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Missing a tooth? A dental bridge offers a reliable, natural-looking tooth replacement that restores your smile and protects your oral health. At Schultz Family Dental, we custom-design dental bridges that fill gaps, restore your bite, and help you eat and speak comfortably again. A dental bridge can help restore the natural shape of your face, your bite, and your smile!
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge fills the space where a tooth or teeth are missing. A common bridge design involves placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. It’s called a “bridge” because it literally bridges the gap in your smile. A common dental bridge design involves placing dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth—these are called abutment teeth. These crowns are connected to the false tooth or teeth—called pontics—that complete the gap. This restoration is then permanently cemented into place, so you never have to remove it. In some cases, dental implants may also be used to support a dental bridge, if healthy teeth are not in the correct position or if multiple teeth are missing.
Why are Dental Bridges important?
If you lose a tooth, the teeth nearby may drift or tilt into the empty space. This can greatly affect your bite by putting undue stress on your teeth and jaws, sometimes causing pain. Teeth that have drifted can also be harder to clean, causing potential problems related to your gum tissue, as well as tooth decay. When a tooth is absent, the bone can also shrink. This can affect the way that the jawbone supports your cheeks and lips, changing your overall facial appearance.
Without tooth replacement, you may experience:
- Shifting teeth that create bite problems and new gaps
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Speech changes due to altered tooth positioning
- Increased risk of decay in hard-to-clean areas
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Premature facial aging from loss of structural support
For these reasons, it is very important to replace a missing tooth or teeth!
The Dental Bridge Procedure: What Can I to Expect
A dental bridge is created and fitted over the course of a few appointments.
Visit One: Examination and Preparation
First, the area is carefully examined for any problems or issues that might require additional treatment. The teeth on either side of the gap are then prepared for dental crowns that fit over the top of the tooth. Of course, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed during this process. A digital scan is then taken in order to create an exact fit for your dental bridge. You’ll be given a temporary bridge one while your final bridge is being made.
Visit Two: Bridge Placement
Once the dental bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is checked for fit before it’s cemented in place.
Visit Three (If Needed): Follow-Up Adjustment
When replacing a missing tooth or teeth with a dental bridge, you may need to come back for a third appointment to check your bite and make sure the dental bridge is functioning properly and fits well inside the mouth.
Caring for your Dental Bridge
Dr. Schultz will give you specific care steps to make sure you get the most out of your dental bridge, since it’s very important to keep it clean and free of food and plaque buildup.
Daily Care Tips for Your Dental Bridge:
- Brush carefully around and under your bridge twice daily
- Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean beneath the pontic (replacement tooth)
- Consider an interdental brush to reach tight spaces around your bridge
- Rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
- Avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage your bridge
Dental bridges can last for many years with proper care and regular checkups to make sure your mouth and bone around the teeth remain healthy. Dr. Schultz will give you specific care steps to make sure you get the most out of your dental bridge, since it’s very important to keep it clean and free of food or harmful materials. Dental bridges can last for many years with proper care and regular checkups to make sure your mouth and jaw receive it well.
Meet Your Dentist
Dr. Anna Schultz combines advanced clinical training with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. Her philosophy centers on education, prevention, and early detection—empowering you to take a proactive role in your oral and overall health. Parents, families, and long-time patients appreciate her attention to detail, warm communication style, and whole-health perspective. Learn more about our team.
What Patients Are Saying
“I was most impressed that every person was extremely proficient at their function and all worked together as a team for me, the patient. Every step was explained and all options available to me were offered involving my care. You will find Dr. Schultz’ credentials not only impeccable but her ability to properly assess the whole person is impressive. She uses state of the art technology as well which not only lends to the best possible outcomes from care but helps make a dental patient more comfortable throughout any needed treatment procedures. Dr. Schultz clearly puts her patients first. Everyone was very personable and I was made to feel very comfortable.”
– Donna Laube
FAQs
A dental crown covers and protects a single damaged tooth. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to dental crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth or implants.
Most dental bridges require 2–3 appointments over 2–3 weeks. You’ll wear a temporary bridge while your permanent restoration is crafted in a dental lab.
Yes! Once your dental bridge is permanently placed, you can eat most foods normally. We recommend avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge.
Both are excellent tooth replacement options. Dental bridges are non-surgical, faster, and typically less expensive. Dental implants preserve bone, don’t get cavities, and don’t require altering adjacent teeth. Dr. Schultz can help you determine which option is best for your situation.
Use a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser to clean beneath the pontic (replacement tooth) daily. This prevents plaque buildup and keeps your gums healthy.
Absolutely. We use high-quality porcelain and ceramic materials that are custom-shaded to match your natural teeth. Most people can’t tell the difference between a bridge and a natural tooth.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
Schultz Family Dental provides personalized, high-quality restorative care. Dr. Schultz and her team are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts. If you think you might benefit from a dental bridge and would like to learn more, contact us today for more information!
