more than one appointment.

During the preparation appointment, the supporting teeth are carefully shaped to make room for the crowns that will hold the bridge. We then capture detailed information about your teeth and bite so your restoration can be created to fit properly and blend with your smile.

A temporary restoration may be placed to protect the prepared teeth while your final bridge is being made.

When your custom bridge is ready, we will check its fit, appearance, and how it comes together with your opposing teeth. Once we are satisfied with the result, the bridge can be securely cemented into place.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

A well-made bridge can provide many years of function, but its longevity depends on several factors. The health of the supporting teeth and gums is especially important because the bridge relies on them for stability.

Your oral hygiene, bite, diet, habits such as grinding or clenching, and regular professional dental care can all affect how well your bridge holds up over time.

During your dental checkups, we will examine your bridge and the teeth supporting it for signs of wear, decay, or other changes.

How Do You Clean Under a Dental Bridge?

Although the replacement tooth cannot develop a cavity, the natural teeth supporting your bridge still can. Plaque and food can also collect beneath the pontic and around the gumline, making daily cleaning especially important.

Brush your bridge and surrounding teeth thoroughly just as you would the rest of your smile. You will also need to clean underneath the bridge, where regular floss cannot simply pass down between the teeth.

Floss threaders, specialized floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser may help you clean these areas. We can show you how to care for your particular restoration and recommend tools that make the process easier.

Find the Right Way to Replace Your Missing Tooth

Living with a missing tooth does not have to be your only option. A dental bridge can provide a fixed, natural-looking way to restore the space, but the right solution depends on your individual smile.

We will help you understand your tooth replacement options and choose an approach that supports your oral health, function, and goals.

Call for more information or to schedule an appointment with Foley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL.

Call (251) 257-7009