Dental bridges literally bridge gaps between teeth that are created by one or more missing teeth.

A dental bridge consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on each side of the gap. The teeth that anchor the dental bridge are called “abutment teeth”. The dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that is bonded onto your existing teeth or implants.

A dentist uses a dental tool to extract a tooth from a patient's mouth during a dental procedure.

The Purpose Of A Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is used most commonly to entirely cover/cap a damaged tooth or cover an implant. Bridges are used to fill in spaces where you’re missing one or more teeth. They are bonded to natural teeth or implants surrounding the space where the tooth once stood.

In addition to strengthening a damaged tooth, bridges and crowns can be used to improve a tooth’s appearance, shape, alignment, and dental occlusion (bite). Gaps left by missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, which can result in a bad bite. Bridges and crowns help prevent this from happening.

Am I A Candidate For A Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges may be necessary if you have one or more missing teeth, which may lead to further problems. When one or more teeth are missing, the adjacent teeth may rotate and move out of position, leading to misalignment and an incorrect bite pattern. This may lead to additional grinding and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. It may also lead to gum disease.

Bridges effectively span the empty space between teeth to complete your smile, provide a correct bite pattern, prevent further dental problems, and make simple tasks, such as eating food, feel more natural.

Components Of A Dental Bridge

The “anchor teeth” on either side of a dental bridge are called abutments. If the abutment teeth are replaced with dental crowns, they’re modified crowns called “pontic teeth” and serve as modified anchor teeth.

There are a few material choices for dental bridges and anchor crowns. Which material is selected depends on your personal needs, material costs, and is determined during your dental examination. Cost and tooth coloring may play a role in material choices.

Front Multi-Tooth Bridge

Back Multi-Tooth Bridge

The Dental Bridge Process

Before installing dental bridges, anchor teeth must be prepared. The anchor teeth must be reduced in size to allow for crowns (pontics) or bridge attachments. The amount of natural tooth material to be removed will be determined by the materials chosen and how healthy the abutment teeth are. The goal is to remove the least amount of natural tooth material possible.

An impression is created of the shape of your teeth after tooth preparation has been performed. This impression provides a guide to create the perfect fit for your dental bridges, but may require fine tuning in the office during your dental visit. Porcelain bridges may be colored to match your current smile, or your goal color for teeth whitening. A temporary bridge may be created and used until your final dental bridge is created and ready for installation.

Temporary dental bridges are removed prior to the installation process, and any fine-tuning is done during your dental visit. The dental bridge is then cemented onto the abutment teeth, and a perfect fit is ensured.

How Long Will My Dental Bridge Last?

Dental bridges should have a long lifespan, but how long they last depends on a few things. Your eating habits may diminish their lifetime, such as eating very hard foods, poor gum maintenance, and poor health, and the same habits that cause chipping and cracks in natural teeth.

Dental bridges may be repaired the same way as natural teeth, dental crowns, and fillings. In the event your dental bridge completely detaches, your abutment teeth may be re-prepared and the dental bridge cemented into place again. Dental maintenance of your bridges include regular good dental hygiene, gum maintenance, brushing, flossing, mouthwash and avoiding the foods that promote dental decay.

Discover More About Dental Bridges

Dental bridges may correct your smile and provide numerous health benefits when one or more teeth are missing or are removed due to poor dental health. They are an excellent method for creating a perfect smile in more severe situations of tooth loss. If you are interested in learning about treatment options for restoring your smile in Utah, contact our team today!

A person holds a tooth with a dental tool, demonstrating a dental procedure or examination.

Dental Bridges FAQs

Why is it important to replace a missing tooth promptly?

When a tooth is lost, the effects often extend beyond the visible gap. Neighboring teeth may gradually drift toward the empty space, and opposing teeth can begin to shift as well. These changes may affect bite alignment, chewing efficiency, and overall oral health. Replacing missing teeth in a timely manner can help maintain stability throughout the smile and reduce the likelihood of future complications.

How do dental bridges compare to leaving a gap untreated?

Leaving a gap untreated may seem harmless at first, but missing teeth can affect both function and appearance over time. A dental bridge helps restore balance by filling the empty space and supporting normal chewing patterns. Many patients find that replacing a missing tooth improves comfort, confidence, and oral function while helping preserve the position of surrounding teeth.

Can a dental bridge improve chewing ability?

Yes. Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew certain foods effectively, especially when multiple teeth are involved. A properly fitted dental bridge helps restore chewing function by replacing the missing tooth or teeth and distributing biting forces more evenly. Many patients notice improved comfort and confidence when eating after completing treatment with a dental bridge.

Will a dental bridge look natural in my smile?

Modern dental bridges are designed to blend naturally with surrounding teeth. Factors such as tooth color, shape, and size are carefully considered during the fabrication process. The goal is to create a restoration that complements your smile while maintaining a natural appearance. Most patients find that others are unable to distinguish the bridge from their natural teeth.

How do I clean around a dental bridge?

Dental bridges require daily oral hygiene just like natural teeth. Special flossing tools or bridge-cleaning aids may be recommended to help clean beneath the restoration. Keeping the surrounding teeth and gums healthy is essential for long-term success. During your visits, the team at Rigby Dental can demonstrate effective cleaning techniques and recommend products that support bridge maintenance.

Can a dental bridge help protect facial appearance after tooth loss?

Missing teeth can contribute to changes in facial appearance over time, particularly when gaps affect the overall balance of the smile. Replacing missing teeth helps maintain proper support for the lips and cheeks while restoring a complete smile. Many patients appreciate the cosmetic and functional benefits that come from replacing missing teeth with a well-designed bridge.

How do I know if a dental bridge is the right solution for me?

The best tooth replacement option depends on several factors, including the location of the missing tooth, the condition of nearby teeth, your oral health, and your personal goals. During a consultation, the dentists at Rigby Dental will evaluate your situation and discuss available treatment options. Together, you can determine whether a dental bridge is the most appropriate solution for restoring your smile.

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