Dental Bridges in [city], [st]

Restore Your Smile With a Fixed Tooth Replacement

A missing tooth can affect how you chew, speak and feel about your smile. It may also allow nearby teeth to shift toward the open space, changing the way your bite fits together.

A custom dental bridge from [practice_name] can replace one or more missing teeth with a restoration that remains securely in your mouth. Dr. Joseph Kayne and Dr. John Wilson have completed more than 2,000 combined dental bridge cases and can help you compare traditional bridges with dental implants and partial dentures.

Call [practice_name] at [phone] to schedule a dental bridge consultation in [city].

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth. The replacement tooth is called a pontic. It is connected to supporting teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap.

Unlike a removable partial denture, a fixed bridge stays in your mouth and can only be removed by a dentist. It is designed to restore your smile, improve chewing function and help maintain the position of your remaining teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

The right type of bridge depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the surrounding teeth, your bite, bone support and treatment goals.

Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional bridge uses dental crowns placed over the natural teeth on both sides of the space. The replacement tooth is connected between those crowns.

This option may be appropriate when the supporting teeth are healthy enough to hold the bridge or would benefit from crowns because of large fillings, fractures or other damage.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth. This option can replace several missing teeth without requiring every missing tooth to have a separate implant.

Both Dr. Kayne and Dr. Wilson place and restore dental implants. Together, they have completed more than 2,500 implant-restoration cases, allowing [practice_name] to coordinate both the surgical and restorative stages of many implant treatments in-house.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge commonly uses a framework or wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. Because it requires less alteration of the supporting teeth, it may be considered for certain areas of the mouth.

It is not suitable for every bite or location because the bonded wings must withstand the forces placed on the replacement tooth.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is supported by a tooth on only one side of the missing space. It is used selectively because the supporting tooth must absorb additional biting pressure.

Your dentist will explain which bridge designs are appropriate after evaluating your mouth.

Experience With Dental Bridges

Dr. Kayne has practiced dentistry since 2010 and has completed approximately 1,000 dental bridge cases. His experience includes 16 years of restorative dentistry and approximately 250 hours of continuing education in restorative dentistry and same-day crowns.

Dr. Wilson has practiced dentistry since 2011 and has completed approximately 1,000 to 1,200 dental bridge cases. He has provided restorative dentistry for 15 years and completed more than 200 hours of continuing education focused on restorative care and same-day crowns.

Their combined experience allows them to evaluate the supporting teeth, bite forces, gum health and replacement options before recommending treatment.

Benefits of Replacing a Missing Tooth With a Bridge

A dental bridge can:

• Restore a visible gap in your smile
• Improve chewing on the affected side
• Support clearer speech when front teeth are missing
• Help keep neighboring teeth from shifting
• Distribute biting forces more evenly
• Provide a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture
• Restore several missing teeth with one connected prosthetic
• Be customized to match the color and shape of nearby teeth

The success of a bridge depends heavily on the health of its supporting teeth or implants. Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are essential.

The Dental Bridge Process

Examination and Treatment Planning

Your dentist will examine the missing-tooth area, adjacent teeth, gums and bite. Digital X-rays or 3D imaging may be used to evaluate the supporting structures and determine whether a natural-tooth or implant-supported bridge is appropriate.

[practice_name] also uses digital scanning technology to create detailed records of your teeth and bite.

Preparing the Supporting Teeth

For a traditional bridge, the teeth on both sides of the gap are reshaped to make room for dental crowns. Local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during this step.

An impression or digital scan is then taken for the custom bridge. A temporary restoration may be placed to protect the prepared teeth while the final bridge is completed.

An implant-supported bridge follows a different process. The implants must be planned, placed and allowed to integrate with the jawbone before the final bridge is attached.

Placing the Final Bridge

Once the final bridge is ready, your dentist will evaluate its fit, appearance and relationship with your bite. Adjustments can be made before the bridge is securely attached.

You will receive instructions for cleaning around and underneath the replacement tooth. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to confirm that your bite feels comfortable.

Dental Bridge or Dental Implant?

A bridge and a dental implant can both replace missing teeth, but they use different forms of support.

A traditional bridge relies on the neighboring teeth. Treatment is generally completed without implant surgery, but the supporting teeth must be reshaped for crowns.

A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports an individual crown or implant bridge. It does not require crowning healthy neighboring teeth, but it involves surgery, sufficient bone and a healing period.

A bridge may be especially practical when the adjacent teeth already need crowns. An implant may be preferable when the surrounding teeth are healthy and preserving them is a priority.

Because [practice_name] provides both dental bridges and implant placement and restoration, Dr. Kayne and Dr. Wilson can explain both options without limiting the evaluation to a single type of treatment.

Dental Bridge or Partial Denture?

A dental bridge is fixed in place, while a partial denture can be removed for cleaning. A bridge generally feels more like natural teeth because it remains securely attached.

A partial denture may replace several teeth in different areas of the same arch and may require less preparation of the remaining teeth. The condition and location of your remaining teeth will help determine which option provides appropriate support.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

A bridge cannot develop a cavity, but the supporting natural teeth remain vulnerable to decay and gum disease. Plaque and food can also collect underneath the replacement tooth.

To protect your bridge:

• Brush twice each day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean underneath the bridge every day.
• Use a floss threader, super floss, interdental brush or water flosser as directed.
• Avoid using your bridge to bite extremely hard objects.
• Attend routine dental examinations and cleanings.
• Contact the office if the bridge feels loose or your bite changes.
• Report pain, swelling, bleeding or persistent sensitivity.

Regular examinations allow your dentist to check the bridge, supporting teeth, gums and bite before minor concerns become more serious.

Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in [city]

Dr. Kayne and Dr. Wilson have completed more than 2,000 combined dental bridge cases and can help you compare traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges, dental implants and partial dentures.

Call [practice_name] at [phone] to schedule your consultation and learn which tooth-replacement option is right for you.