Missing a tooth, or more than one, can do more than affect your appearance. It can change how you speak, how you chew, and even how confident you feel when you smile. We believe in restoring both your smile and your quality of life with solutions that feel natural, look beautiful, and support your long-term oral health. One of those solutions is a dental bridge.
If you’ve been told you may need a bridge or you’re simply exploring your replacement options, this guide will walk you through what a bridge is, the different types available, and when it may be the right fit for your smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis designed to “bridge” the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) that are anchored in place by your natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. The goal is to restore your bite, preserve your facial structure, and keep your adjacent teeth from shifting out of place.
At Stiles Dental Care, we often recommend bridges when a patient has healthy teeth on both sides of the gap or a stable implant to support the prosthetic. The result is a stable, long-lasting restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile.
When Is a Dental Bridge the Right Option?
We may recommend a dental bridge in several situations:
- You’ve lost a tooth (or multiple teeth) and have strong natural teeth or implants nearby
- You’re not a candidate for a dental implant or prefer a non-surgical solution
- You want a fixed dental prosthesis instead of a removable one like partial dentures
- Your goal is to restore appearance, speech, chewing function, and overall oral health
Our team always takes time to discuss all replacement options with you, including bridges, implants, and dentures, so you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
Not all bridges are the same. At our Medford office, we carefully evaluate the condition of your teeth, the location of the missing tooth, and your lifestyle before recommending a solution. The types of dental bridges we may recommend include:
Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the most common type. A traditional dental bridge uses two dental crowns on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth, to hold a false tooth in place. These crowns are bonded to your prepared teeth, and the pontic sits between them.
This option works best when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but it’s supported by just one abutment tooth. We may recommend this option if you only have one natural tooth adjacent to the missing tooth gap.
Maryland Bridge
This type of dental bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework to bond a false tooth to the back of the adjacent teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, it doesn’t require reshaping your natural teeth, making it a more conservative option.
Implant-Supported Bridge
When multiple teeth are missing in a row, we may use dental implants as anchors. These bridges don’t rely on your own teeth for support; they’re held in place by titanium metal posts that mimic the root of the natural tooth. This option provides excellent stability and helps prevent bone loss in the jaw.
What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?
Getting a new bridge is a multi-step process, but it’s one we’ve helped many patients through with comfort and clarity.
Here’s what to expect:
- Consultation and Exam
We’ll examine the condition of your teeth, take digital images, and discuss your options. If a bridge is the best fit, we’ll explain your next steps in detail. - Tooth Preparation and Impressions
For traditional bridges, we reshape the abutment teeth slightly to accommodate dental crowns. Then, we take precise dental impressions and send them to a trusted dental laboratory to create a model of your teeth. - Temporary Bridge
While your permanent bridge is being made, we’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your exposed teeth and help you eat and speak comfortably. - Second Visit: Final Placement
At your follow-up visit, we’ll remove the temporary and bond your fixed bridge securely into place. We make sure the fit, color, and bite feel just right before you leave.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
With proper care and good oral hygiene, your dental bridge can last 10 years or more. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our team regularly for cleanings and checkups will help extend the life of your bridge and protect your adjacent teeth from issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
We may also recommend special tools like floss threaders or water flossers to help clean under the false tooth.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
The dental bridge cost can vary based on the type of bridge, the number of pontics, and whether implants are involved. Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of a bridge, especially if it’s needed to restore function and not just for cosmetic reasons.
During your consultation, our team will walk you through your options and help you understand your insurance coverage so there are no surprises.
Bridge vs. Implant: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between a dental bridge and a single implant depends on several factors:
- How many teeth are missing
- The size of the gap
- The health of the adjacent teeth
- Whether you have enough jawbone to support an artificial root
- Your personal preferences and budget
Both options offer beautiful, long-term results. In some cases, we may even recommend a combination of both. The best choice is the one that fits your lifestyle, health needs, and smile goals.
Let’s Restore Your Smile
If you’re ready to fill the gap left by a missing tooth or you’re wondering if a dental bridge is right for you, we’re here to help. At Stiles Dental Care, we take pride in offering personalized solutions that support your comfort, confidence, and long-term health.
We’ll take time to answer your questions, explain every option in everyday terms, and create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Schedule an appointment online. Our team would be honored to care for your smile.
