At the office of Briter Dental, we help patients rebuild healthy, confident smiles when teeth are missing. Tooth loss affects more than how you look — it changes how your mouth works, how your jaw feels, and how you approach everyday activities like eating and speaking. This page explains why missing teeth matter, how modern dental bridges work, and what you can expect if a bridge is the right solution for your smile.
When a tooth is lost, the empty space creates a cascade of changes in the mouth. Adjacent teeth tend to shift toward the gap over time, which alters the alignment of your bite and can make cleaning more difficult. These subtle movements increase the risk of cavities and gum inflammation because toothbrush bristles and floss may no longer reach the same surfaces as before.
Beyond shifting teeth, the jawbone that once supported the missing tooth receives less stimulation and gradually begins to resorb. Bone loss can change facial contours and make nearby teeth less stable. For chewing, even a single missing tooth can make certain foods harder to manage and force other teeth to take on extra stress, increasing the chance of fracture or accelerated wear.
Speech and self-confidence are also affected. Depending on the tooth’s location, gaps can change the way sounds form or make you more self-conscious about smiling and speaking. Replacing missing teeth is not merely cosmetic — it is a practical step to preserve oral function, protect neighboring teeth, and maintain overall oral health.
Modern dentistry offers several reliable paths to replace missing teeth, and a dental bridge is a time-tested option that provides a fixed, stable restoration. Bridges recreate the appearance and chewing surface of natural teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics, supported either by crowns on adjacent teeth or by implants. The result is a restoration that feels and functions much like a natural tooth.
Implant-supported solutions have become increasingly common because they avoid altering healthy adjacent teeth and preserve jawbone by providing stimulation similar to natural roots. Traditional fixed bridges remain an excellent choice when the supporting teeth are healthy and strong enough to carry the restoration. Each option has unique benefits, and the right choice depends on the condition of the mouth, the number of missing teeth, and a patient’s long-term goals.
At every step, the focus is on achieving a balance of durability, comfort, and natural aesthetics. Advanced materials and digital technology make it possible to craft restorations that match the color, shape, and contour of your teeth while standing up to daily use for many years with proper care.
Today’s dental bridges are fabricated from high-quality materials chosen for their strength and lifelike appearance. Porcelain and ceramic options provide excellent color-matching and translucency for front teeth, while zirconia and porcelain-fused-to-metal combine durability with a natural look for back teeth. Material selection influences longevity, wear resistance, and how well a bridge blends with surrounding teeth.
Technologies such as CAD/CAM digital design and precision milling allow laboratories and in-office systems to produce highly accurate restorations. That precision improves fit, reduces the need for adjustments, and helps distribute biting forces evenly across the supporting structures. A well-fitted bridge also simplifies oral hygiene by minimizing areas where food and plaque can collect.
Design decisions — like whether to use a traditional crown-supported bridge or an implant-supported framework — are based on mechanical needs and biological considerations. Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of different materials and designs so you can choose a solution that meets aesthetic goals and functional demands.
A successful bridge begins with a thorough evaluation. Your dentist will review your overall health, dental history, and daily habits, then perform a detailed clinical exam of the teeth, gums, and bite. Digital X-rays or 3D imaging are commonly used to assess bone levels, root positions, and any underlying issues that could affect treatment planning.
Healthy gums and solid support from neighboring teeth or bone are essential for a predictable outcome. If gum disease, decay, or inadequate bone is present, those conditions need to be addressed before a bridge is fabricated. In some cases, procedures such as periodontal therapy or bone grafting may be recommended to create a stable foundation for the restoration.
When implants are part of the plan, precise imaging guides the placement so the implants support the bridge optimally. If a traditional bridge is selected, attention is paid to the strength and shape of the abutment teeth to ensure they can safely carry the restoration. This planning phase is a collaborative process that balances clinical requirements with each patient’s priorities.
The path to a finished bridge varies with the chosen technique but follows consistent steps designed to protect oral health and deliver a reliable outcome. For a traditional fixed bridge, the process typically begins with preparing the supporting teeth, taking impressions or digital scans, and placing a temporary restoration. These provisional crowns protect prepared teeth and allow you to test comfort and function while the laboratory fabricates the final bridge.
Once the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist will check fit, color, and bite before cementing the restoration in place. Minor adjustments to shape or occlusion may be made to ensure comfortable chewing and proper contact with opposing teeth. After cementation, follow-up visits confirm that your mouth is adapting well to the new restoration and that hygiene routines are effective around the bridge.
When an implant-supported bridge is chosen, the timeline includes an initial surgical stage to place implants, followed by a healing period during which the implant integrates with the bone. Temporary restorations can often be provided during healing for aesthetics and function. After osseointegration, the final bridge is attached to the implants, restoring a stable, long-term solution that feels much like natural teeth.
At Briter Dental, our goal is to help patients choose the most appropriate, long-lasting solution for missing teeth and to provide clear guidance through every step of care. If you’re considering a dental bridge or want to learn how tooth replacement can protect your oral health, contact us for more information and to discuss your options with our team.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Briter Dental, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Briter Dental, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.