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Dental Bridges

Custom dental bridges seamlessly fill the gaps in your smile, restoring function and appearance with fixed, natural-looking tooth replacements. Our expertly crafted bridges blend perfectly with your natural teeth.

  • Replace one or more missing teeth
  • Fixed, non-removable solution
  • Restore natural smile and function

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Understanding Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by literally "bridging" the gap between remaining teeth. The bridge consists of artificial teeth, called pontics, which are anchored in place by dental crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth). Modern dental bridges are crafted from high-quality materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring both the appearance of your smile and your ability to speak and eat properly. Unlike removable dentures, bridges are permanently fixed in place, providing stability and a natural feel.

Types of Dental Bridges

We offer several types of bridges to address different dental situations:

  • Traditional Bridges - The most common type, featuring crowns on adjacent teeth with a pontic in between
  • Maryland Bridges - Conservative option using a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth
  • Cantilever Bridges - Used when there are healthy teeth on only one side of the gap
  • Implant-Supported Bridges - Anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth for superior stability
  • Composite Bridges - Minimally invasive option for certain situations
  • Zirconia Bridges - Extremely strong, metal-free option with excellent aesthetics

Our Bridge Materials

We offer a range of premium materials for your dental bridge:

  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) - Combines the strength of a metal substructure with the aesthetics of porcelain
  • All-Ceramic - Metal-free option offering the most natural appearance, ideal for front teeth
  • Zirconia - Extremely durable ceramic material with excellent aesthetics
  • E.max® - Advanced lithium disilicate material offering exceptional strength and translucency
  • Gold Alloy - Highly durable option for back teeth where aesthetics are less critical
  • Composite Resin - More economical option for certain situations

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

With proper care, your dental bridge can provide years of reliable service:

  • Thorough Brushing - Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to the margins where the bridge meets the gums
  • Special Flossing Techniques - Use floss threaders or specialized bridge floss to clean under and around the bridge
  • Interdental Cleaning - Consider using interdental brushes or water flossers for additional cleaning around the bridge
  • Regular Dental Check-ups - Maintain six-month dental visits for professional cleaning and evaluation of your bridge

Following these care instructions will help ensure the longevity of your dental bridge and the health of your surrounding teeth and gums.

The Dental Bridge Process

Understanding what to expect during your bridge treatment

1

Initial Consultation & Planning

We begin with a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and bone structure using digital X-rays. We'll discuss your goals and preferences, evaluate the health of adjacent teeth that will support the bridge, and determine the most suitable bridge type and materials for your situation. We'll also take digital impressions or scans of your teeth to create precise models for designing your bridge.

2

Preparing the Abutment Teeth

After numbing the area with local anesthesia, we carefully reshape the teeth on either side of the gap (the abutment teeth) to make room for the bridge crowns. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the type of bridge and materials being used. For some types of bridges, like Maryland bridges, minimal or no tooth preparation may be needed. We then take a final impression of the prepared teeth to ensure the bridge will fit perfectly.

3

Temporary Bridge Placement

While your permanent bridge is being custom-crafted in a dental laboratory, we'll place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums and maintain the space. This temporary restoration also allows you to eat and speak normally during the fabrication period. You'll receive specific care instructions for your temporary bridge, which typically include avoiding sticky or hard foods and specific flossing techniques.

4

Bridge Fabrication

Our skilled dental laboratory technicians create your custom bridge using the impressions or digital scans of your teeth. Depending on your chosen material (porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal), the fabrication process takes about 1-2 weeks. The technicians carefully craft each replacement tooth (pontic) and the crowns that will fit over your abutment teeth, ensuring they match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.

5

Permanent Bridge Fitting

When your permanent bridge is ready, we'll remove the temporary bridge and thoroughly clean your teeth. We'll then place the new bridge, checking for proper fit, comfort, and bite alignment. We may make minor adjustments to ensure the bridge fits perfectly. If everything looks and feels good, we'll temporarily cement the bridge in place to allow for an adjustment period before permanent cementation.

6

Final Cementation & Follow-up

After a short adjustment period to ensure the bridge feels comfortable and functions properly, we'll permanently cement the bridge in place. We'll provide detailed instructions on caring for your new dental bridge, including proper brushing and flossing techniques and recommended oral hygiene products. We'll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your bridge and ensure it continues to function optimally. With proper care, your dental bridge can last 10-15 years or even longer.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Discover why dental bridges are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth

Restore Your Smile

Dental bridges fill the gaps in your smile with natural-looking replacement teeth, helping you smile with confidence again and improving your overall facial appearance.

