If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, a dental bridge can fill the gap and restore the strength and appearance of your smile. A traditional bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, also known as pontics, held in place by dental crowns. For qualifying patients, bridges can also be supported by dental implants. We offer both traditional and implant-supported bridges to rebuild your smile after tooth loss. 

Benefits of a Dental Bridge.

When left untreated, missing teeth can cause a range of cosmetic, functional, and oral health problems. By replacing lost teeth with a dental bridge, you can experience benefits such as:

  • Improved bite
  • Reduced risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease
  • A more varied diet
  • Stability and comfort
  • Reduced risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

A dental bridge also prevents remaining teeth from shifting and maintains your facial structure. Implant-supported bridges offer even more benefits by preventing tissue atrophy in your jawbone. 

Explore Your Candidacy

The majority of patients missing one to three consecutive teeth qualify for a bridge. If you have more substantial tooth loss, however, you may need a denture.

If you want to receive a traditional bridge, the teeth neighboring the gap in your smile must be structurally sound and healthy because they will provide the support for your bridge. For an implant-supported bridge, you must have adequate healthy jawbone tissue.

Issues such as gum disease must be resolved before receiving a bridge. The dentist can evaluate your candidacy for a dental bridge during your initial consultation at our office.

Your Initial Consultation

Before recommending a traditional or implant-supported bridge, a comprehensive oral health evaluation is performed to determine if a bridge is the right restorative treatment for you. We may also take x-rays to assess the health of your jaw and the supporting structures of your teeth.

Crown-Supported Bridges

If you proceed with a traditional crown-supported bridge, your teeth on either side of the gap will be prepared to place dental crowns. This process involves reshaping the teeth so the crowns fit properly. Once your teeth are ready, we will take impressions to send to the dental lab, where technicians begin making your dental bridge. We may place a temporary restoration to protect your prepared teeth while you wait.

When the lab completes the bridge, it will be bonded into place and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure that you are satisfied with the results. 

Implant-Supported Bridges

To receive an implant-supported bridge, you must first undergo dental implant placement. During this procedure, Dr. Benjamin will embed small titanium posts into your jawbone. Implants require three to six months of healing to allow the posts to fuse with surrounding bone tissue and create a stable base for your restoration. 

Once your implants are healed, we will take impressions and make a bridge. When the bridge is complete, it will be attached to the dental implants. While this process is longer and more expensive than receiving a traditional bridge, the benefits of dental implants are unmatched. Replacing teeth with an implant-supported restoration can protect your oral health for years to come.

Bridge the Gaps in Your Smile

For patients missing one or more consecutive teeth, a dental bridge can restore lost form and function for a healthier, more attractive smile. For more information about dental bridges or the other tooth loss solutions we offer, contact our office online or call us in Manhattan at (212) 252-8893 or in Brooklyn at (718) 336-1109 today.