Dental bridges in [city], [st]: A patient guide

Dental bridges in [city], [st] are a reliable way to replace missing teeth and restore chewing, speech, and smile balance. At [practice_name] in [city], Wisconsin, this overview explains what a bridge is, the types available, how treatment works, and what results to expect so you can make an informed decision.

Dental bridges explained

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by linking artificial teeth (pontics) to supports on either side. Those supports may be natural teeth covered with crowns or dental implants. The bridge spans the gap, helping keep your bite stable and your smile even.

Types of dental bridges

• Traditional bridge: Crowns on the teeth next to the space anchor one or more pontics. This is the most common option.
• Cantilever bridge: Supported by a single adjacent tooth when only one side has a suitable anchor.
• Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge: A conservative option that uses bonded wings on the backs of neighboring teeth, often for front teeth.
• Implant-supported bridge: Pontics attach to implants instead of natural teeth, useful for larger gaps or when abutment teeth are not ideal.

How dental bridges can help you

• Restore comfortable chewing and clearer speech after tooth loss.
• Prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the space.
• Maintain facial support and a natural-looking smile line.
• Distribute bite forces more evenly across your teeth.
• Provide a fixed, non-removable option compared with partial dentures.

How dental bridge treatment works

• Evaluation and planning: An exam, X-rays, or scans assess your gums, bone support, and bite. Options may include a traditional bridge, an implant-supported bridge, or a removable partial denture.
• Tooth preparation: For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are shaped to receive crowns. A digital scan or impression records your bite.
• Temporary bridge: A provisional bridge protects prepared teeth and keeps the space functional while the final bridge is made.
• Fabrication: A dental lab crafts the bridge from materials such as porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or ceramic to match your shade.
• Fitting and placement: The bridge is tried in, adjusted for comfort and bite, and then cemented. A follow-up visit confirms stability.

When implants are used, minor surgery places the implants first, followed by a healing period before attaching the final bridge. This option avoids preparing neighboring teeth.

What to expect before and after treatment

Local anesthesia is typical during preparation, and most patients return to normal routines the same day. Mild temperature sensitivity or gum soreness can occur for a few days. Once placed, a bridge should feel secure and natural after minor adjustments.

With proper care, many bridges last 7 to 15 years or longer. Daily cleaning is essential. Use a floss threader, super floss, or an interdental brush to clean under the pontic and around the abutments. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and keep regular checkups to monitor the fit and health of the supporting teeth and gums.

Candidacy and alternatives

Good candidates have healthy gums and sufficient support from adjacent teeth or bone. If abutment teeth have large fillings, fractures, or prior root canals, they may still work well as supports. If you wish to avoid altering natural teeth, an implant-supported bridge can be a strong alternative. For smaller front-tooth gaps with healthy enamel, a resin-bonded bridge may be considered. A removable partial denture is another option when multiple teeth are missing across different areas.

Risks and considerations

• Abutment teeth can develop decay or gum disease if plaque is not removed thoroughly.
• Teeth may feel sensitive after preparation, which often improves with time.
• Grinding or heavy bites can increase wear; a nightguard may be recommended.
• Bridges may need repair or replacement over the years due to normal function and material wear.