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What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges fill the gap by anchoring a false tooth (pontic) between two abutment teeth, which act as support. These abutments may be natural teeth or dental implants. The pontic is custom-made and typically crafted from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials for strength and a natural appearance.
Dental bridges help restore normal function and prevent long-term oral health issues caused by missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can improve both the health and appearance of your smile. Bridges help by:
Restoring your smile and confidence
Improving your ability to chew and speak clearly
Preventing nearby teeth from shifting out of place
Maintaining proper bite alignment
Distributing bite force evenly to reduce strain
Supporting facial structure that may collapse when teeth are missing
Replacing missing teeth is essential for long-term oral health, not just cosmetic appearance.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three main types of dental bridges used in modern dentistry:
Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the most common option. A crown is placed on each abutment tooth, with a pontic suspended between them. Traditional bridges are usually made from porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, or full metal depending on durability needs.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is used when only one neighboring tooth is available to act as support. Although less common today, it can be a good option in certain cases where a traditional bridge is not possible.
Maryland Bonded Bridge (Resin-Bonded Bridge)
This conservative option uses a metal or porcelain framework with “wings” that bond to the back of the adjacent teeth. It is often used for front teeth, where appearance and minimal enamel removal are important.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
Most patients complete their dental bridge treatment in two visits.
Visit 1: Tooth Preparation and Impressions
The abutment teeth are shaped to make room for the bridge.
Dr. Streelman takes a precise impression to ensure a perfect fit.
A temporary bridge is placed to protect your teeth while the final bridge is created.
Visit 2: Bridge Placement
The custom-made bridge is fitted, adjusted, and checked for comfort and function.
Once the bite and shape are ideal, the bridge is permanently cemented.
Final adjustments are made to ensure it feels natural and secure.
The goal is a restoration that looks and feels just like your natural teeth.
Insurance and Financing
We accept most dental insurance plans and offer no-interest financing options for patients without coverage or those with limited benefits.
Visit Dr. Steven Streelman at our state-of-the-art practice in Oceanside, CA to learn if a dental bridge is the right solution for your missing tooth or teeth.
Call (760) 439-0600 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation.