Bridges

When a patient is missing one or several consecutive teeth, a dental bridge can be an effective treatment option. Bridges can fill gaps, replace lost teeth, prevent neighboring teeth from wandering into a missing tooth gap, and prevent bite problems and other dental health damage from occurring. 

Aurora Hills Dental is happy to offer our patients dental bridges as a restorative dentistry option to improve their smiles and the health of their teeth.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a dental appliance designed to literally bridge a gap of missing teeth between your natural teeth. 

Dental bridge designs vary somewhat based on the type of bridge used and the patient’s preferred treatment. At a basic level, however, bridges typically consist of one or more connected pontics (artificial teeth) fixed in the mouth using anchor teeth that can either be natural teeth or dental implants. 

Dental Bridge Treatment Options

There are various types of dental bridges, and the one that is right for you depends on your treatment needs, the location and number of teeth you are missing, and your personal preference. 

Traditional Bridge

A traditional dental bridge consists of one or many pontic teeth attached to a dental crown on either end. The dental crowns are designed to fit over your two natural teeth that neighbor the gap of missing teeth to permanently fix the dental bridge in place. 

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. However, instead of fixing the two crowns over your natural teeth, the crowns are designed to fit over the abutments of two dental implants. 

Maryland Bonded Bridge

Rather than fixing in the mouth using dental crowns, a Maryland bonded bridge is affixed to neighboring teeth using a set of wires bonded to the neighboring teeth with composite resin. 

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is a dental bridge that has only one anchor point. These bridges are designed to replace teeth that are missing at the end of a row of teeth. 

What Is the Process of Getting a Dental Bridge?

The process for getting a dental bridge varies depending on the type of bridge. The process always starts with an initial consultation during which Dr. Zalesky can help you determine the best type of bridge to replace your missing teeth. We will take dental x-rays, scans, and oral impressions to design your bridge so that it is perfect.

If receiving an implant-supported bridge, you will undergo a slightly lengthier process that includes the placement of dental implants and a waiting period for healing and full osseointegration of the jawbone and implants. 

Find Out If a Dental Bridge Is Right for You

If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, then a dental bridge might be the right treatment option for you. To learn more or find out how Dr. Zalesky at Aurora Hills Dental can completely restore the form and function of your smile, we invite you to schedule an appointment today.