At the office of Draper Dental, our team helps patients rebuild healthy, confident smiles after tooth loss. Missing teeth affect more than appearance — they change how your bite functions, how your jaw responds over time, and how easy everyday tasks like chewing and speaking feel. We combine modern technology with thoughtful planning to recommend solutions that restore function, preserve oral health, and look natural.
When a tooth is lost, the consequences ripple through the mouth. Adjacent teeth can slowly shift into the vacancy, altering alignment and creating new places where food and plaque collect. Over time this can lead to uneven wear, increased risk of decay in neighboring teeth, and a bite that no longer fits together comfortably.
Teeth in the opposing arch may also drift or over-erupt when they no longer meet a partner tooth, which can cause sensitivity, chewing difficulties, and added stress on other teeth. In addition, the jawbone beneath a missing tooth tends to remodel and lose volume without stimulation, potentially changing facial contours and making future restorative options more complex.
Beyond physical changes, missing teeth can affect daily life: speech may change, certain foods become difficult to eat, and people may feel self-conscious about their smile. Early evaluation and timely planning help protect surrounding dentition and keep restorative options open, whether the patient prefers a fixed, implant-supported, or removable approach.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to tooth replacement. Today’s restorative dentistry offers a spectrum of options, each designed to address different needs. Fixed dental bridges remain a predictable solution when adjacent teeth can support the restoration. Implant-supported options provide an alternative that preserves nearby natural teeth and supports jawbone health.
Material science and digital workflows have also transformed how bridges are planned and made. High-strength ceramics and zirconia deliver restorations that are both durable and highly aesthetic, while digital impressions and 3D imaging help our team design restorations with precise fit and predictable occlusion. These advances reduce chair time and improve long-term comfort and function for patients.
Choosing the best path involves considering the number of missing teeth, the condition of nearby teeth and gums, bone levels, bite forces, and the patient’s personal goals. Our approach is consultative: we explain the trade-offs of each option and tailor a plan that balances longevity, appearance, and the patient’s lifestyle.
A dental bridge fills the space left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring replacement teeth — called pontics — to support structures. In a traditional bridge, those supports are crowns placed on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. The bridge is cemented in place to create a continuous, fixed restoration that looks and functions like natural teeth.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as their foundation rather than natural teeth. Implants act like artificial tooth roots, securing the bridge to the jaw and restoring chewing force while preserving bone. This approach avoids altering healthy neighboring teeth and can be an excellent option when multiple teeth are missing in a row.
Regardless of the type, a well-designed bridge restores proper contact between teeth, helps distribute chewing forces evenly, and prevents unwanted movement of remaining teeth. Modern materials are color-matched and contoured to blend with the surrounding dentition, so patients regain comfortable function without drawing attention to the restoration.
When deciding between bridge types, several practical factors guide the recommendation. A traditional fixed bridge may be ideal if the abutment teeth already have large restorations or need crowns for other reasons. It requires preparing those teeth to support the prosthesis, which can be a straightforward solution in many cases.
Implant-supported bridges are often recommended when preserving the integrity of adjacent teeth is a priority or when replacing multiple teeth. Because implants stimulate the jawbone, they help maintain facial structure and can reduce the need for future bone grafting. The timing and number of implants depend on the span of the replacement and the quality of available bone.
Other considerations include the patient’s general health, healing capacity, and commitment to oral hygiene. We use diagnostic records — including 3D imaging when appropriate — to model outcomes and ensure the chosen solution will meet functional and aesthetic goals while fitting comfortably into the patient’s daily life.
A successful bridge begins with a comprehensive evaluation. That includes an exam of gum health, the stability of adjacent teeth, and x-rays or 3D scans to assess bone volume. If periodontal disease or active decay exists, those issues are managed first so the restoration has a healthy foundation.
