A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth with a lifelike “pontic” anchored to strong neighboring teeth. As part of our Restorative Dentistry services, bridges restore chewing comfort and help prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the space. Here’s how we plan them, when they make the most sense, and how to care for them day to day.
When A Bridge Is A Smart Choice
- Adjacent teeth already need crowns, making a bridge efficient
- An implant site isn’t ideal right now and you prefer a fixed option
- You want a non-removable solution that blends seamlessly with your smile
We’ll also discuss implant-supported options for multi-tooth spaces through our Dental Implants service when appropriate.
Types Of Bridges
- Traditional Bridge: Crowns on the teeth next to the space support a custom tooth in the middle.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Two or more implants support a span of teeth when several are missing, leaving neighboring natural teeth untouched.
Planning & Timeline
- Exam & Photos: We evaluate bone, gum health, and bite contacts.
- Tooth Preparation: Neighboring teeth are gently reshaped to receive crowns (for a traditional bridge).
- Digital Scan: Precise impressions are taken comfortably.
- Temporary Bridge: Protects the area and previews shape.
- Delivery: We seat and polish the final bridge, then fine-tune the bite for comfort.
Home Care That Works
- Brush normally; focus where crowns meet gumlines
- Clean under the bridge with floss threaders, super-floss, or a water flosser
- Rinse after meals to keep the area fresh
Healthy tissue around the bridge improves longevity and comfort.
Bridge vs. Implant: Side-By-Side Considerations
Bridge: Efficient when neighbors need crowns; fixed timeline; requires cleaning under the pontic.
Implant: Stand-alone replacement that doesn’t involve neighboring teeth; useful when a single tooth is missing or for multi-tooth spans with implant support.
We’ll show images of both in your mouth so the choice is clear and personalized.
Esthetics You Can Trust
Modern ceramics are shade-matched and contoured to reflect light like natural enamel. For front-tooth spaces, we pay special attention to translucency and speech sounds so the result looks and feels natural.
Protecting Your Bridge
- Avoid chewing ice and very sticky candies
- Consider a nightguard if you clench or grind
- Wear a sports mouthguard during contact or court sports
Follow-Ups & Small Adjustments
It’s normal to need minor bite adjustments as you adapt. If floss snags or food packs along an edge, we’ll smooth margins and show the quickest way to thread or flush under the pontic so cleaning stays easy.
Benefits At A Glance
- Fixed replacement that restores chewing and appearance
- Custom shade and shape to blend with your smile
- Simple home care with threaders or water flossing
- Predictable comfort with small, thoughtful adjustments
Start With Clarity
Wondering if a dental bridge is right for you? We’ll compare all options chairside. Call Elite Dental Wellness in Houston at (713) 789-8680 to Book an Appointment.