A dental bridge is a partial set of replacement teeth, usually made from porcelain, that looks and feels like natural teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, but most connect to the abutting natural teeth to hold them in place. This helps prevent the rotating and shifting that can be brought on by gaps in the mouth left by missing teeth. Bridge work is typically designed to be a permanent addition to the mouth and is not removable. Dental bridges require healthy surrounding teeth or implants to have enough bone support.

With proper care, dental bridges can last for close to ten years. Dentists recommend patients brush at least twice daily using a soft‑bristled toothbrush. It is important to floss daily around the teeth and bridge and use an antiseptic mouth rinse. Your dentist may recommend a proxabrush to clean under your bridge. Patients who have bridgework are also advised to avoid tobacco products and hard, sticky items like caramel.

To receive a dental bridge, the patient needs to have some remaining natural teeth. In general, dental bridges are appropriate for cases of one or a few missing teeth. If the patient is missing a large portion of the arch, another treatment may be preferable. During a consultation, we can go over possible options and see which one will be most effective for the patient.

Since it can take up to six months for the gum to heal completely, an individual may experience a delay in receiving a dental bridge. Additionally, a bridge may not be an option if there is insufficient bone and tooth matter to support it. Desert Bloom Dentistry can evaluate whether a patient is a candidate for this treatment. In some cases, a dental bridge may only be part of a treatment plan or smile makeover.

There are four major types of dental bridges. Three of them use different mechanisms to attach to the abutting teeth. The fourth type connects to the jawbone via an implant.

• Traditional: A traditional bridge is a combination of one or more replacement teeth with crowns on either side. It is necessary to grind down the abutment teeth slightly. The crowns are placed over the natural teeth and cemented in place.
• Cantilever: This is similar to a traditional bridge but used when there is only a single abutment tooth. It uses a cantilever design to secure the bridge in place from a single point.
• Maryland: The Maryland dental bridge also connects to the adjacent teeth. However, it has a metal framework that bonds to the inside of the natural teeth with resin, avoiding the need for crowns on the abutment teeth.
• Implant‑Supported: Some bridges are implant‑supported. They connect directly to the jawbone with dental implants, small metal studs that replicate natural tooth roots. Typically, there is one implant placed per replacement tooth.

One alternative to a dental bridge is a set of partial dentures. These can replace one or a few teeth similarly. However, unlike dental bridges, the dentures are not permanently placed but are removed for cleaning and sleeping.

Eating and speaking can feel more comfortable with dental bridges than with dentures, as dental bridges are more firmly rooted in place. Furthermore, you must remove dentures to clean them, whereas you can brush dental bridges like natural teeth. However, according to the American Dental Association, cleaning dental bridges may require extra care to ensure the health of the gum beneath the replacement teeth.

Dental bridges can be an effective treatment for missing teeth. Our team recommends this option to patients who are candidates and want to restore the form and function of their mouths. These are a few of the benefits:

• Emulate Natural Teeth: The porcelain teeth on a dental bridge look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are stable in the mouth. Therefore, they are similar to natural teeth when eating and speaking.
• Allow Brushing: Patients can clean dental bridges in the mouth, unlike with removable dentures, meaning they can brush and floss like normal. Maintaining this familiar process can make care more manageable.
• Provide Value: Compared to implants, dental bridges are less expensive. They may cost more than removable dentures. Many patients find that they provide a healthy balance between cost and effectiveness.
• Perform Effectively: Missing teeth may produce embarrassment and make speaking and eating more challenging. They may also slowly erode the jawbone over time. A dental bridge is an effective way to overcome these issues.