For traditional bridges, treatment typically involves preparing the abutment teeth, taking impressions or digital scans, and placing a temporary while the final restoration is crafted. Patients can expect some short-term sensitivity after preparation; this usually resolves as tissues heal and the permanent bridge is seated. Final adjustments ensure comfortable bite alignment and a natural appearance.
When implants are part of the plan, surgery to place them is performed under local anesthesia with options for sedation if needed. Healing time varies, and implants must integrate with the bone — a process that can take a few months — before the final bridge is attached. Throughout this process we provide clear pre- and post-operative instructions and monitor healing closely to promote predictable results.
After any bridge is placed, routine dental care is essential. Regular cleanings and exams help maintain the longevity of the restoration and the health of surrounding tissues. Many bridge designs allow for flossing and interdental cleaning; our team will show the most effective home-care techniques to protect the investment in your smile.
Whether you’re considering a bridge to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, our goal is to help you choose a durable, attractive solution that fits your needs. The team at Draper Dental is ready to evaluate your situation, explain available options in plain language, and develop a treatment plan focused on lasting oral health. Contact us to learn more and discuss the best next steps for restoring your smile.
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 Draper 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 Draper 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 restorative prosthesis that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Replacement teeth, called pontics, are anchored to support structures on either side of the space so the restoration stays in place. Traditional bridges use crowns on adjacent teeth as abutments, while implant-supported bridges attach to dental implants that act like artificial roots.
A properly designed bridge restores chewing function and maintains the normal contact and spacing of your bite. It also helps prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space, which can reduce risk of uneven wear and new dental problems. Modern materials are color-matched and contoured to blend with surrounding teeth for a natural appearance.
Several bridge designs are available to meet different clinical needs, including traditional, cantilever, Maryland (resin-bonded) and implant-supported options. A traditional bridge uses crowns on both neighboring teeth to support one or more pontics, while a cantilever bridge attaches the pontic to only one adjacent tooth when space is limited. Maryland bridges use a framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth and are typically used for smaller replacements with minimal tooth alteration.
Implant-supported bridges replace missing roots and are preferred when preserving bone and avoiding alteration of healthy adjacent teeth is a priority. The choice among these options depends on tooth condition, bone volume, bite forces and the long-term goals for oral health and appearance. Your dentist will review diagnostic records and explain why a specific type best suits your situation.
Good candidates for a dental bridge typically have one or more missing teeth with healthy adjacent teeth and stable gum tissue to support the restoration. Adequate bone and periodontal health are important when considering implant-supported options, while traditional bridges require strong neighboring teeth that can be prepared for crowns. General health, oral hygiene habits and commitment to regular dental care also influence candidacy and long-term success.
A comprehensive evaluation including clinical exam, dental x-rays and sometimes 3D imaging helps determine which bridge type is appropriate and whether preparatory treatment is needed. If active decay or gum disease exists, those issues are treated first to establish a healthy foundation for any restoration. Your dentist will discuss alternatives such as implants or removable prostheses and help you weigh the benefits and trade-offs.
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants that replace missing tooth roots, while traditional bridges gain support from crowns on adjacent natural teeth. Because implants stimulate the jawbone, they can help preserve bone volume and facial contours that otherwise diminish after tooth loss. Using implants also avoids preparing healthy neighboring teeth, which may be an advantage when those teeth are unrestored.
Implant treatment involves a surgical phase to place the implants followed by a healing period during which the implants integrate with the bone before the final bridge is attached. This staged approach typically means a longer overall timeline compared with a traditional bridge, but it offers benefits in longevity and bone preservation for many patients. Your dentist will review surgical options, healing expectations and any recommendations for grafting or additional procedures if bone volume is limited.
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation that includes a review of your dental and medical history, a clinical exam and appropriate imaging to assess tooth and bone condition. Diagnostic records and digital workflows may be used to plan the restoration and visualize outcomes before treatment begins. If necessary, preliminary treatments such as periodontal therapy or root canal work are completed to ensure a healthy foundation.
