Dental Bridges
At Hadar Dental, we offer dental bridges to help restore missing teeth and bring back the function, appearance, and confidence of your smile.
Your teeth work together when you eat, speak, and smile. When one or more teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth can shift and your bite can change. Replacing missing teeth can help restore proper function and maintain the overall health and alignment of your smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It typically consists of an artificial tooth, called a pontic, supported by the natural teeth or dental restorations on either side of the space.
Unlike a removable denture, a traditional fixed bridge is permanently attached and can only be removed by a dental professional.
Depending on your individual needs, other tooth-replacement options may also be considered, including dental implants or removable appliances.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Replacing missing teeth can provide both functional and cosmetic benefits. A bridge may help:
- Restore your ability to chew comfortably
- Improve speech
- Fill gaps in your smile
- Help maintain the position of neighboring teeth
- Restore your natural-looking smile
- Support the overall function of your bite
The best replacement option depends on factors such as the location of the missing tooth, the health of surrounding teeth and gums, your bite, and your overall dental goals.
How Is a Bridge Placed?
A traditional bridge generally requires two or more appointments, depending on the type of restoration and your individual treatment plan.
Your First Appointment
During your first appointment:
- We evaluate the missing tooth and surrounding teeth.
- The supporting teeth, or abutment teeth, are carefully prepared when necessary.
- Digital scans or impressions are taken.
- Your shade and other cosmetic details are selected.
- A temporary restoration may be placed while your permanent bridge is being created.
Your custom bridge is then fabricated to provide an appropriate fit, bite, and natural appearance.
Your Final Appointment
Once your permanent bridge is ready:
- The temporary restoration is removed, if applicable.
- The new bridge is carefully evaluated for fit, appearance, and bite.
- Adjustments are made as needed.
- The bridge is permanently cemented or bonded into place.
- Your dentist will review how to care for your new restoration.
Bridge Materials
Dental bridges can be made from a variety of modern materials, depending on the location of the tooth, functional requirements, cosmetic goals, and your individual needs.
Options may include:
- Porcelain or ceramic
- Zirconia
- Metal alloys
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Other advanced restorative materials
During your consultation, we will discuss which material is most appropriate for your particular situation.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Good home care is essential for maintaining your bridge and the teeth and gums supporting it.
We recommend:
- Brush twice daily
- Clean carefully around the bridge and supporting teeth
- Floss daily
- Use a floss threader or other specialized cleaning aid underneath the bridge when recommended
- Maintain regular professional cleanings and dental examinations
- Avoid chewing on extremely hard objects that could damage your restoration
Because a bridge depends on the surrounding teeth for support, keeping those teeth and your gums healthy is especially important.
Restore Your Smile With Hadar Dental
If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be an excellent option for restoring your smile and everyday function. At Hadar Dental in Lexington, MA, we’ll evaluate your individual needs and help you understand all of your tooth-replacement options.
Call (781) 860-7700 to schedule a consultation and learn whether a dental bridge is right for you.
