Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Bridges

Discover the types of bridges and the process for getting fitted with tooth replacement bridges from Dr. Eastwood at Summerbrook Dental.

what are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is when false teeth, usually made of porcelain, metal, or zirconia, are used to close a gap where you have a missing tooth or missing teeth. They are mounted onto your natural teeth and cemented into place. Dental bridges blend in with your natural teeth. Contact us at Summerbrook Dental for an exam with Dr. Calvin Eastwood to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental bridges.

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Did you know…

Dental bridges can last for up to 15 years with proper oral hygiene.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Call (817) 382-7445 to schedule

How the Dental bridge Process works

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Xrays & oral exam

At your exam, your mouth and teeth will be examined to see if you are a suitable candidate for dental bridges. This takes the oral health and density of your jawbone into account. If you are a good candidate, then the dentist will examine your mouth to ensure that there is no present gum disease or tooth decay and if so, that this is treated before you think about dental bridges.
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teeth filing

Dr. Eastwood will prepare the teeth adjacent to the gap, which may consist of filing down some of your natural teeth so when a bridge is placed over them, they blend in seamlessly.
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impressions taken& bridge preparation

To make a dental bridge that will be the perfect fit in your mouth and blend in with your real teeth, Dr. Eastwood will take impressions of your teeth and send it into a lab. Your teeth impressions will serve as a model for your bridge mold so they can match the shape and color of your teeth as closely as possible.
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Temporary bridge

While your permanent bridge is being designed, you will be given a temporary bridge to wear until it's ready. This will cover the gap in your teeth. You will be contacted to come back once your permanent bridge is ready.
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permanent bridge placement

Your final bridge will be fixed into place via dental cement or dental implant, depending on the specific type of dental bridge.
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Adjustments

Your dental bridge may need to be adjusted several times until it's just right. The bridge should fit comfortably in your mouth and not prevent you from chewing normally. Fixed bridges could be temporarily placed in the mouth as a trial period before being cemented in.

Types of dental bridges

  • Traditional

    This is the most popular dental bridge and is utilized when you have a gap in between two natural teeth. The false tooth is held in place via dental crowns which are cemented onto each of the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the gap).

  • Cantilever

    Cantilever dental bridges differ from traditional bridges in that the dental crown is only cemented to one abutment tooth, so you only need to have one natural tooth next to a missing tooth.

  • Maryland

    The Maryland dental bridge is often used for missing front teeth. It also necessitates two natural teeth on either side of the missing gap. However, unlike traditional dental bridges, Maryland bridges use a framework of metal or porcelain which is bonded to the back of the natural teeth.

  • Implant-supported

    This is when bridges are put in place via implants. There is typically an implant for every missing tooth or the false teeth are kept in place by two crowns that are implanted. This consists of two surgeries (one for the implants in the jawbone and another for the bridge). However, this is the most durable dental bridge.

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Did you know…

if you don’t fill the space of a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth can lean in, which can cause difficulty with biting, chewing, self-image, and pain.

Interested in Advanced dental services?

Call (817) 382-7445 to schedule