Bridge Specialist

What are bridges?

Bridges are two crowns, or prosthetic teeth or implants, that are bonded to your natural teeth to hold a false tooth or set of teeth to “bridge” the space where teeth are missing. The neighboring teeth act as stabilizing anchors for the bridge.

Bridges match the natural shade and shape of your teeth, so they fit in seamlessly with your smile. They are usually made of porcelain or ceramic. 

What are the benefits of a bridge?

A bridge restores and improves your smile. This restoration can also:

• Improve your ability to chew and speak properly
• Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Maintain the shape of your face

Bridges fill in gaps, preventing surrounding teeth from shifting into empty spaces. This limits your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

What are the types of bridges?

Bridges are designed to fit your specific oral needs. The types offered at Revive Dentistry include:

Traditional bridges

A traditional bridge has a tooth or implant sitting on either side of the pontic (set of false teeth).

Cantilever bridges

This style of bridge is a solution when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. These bridges aren’t offered very much anymore because they tend to misalign your bite.

Maryland bonded bridges

This type of bridge is also called a resin-bonded bridge. The bridge has metal or porcelain wings that bond to your existing teeth -- no crowns necessary. This option is only available if you have one tooth missing.

Traditional bridges are by far the most common and preferred form of this restoration.

What is the process of receiving a bridge?

If you and the dental team at Revive Dentistry agree that a bridge is the right treatment for you, your first appointment involves filing down any natural teeth adjacent to the missing teeth. This makes room for the anchoring crowns. Your dentist then adheres the custom-made crowns to the affected teeth.

If you have crowns already over an implant or your natural teeth, this process isn’t necessary.  

To receive a Maryland bonded bridge, your teeth don’t need a crown. The metal wings of the bridge adhere to the back sides of your teeth on either side of your missing tooth. 

How do I care for a bridge?

Care for a bridge just as you do your natural teeth. Brush at least twice daily and floss once per day. Visit Revive Dentistry for regular professional checkups and cleanings.

If you care for your bridges properly, some bridges can last a lifetime. Maryland bridges can weaken sooner and require more frequent replacement and repair.  

To set up a consultation for a new bridge, call Revive Dentistry or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.