What Is a Dental Bridge?

Learn why a dental bridge might be the perfect, lasting solution for you in this informative video.

One effective option for replacing missing teeth is a dental bridge. A bridge works by using the adjacent teeth to support the replacement tooth. To do this, we crown the teeth on either side of the gap, and these crowns are permanently cemented in place. The crowns then hold up a solid replacement tooth (the bridge) that rests gently on your gums, creating the appearance of a natural tooth emerging from your gum line.

While dental implants are often our first choice for tooth replacement, dental bridges can be an excellent and long-lasting alternative. In fact, with proper care, a well-made bridge can last up to 50 years and be absolutely beautiful. There are even situations where I recommend a bridge over an implant. For example, if you’ve broken a front tooth and the adjacent teeth are discolored or dark gray, a bridge can provide both a functional and cosmetic solution. By crowning the adjacent teeth, we can brighten their appearance and match them perfectly to the replacement tooth, resulting in a seamless and attractive smile.

Dental bridges are a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option, and in the right situation, they can provide a lifelong solution for missing teeth.