Dental Bridges in Newark
Chapel Street Dentistry provides dental bridges to patients in Newark and surrounding areas.
CALL 302-737-6761 To Learn More OR
CALL
302-737-6761 To Learn More OR
One available option to replace one or more missing teeth is the fixed dental bridge, a non-removable replacement. In addition to replacing missing teeth, fixed bridges can:
- Enhance the natural beauty of a smile
- Prevent other teeth from shifting
- Restore the function of the bite
A dental bridge uses two crowns placed over the teeth adjacent to the gap from the missing tooth. An artificial tooth (“pontic”) is anchored to these two adjacent crowns. This creates an actual tooth bridge. When in place, your custom, aesthetically pleasing fixed bridge will look and function like a natural tooth.
The process is similar to having a single crown made. The two adjacent teeth are prepared for crowns, an impression is taken and sent to a dental lab. A temporary bridge is placed for the time being while the final bridge is being fabricated. The patient will return for a second visit to have the final bridge inserted. Once inserted, the bridge is not able to be removed; it is effectively “permanent.”
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by filling the gap with an artificial tooth supported by nearby teeth or implants.
Dental bridges can last many years with proper oral hygiene, routine dental visits, and good daily care. The average dental bridge lasts 10-15 years but with good home care can last a lifetime.
Both options have benefits. Neither is “better” in every case; the right choice depends on your health, budget, and how many teeth are missing. Dental bridges are typically faster to have placed (2-3 weeks), require no surgery if the tooth is missing and are usually more financially economical especially with insurance coverage. They do typically need to be replaced more frequently than implants.
A bridge should be cared for with daily brushing, flossing around the restoration, and regular cleanings and exams. A water flosser is also recommended in addition to traditional flossing under the bridge.
To place a traditional dental bridge, the healthy teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth) must be permanently altered to serve as anchors. These teeth are prepared and reshaped to allow the bridge to seat naturally on the abutment teeth. Permanent cement is used to keep the bridge attached to these teeth. Once cemented the bridge feels natural to the bite and to your tongue. Unlike implants, there is no surgery involved in replacing a missing tooth with a bridge.