At the office of Caring Bear Dental in North Hollywood, we help patients restore missing teeth with solutions that balance appearance, comfort, and long-term oral health. Dental bridges remain a reliable option for many people seeking a fixed restoration that fills gaps, stabilizes surrounding teeth, and re-establishes normal chewing and speaking function. This page outlines how bridges work, the types available, what to expect during treatment, and how to care for a bridge so it lasts as long as possible.
Losing a tooth creates more than a visible gap — it sets off a sequence of changes that can affect the entire mouth. When a tooth is absent, neighboring teeth can gradually drift into the empty space, altering bite relationships and placing abnormal stress on other teeth. Over time this shifting can make chewing less efficient and increase the risk of tooth wear and fracture.
Another important consequence is the loss of stimulation to the jawbone where the tooth root once sat. Without that stimulation, the bone can slowly resorb, which may change facial contours and reduce the support available for future restorations. Replacing missing teeth helps preserve the alignment of adjacent teeth and supports underlying bone health.
Gaps can also create hygiene challenges. Food and plaque collect differently around shifted teeth and empty spaces, raising the likelihood of decay and gum disease if not carefully managed. For many patients, a dental bridge restores the protective continuity of the dental arch and makes daily cleaning routines easier and more predictable.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration designed to span the space left by one or more missing teeth. The artificial tooth or teeth that occupy the gap are called pontics. These pontics are held in place by supports at either end: traditionally by crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or by attachments to dental implants when implants are used as anchors.
Because a bridge is cemented or otherwise secured in place, it behaves much like natural teeth during chewing and speaking. A well-designed bridge restores the contours of the dental arch, helps re-establish proper bite contacts, and prevents the undesirable movement of neighboring teeth. For patients seeking a non-removable solution, bridges offer predictable stability and a lifelike appearance.
Modern bridge materials and laboratory techniques produce restorations that closely mimic the color, translucency, and surface texture of natural teeth. When planned thoughtfully, a bridge can blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth and support a healthy, natural-looking smile while performing the practical functions of missing teeth.
There are several commonly used bridge designs, and the right choice depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap, and the overall health of the mouth. A traditional fixed bridge joins crowns on either side of the space to one or more pontics and is often selected when the neighboring teeth already need crowns or provide strong support.
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but is supported on only one side by an abutment tooth. This design can be useful when there is a healthy, strong tooth on only one side of the gap, though it places different stresses on the supporting tooth and is chosen selectively.
Maryland or resin-bonded bridges use a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. They are more conservative because they require less removal of natural tooth structure, but they are best suited for replacing front teeth where biting forces are lower. Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors and are often recommended when preserving adjacent natural teeth is a priority or when multiple teeth are missing in a row. Implants also provide the benefit of stimulating the jawbone in the area they replace.
Successful bridge treatment begins with a thorough evaluation that includes a clinical exam, digital imaging, and a review of medical and dental history. A clinician will assess the health of adjacent teeth and gums, measure bone levels, and determine whether additional treatments — such as periodontal therapy or bone grafting — are necessary before a bridge can be placed.
If a traditional bridge is planned, the supporting teeth must be free of significant decay or infection and have sufficient structural integrity to accept crowns. When implants are being considered as the foundation for a bridge, three-dimensional imaging helps map bone quantity and quality and guide precise implant placement. Treatment planning prioritizes long-term function and ease of maintenance.
Many practices now use digital impressions and CAD/CAM technology to streamline the process and improve fit. In cases where teeth need to be prepared for crowns, temporaries will protect the prepared surfaces while final restorations are fabricated. Throughout planning, clinicians discuss material choices, expected timelines, and care requirements so patients have a clear understanding of the pathway forward.
After a bridge is placed, it’s normal to notice slight changes in bite sensation and to experience mild sensitivity for a short period. A properly adjusted bridge should feel stable and comfortable; if pressure points or bite discrepancies persist, a follow-up visit allows for fine-tuning. Over time most patients find that a bridge functions much like their natural teeth for speaking and eating.
Daily hygiene is essential for preserving both the bridge and the surrounding teeth and gums. Cleaning under pontics and around abutment teeth requires special attention — tools like floss threaders, interdental brushes, or superfloss can help remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Regular professional cleanings and checkups allow the dental team to monitor tissue health, evaluate the integrity of the restoration, and address any emerging issues early.
With careful home care and routine dental visits, bridges can provide many years of dependable service. If a problem such as fracture, loosening, or recurrent decay occurs, early assessment enables conservative repairs or replacement strategies that preserve oral health. For patients who opt for implant-supported bridges, continued maintenance safeguards both the prosthetic restoration and the underlying implants.
Bridges are a time-tested option for restoring a complete, functional smile and preventing many of the complications that follow tooth loss. Our team at Caring Bear Dental is committed to helping patients understand the choices available and selecting a treatment path that meets their oral health goals. Contact us for more information about dental bridges and which approach may be right for you.
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 Caring Bear 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 Caring Bear 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.