Maintain Facial Structure

When teeth are missing, your face can begin to sag, making you appear older. Bridges help maintain your natural face shape by providing support for facial muscles and preventing bone loss.

Improve Chewing Function

Missing teeth can make eating difficult and uncomfortable. Bridges restore your ability to chew properly, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods and maintain better nutrition.

Enhance Speech Clarity

Missing teeth can affect your speech, causing slurring or mumbling. Bridges help you speak more clearly and confidently by replacing the teeth needed for proper pronunciation.

Prevent Teeth Shifting

When a gap exists, surrounding teeth can gradually shift into the empty space, causing misalignment, bite problems, and increased risk of decay and gum disease. Bridges keep your teeth properly aligned.

Fixed Solution

Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges are permanently fixed in your mouth, providing stability and eliminating concerns about slipping or removing them for cleaning. They feel and function more like natural teeth.

Schedule Your Consultation

We welcome new patients to our Peachtree City prosthodontic practice. Feel free to request an appointment or ask us any questions about our specialized services.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8 AM–4 PM

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Contact Information

Phone: (770) 631-0044

Fax: (770) 631-0045

Email: [email protected]

Our Location

Address:
5000 Shakerag Hill
Peachtree City, GA 30269

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Dental Emergencies

For dental emergencies, please call our office immediately:

(770) 631-0044

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Dental Bridge FAQs

Common questions about dental bridges and bridge procedures

We offer several types of bridges to suit different needs: Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the gap with a pontic (artificial tooth) in between. Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring less tooth preparation. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap. Implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, providing superior stability. During your consultation, we'll discuss which option is best for your specific situation based on the location of the missing tooth, condition of adjacent teeth, and other factors.
With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges typically last between 10-15 years, though many can last significantly longer. The lifespan of your bridge depends on several factors including the type of bridge, the materials used, your oral hygiene practices, diet, and regular dental check-ups. Porcelain and ceramic bridges may be more susceptible to chipping than metal bridges but offer superior aesthetics. Implant-supported bridges generally last longer than traditional bridges, often 15+ years, as they don't rely on natural teeth for support.
Proper care is essential for the longevity of your bridge: Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the margin where the bridge meets the gums. Floss daily using a floss threader or bridge floss to clean under and around the bridge. Consider using an interdental brush or water flosser for additional cleaning. Avoid chewing on hard foods, ice, or non-food items that could damage your bridge. Maintain regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings every six months. If you grind your teeth, consider using a nightguard to protect your bridge and natural teeth.
Yes, modern dental bridges are designed to look completely natural. We carefully match the color, shape, and size of your bridge to blend seamlessly with your surrounding natural teeth. Porcelain and ceramic bridges mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel, making them virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. During the design process, we take into account your facial features, smile line, and the characteristics of your existing teeth to ensure the bridge complements your overall appearance.
The bridge placement procedure is not painful. We use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the tooth preparation process. After the procedure, you may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days, particularly if your bridge covers newly prepared teeth. This is typically minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients find the process comparable to having a filling placed. If you experience dental anxiety, we offer additional comfort options to help you feel relaxed throughout the procedure.
If your bridge becomes damaged, the repair options depend on the extent and type of damage. Minor chips in porcelain bridges can sometimes be repaired with composite resin materials. However, for significant damage such as cracks or structural issues, the bridge typically needs to be replaced. If a bridge becomes loose but is otherwise intact, it can sometimes be re-cemented. It's important to contact our office promptly if you notice any damage or changes in how your bridge fits or feels. Never attempt to repair or re-cement a bridge yourself, as this can cause further damage.
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bridges when they're deemed medically necessary (not purely cosmetic). Coverage typically ranges from 50-70% of the cost, though this varies by provider and plan. Our office staff can help verify your specific coverage before treatment begins and submit all necessary documentation. We also offer financing options to help make treatment more affordable for portions not covered by insurance. We'll provide a detailed cost estimate before beginning treatment so you'll know exactly what to expect.
Yes, there are several alternatives to dental bridges depending on your specific situation: Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, as they preserve bone and don't require altering adjacent teeth. Removable partial dentures are a more economical option, though they don't provide the same stability or natural feel as bridges. In some cases where the gap is small and not in a location that affects function or appearance significantly, leaving the space as is might be an option. We'll discuss all available options during your consultation to help you choose the solution that best meets your needs, preferences, and budget.