For a traditional bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of structure to accommodate crowns, and accurate impressions or digital scans are taken to fabricate the prosthesis. A temporary bridge protects prepared teeth and preserves esthetics and function while the final restoration is made. Careful shade selection and lab communication help ensure the final bridge blends with your natural teeth.
When the permanent bridge is ready, it is tried in, adjusted for bite and aesthetics, and cemented or screwed into place with final polished contours. Your dentist will confirm proper occlusion and give specific home-care instructions to protect the restoration. Regular follow-up appointments allow monitoring of fit, function and surrounding tissues to address any concerns early.
Daily oral hygiene is essential to extend the life of a dental bridge; brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean beneath the pontic to remove trapped food and plaque. Use a floss threader, superfloss or interdental brush to clean under the bridge and along the abutment teeth where conventional floss cannot reach. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can be helpful when recommended by your dentist to reduce bacterial buildup around the restoration.
Routine dental visits for professional cleanings and exams allow the team at Draper Dental to monitor the health of the bridge and surrounding gums and to catch issues early. If you notice persistent sensitivity, loosening, or changes in your bite, contact the office for an evaluation so adjustments or repairs can be made before more significant problems develop. Following the home-care techniques demonstrated by your dental team helps protect both the restoration and the supporting teeth for long-term success.
Dental bridges are fabricated from a range of materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-ceramic porcelains and high-strength zirconia, each offering specific advantages. PFM bridges combine a metal substructure for strength with porcelain for aesthetics, while all-ceramic and zirconia options deliver superior translucency and a more natural appearance. Zirconia is particularly valued for its strength and biocompatibility, making it suitable for longer spans or areas that endure higher bite forces.
Material selection depends on the bridge's location in the mouth, aesthetic goals, opposing dentition and the expected functional load on the restoration. Advanced digital design and laboratory processes help create precise fits and lifelike shades regardless of the material chosen. Your dentist will discuss material recommendations based on a balance of appearance, durability and the health of the supporting teeth.
A dental bridge can provide many years of service when supported by good oral hygiene, regular dental care and healthy supporting teeth and gums. Factors that influence longevity include the material used, the quality of the fit, bite forces and the presence of decay or periodontal disease around the abutment teeth. Habits such as grinding or chewing very hard foods can increase stress on the restoration and may shorten its lifespan if not managed.
Routine dental visits allow your dentist to monitor margins, contacts and tissue health so preventative measures or repairs can be performed as needed. Minor adjustments, polishing or re-cementation can extend the function of a bridge, while significant problems may require replacement of the restoration. Open communication with your dental team about any changes in comfort or function helps preserve the investment in your smile.
Most patients experience a brief adjustment period after a bridge is placed as the tongue and lips adapt to the new contours and contacts. Changes in speech are usually temporary and improve as you become accustomed to the restoration, with clear speech returning within days to weeks for most people. Eating comfort typically improves because a bridge restores proper chewing surfaces and bite contacts that were missing with a gap.
Start with softer foods and gradually resume a normal diet as comfort and confidence increase, avoiding very hard or sticky items that could stress the restoration. If you have persistent difficulty speaking, chewing or notice a change in your bite, schedule a follow-up so adjustments can be made for improved comfort. Regular practice and following your dentist’s guidance will help you return to comfortable function quickly.
Contact the office promptly if you experience persistent pain, swelling, a loose or detached bridge, or any sudden change in your bite. Other signs that warrant evaluation include repeated food trapping, visible cracks or chips in the restoration, or sensitivity that does not resolve with time. Early assessment by your dental team helps address problems before they compromise adjacent teeth or gum health.
At Draper Dental, we can inspect the bridge, take radiographs if necessary, adjust occlusion, and recommend repair or replacement options tailored to your situation. Timely intervention often makes simple repairs possible and helps maintain overall oral health and function. If you are unsure whether an issue requires immediate attention, call the office and the team will advise you on the appropriate next steps.
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