Dental Bridges

Overview

A dental bridge replaces one or more adjacent missing teeth with a single restoration that is permanently anchored on either side — either to crowns on the neighboring natural teeth or to dental implants. Beyond the cosmetic restoration, a bridge keeps the surrounding teeth from drifting into the gap, which is what eventually throws the bite out of alignment. Dr. Jill Rowland places custom-fabricated bridges at Diamond Dentistry in Wellington, FL.

When a Bridge Is the Right Tool

Bridges fit well when you have one or more missing teeth and the supporting teeth (or jawbone, in the case of an implant bridge) on each side of the gap are healthy enough to anchor the restoration. Dr. Rowland will assess that at your consultation and confirm whether a fixed bridge, an implant-supported bridge, or a different restoration (single implant, partial denture) is the better fit.

What a Bridge Restores

• Comfortable, even chewing across the gap

• Clearer pronunciation, especially of front-tooth sounds

• Stops adjacent teeth from tipping or migrating into the empty space

• Fills the gap with a tooth that matches the shape and shade of the rest

• Made from durable porcelain or porcelain-fused materials engineered to last

What the Process Looks Like

For a tooth-supported bridge, the first visit prepares the anchor teeth and captures a digital impression that goes to the lab. A temporary protects the prepped teeth while the final bridge is being fabricated. At the placement visit, Dr. Rowland seats the bridge with permanent cement after confirming fit, bite, and shade. For an implant-supported bridge, the implants are placed first and allowed to integrate before the bridge is fitted on top.

Caring for a Bridge

Brushing and flossing carry over from natural-tooth care, with the addition of cleaning under the bridge using floss threaders, super floss, or a water flosser — the team will show you the right technique. Routine cleanings at Diamond Dentistry And Aesthetics keep the supporting teeth and gum tissue healthy so the bridge has a long working life.