When you lose one or more teeth, it doesn’t just affect how you look—it can also change the way you chew, speak, and even the shape of your face. A dental bridge is a trusted and effective way to restore your smile and regain oral function. This custom restoration quite literally “bridges” the gap left by missing teeth using artificial teeth anchored by crowns on nearby natural teeth or dental implants.
At Dentaris, we specialize in creating natural-looking, high-quality bridges tailored to your needs. Whether you're missing one tooth or several, understanding how dental bridges work will help you feel confident about your treatment options.
Key Takeaways
- Dental bridges replace missing teeth using crowns and artificial teeth.
- They restore function and maintain facial structure.
- Multiple types of bridges exist, depending on your oral anatomy and goals.
- Treatment is minimally invasive and typically completed in two visits.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom dental restoration designed to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of a false tooth—or pontic—secured in place by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth or by dental implants. The result is a strong, natural-looking smile that functions like your original teeth.
Bridges are color-matched and shaped to blend with your natural teeth, restoring not only your appearance but also your bite alignment and speech clarity.
Main Components of a Dental Bridge
A bridge typically includes:
- Pontic: The artificial tooth (or teeth) that fills the gap.
- Abutment teeth: Your natural teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap.
- Crowns: Caps placed over the abutment teeth to anchor the bridge securely.
These parts work together as a single unit, restoring both function and aesthetics with a seamless appearance.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
Tooth loss affects more than just your smile—it impacts your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper dental alignment. A dental bridge helps by:
- Restoring chewing ability
- Improving speech clarity
- Preventing nearby teeth from shifting
- Supporting facial contours
- Distributing bite pressure evenly
For patients who are not candidates for implants or prefer a non-surgical option, bridges offer an excellent alternative. At Dentaris, we’ll help you determine if a bridge is right for your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Choosing a dental bridge offers many long-term advantages:
- Natural appearance: Custom color-matching ensures your bridge blends with surrounding teeth.
- Restored function: You can chew and speak comfortably again.
- Preservation of alignment: Filling the gap prevents shifting and bite problems.
- Fast treatment: Most cases are completed in two visits.
- Longevity: With proper care, bridges can last many years.
Types of Dental Bridges
Different types of bridges are suited to different situations. At Dentaris, our specialists will evaluate your case and recommend the most suitable option.
Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the most common type. It uses two crowns placed over the natural teeth on each side of the gap to support the pontic. It’s ideal when both neighboring teeth are strong and healthy.
Cantilever Bridge
Used when there is only one natural tooth next to the gap. It anchors to a single crown, which may increase the load on that tooth. Cantilever bridges are less common but can be appropriate for certain locations in the mouth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
This bridge uses dental implants rather than natural teeth for support. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and provide unmatched stability. This is a preferred option when multiple teeth are missing or when preserving natural tooth structure is a priority.
How Is a Dental Bridge Placed?
The dental bridge process is straightforward and tailored to your needs at every step.
Step 1: Consultation and Preparation
Dr. Joaquín Berrón will begin by examining your teeth and discussing your goals. The teeth adjacent to the gap are gently reshaped to receive crowns, and impressions are taken to create a custom-fit bridge.
You may receive a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while your permanent one is being made in our dental lab.
Step 2: Bridge Placement
Once your permanent bridge is ready, our team will check the fit, bite alignment, and appearance. After any needed adjustments, the bridge is securely bonded in place.
The result is a natural-looking, fixed restoration that functions like your own teeth.
What Materials Are Used?
Dental bridges are made from high-quality, durable materials that look and feel like natural teeth:
- Porcelain: Excellent aesthetics; can be color-matched to your smile.
- Metal alloys: Provide strong internal support.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Combines strength and aesthetics.
At Dentaris, we select the best material based on your treatment plan, bite forces, and cosmetic goals to ensure your bridge is both beautiful and functional.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
To keep your bridge in excellent condition:
- Brush after each meal with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Use floss threaders or water flossers to clean under the pontic and around the crowns.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that could stress the bridge.
- Visit Dentaris regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.
Keeping your gums healthy is key to maintaining the strength and stability of your bridge. If any discomfort, looseness, or gum changes appear, our team will address them right away.
Potential Complications
While bridges are highly successful, problems can develop if care is neglected. Look out for:
- Tooth decay near the abutment teeth
- Gum inflammation
- Bridge loosening
- Difficulty cleaning underneath
Avoid habits like chewing ice or grinding teeth, which place unnecessary pressure on the restoration. Our Dentaris team is here to provide long-term support and adjustments when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dental bridge permanent?
A bridge is considered a long-term solution, but not permanent. With proper care, it can last 10–15 years or more.
Does a bridge feel like a natural tooth?
Yes. Once in place, most patients say their bridge feels and functions like a natural part of their smile.
What’s the main difference between a bridge and an implant?
Bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, while implants are anchored into the jawbone. Implants may last longer and help preserve bone, but bridges are faster and less invasive.
Can I eat normally with a bridge?
Absolutely. Once healed, your bridge should allow you to chew most foods comfortably.
Is the procedure painful?
No. Local anesthesia is used during preparation, and any post-treatment discomfort is typically mild and short-lived.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence at Dentaris
Whether you're missing one tooth or several, a dental bridge can bring back the comfort, appearance, and confidence you deserve. At Dentaris, we’re proud to help patients from around the world restore their smiles using advanced techniques and expert care from Dr. Joaquín Berrón and our dedicated team.
Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward a complete, natural-looking smile with the strength to last for years.
