Bridges

Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile. They can make it harder to chew, speak clearly, and maintain good oral health. When even a single missing tooth is left untreated, nearby teeth may begin to shift, leading to changes in your bite and overall dental health.

At Oakwood Dental in Bucyrus, Ohio, we provide personalized dental care to help restore function and appearance. Our team, including Dr. Attila Nagy and Dr. Michelle Nagy, offers solutions like a dental bridge to replace missing teeth and help patients regain comfort and confidence in their daily lives.

If you have one or more consecutive missing teeth, then a dental bridge could be the right restorative treatment option for you. Dental bridges have many benefits and many versatile features that make them a great choice to meet the needs of a variety of different patients.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative treatment designed to replace one or more missing teeth, as long as all missing teeth are in a row. It consists of one or two anchors that attach to either the patient’s natural teeth or dental crowns and a pontic of replacement teeth that bridges the gap between the anchors.

A dental bridge works by using abutment teeth, which are the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These abutment teeth support the artificial tooth, also called a false tooth, that fills the space. The bridge rests securely on both sides of the gap, helping restore the function of the surrounding teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer many benefits for patients who want to replace one or more missing teeth in a row:

• Replace lost teeth and fill in gaps
• Stop neighboring teeth from shifting into the space left behind by the missing tooth or teeth
• Provide stimulation to the jawbone beneath the opposing teeth when a person bites down
• Prevent occlusion (bite) problems and other damage from occurring to neighboring teeth

Additionally, dental bridges supported by implants also provide additional stimulation to the jawbone where the teeth are missing, which helps prevent the bone from deteriorating, resulting in an altered appearance and possible harm to nearby teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges Available at Oakwood Dental

We have several different types of dental bridges available. The one that’s right for you depends on the location of the teeth you are replacing and your personal preferences.

Traditional Bridge

A traditional bridge has one or two dental crowns for anchors (depending on the bridge’s location in the mouth). With a traditional bridge, these crowns are designed to fit over the patient’s natural teeth that are adjacent to the gap of missing teeth. To achieve a comfortable, natural-feeling fit, the two natural teeth need to be shaved down so that the dental crowns cement perfectly over them.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

A Maryland bonded bridge differs from a traditional bridge in the way it is affixed in the mouth. Rather than using two dental crowns as anchors, this bridge attaches to neighboring teeth with wires and tooth-colored composite resin.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge features one or two crowns designed to fit over dental implants, rather than over natural teeth.

This type of bridge offers the added benefit of stimulating the jawbone and preventing it from deteriorating. However, getting an implant-supported bridge is lengthier than that of a traditional or Maryland bonded bridge because it requires the patient to also undergo the process of getting dental implants.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is a bridge with just one anchor that secures its pontic. This type of bridge is appropriate for patients missing one or more teeth at the end of an arch where there is only one tooth available for attachment.

What to Expect During the Dental Bridge Procedure

The dental bridge procedure typically takes place over two or more visits. The first step involves preparing the abutment tooth or teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Impressions are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory to create a custom bridge.

While the final bridge is being made, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth. Once the final bridge is ready, it is secured in place using dental cement to ensure a stable and lasting fit.

Our team will check that your new dental bridge fits comfortably and aligns properly with your bite.

Who May Be a Candidate for a Dental Bridge

Patients with one or more missing teeth in a row may be good candidates for a dental bridge. Ideal candidates typically have healthy teeth or dental implants on each side of the gap to support the bridge.

It is also important to have healthy gums and good overall oral health before beginning treatment. Conditions like gum disease or tooth decay may need to be treated first.

During your consultation, we will evaluate your dental health and create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Taking care of your dental bridge is an important part of maintaining your dental health and protecting your investment.

Practice Regular Brushing
Brush your teeth daily to keep your natural teeth and artificial teeth clean.

Floss Carefully
Cleaning under the bridge helps prevent plaque buildup around the surrounding teeth.

Schedule Routine Dental Visits
Regular dental care visits allow us to check the condition of your bridge and surrounding teeth.

Avoid Hard Foods
Being mindful of what you eat can help protect your permanent bridge from damage.

With proper care, many dental bridges can last for years and continue to support your oral health.

Dental Bridges and Long-Term Oral Health

Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge can help prevent long-term dental issues. When gaps are left untreated, surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space, leading to bite problems and uneven wear.

A well-designed dental bridge helps maintain alignment, supports nearby teeth, and improves overall dental health. According to the American Dental Association, replacing missing teeth is an important step in maintaining oral health and function.

Dental Bridge vs Other Tooth Replacement Options

Patients often compare dental bridges with other options like partial dentures or dental implants.

Dental bridges are fixed in place and do not need to be removed, unlike partial dentures. They also typically require less time to complete compared to implant procedures.

Dental implants offer long-term stability and jawbone support but may involve a longer treatment timeline. The right option depends on your preferences, oral health, and treatment goals.