Learn About Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed (meaning it cannot be removed by the patient) dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It quite literally forms the "bridge" over the gap created by missing teeth, improving your smile and tooth function.

Here’s a simple way to understand the function of a dental bridge: If you have a missing tooth, we will create an artificial tooth that fills the gap. This component is called the pontic.

The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are called abutment teeth. They serve as anchors for the bridge on either side and are typically prepared to fit dental crowns.

The crowns are placed over the abutment teeth, providing support and stability for the entire bridge. The pontic is then connected to these crowns, creating a single, cohesive unit.

The dental bridge is a custom-made restoration that uses the support of existing teeth to replace missing teeth, restoring your smile's beauty, function, and overall health.

Why Replace Missing Teeth

Leaving missing teeth untreated can have consequences that extend far beyond the aesthetics of a gap-toothed smile. At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we encourage patients to consider the long-term impact of tooth loss on their oral health, function, and overall well-being.

When a tooth is lost and the gap remains, it can trigger a series of problems that affect your entire mouth:

• Shifting Teeth: Adjacent teeth can begin to tilt or drift into the empty space left by missing teeth, causing misalignment and bite problems.

• Bite Problems: Shifting teeth can disrupt your bite, leading to uneven pressure on your jaw joints and muscles.

• Increased Risk of Decay & Gum Disease: Gaps between teeth create areas where bacteria and food particles can accumulate, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease in surrounding teeth.

• Difficulty Chewing & Speaking: Missing teeth can make it challenging to chew properly and speak clearly, impacting your nutrition and communication.

• Jaw Joint (TMJ) Problems: Disrupted bite and shifting teeth can also contribute to disorders and pain in the jaw joint.

A dental bridge is a reliable solution to prevent these problems, restore your smile, and help you maintain optimal oral health. 

Types of Dental Bridges

You can choose from different types of dental bridges to restore your missing tooth.

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional dental bridges are the most common type of bridge in use. They involve creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth (or teeth), with a pontic (artificial tooth) in between.

Traditional bridges have the longest success rates and have a great design that prevents issues with other teeth.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This type of bridge is less common but extremely useful in cases where the unavailability of adjacent teeth rules out traditional bridges.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges, also called resin-bonded bridges, consist of a pontic that is fused to a metal framework or “wings”, which are bonded to the adjacent teeth. Since Maryland bridges do not use crowns to cover the adjacent teeth, they are considered a more conservative option.

This type of bridge tends to be weaker than traditional options and are considered for short-term solutions. For instance, for those who are still growing but need a replacement tooth. This type of dental bridge is very common in the front of the mouth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

In the case of multiple missing teeth, we may consider using an implant-supported bridge. They provide a stable and long-lasting solution for multiple missing teeth.

In this case, dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone to act as anchors for the bridge. They provide exceptional support and eliminate the need to alter adjacent healthy teeth. Dr. Kostas is highly experienced in this process, and will take time and care to ensure you understand the process well.

What to Expect During the Dental Bridge Process

We're committed to providing you with a comfortable and stress-free experience throughout the process of placing your dental bridge.

Here's what you can expect when you choose us to restore your smile with Dental Arts of Cherry Hills.

Consultation & Examination

You begin with a consultation with Dr. Kostas. During this appointment, he will:

• Evaluate your overall oral health, including the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.

• Discuss your individual needs, goals, and aesthetic preferences.

• Take X-rays to assess the underlying bone structure and identify any potential problems.

• Determine if a dental bridge is the most appropriate solution for your missing teeth.

Tooth Preparation

This is followed by preparing your teeth for the bridge. If a traditional bridge is recommended, the abutment teeth (the teeth adjacent to the gap) will need to be prepared to receive dental crowns.

Dr. Kostas carefully reshapes the abutment teeth to create space for the crowns to fit properly. This typically involves removing a small amount of enamel from the sides and top of the teeth. This careful preparation ensures that the crowns will have a secure and stable fit, providing long-lasting support for the dental bridge.

Custom Impressions & Shade Matching

Precise impressions of your prepared teeth will be taken to create a model for the dental lab. We will also carefully match the shade of your surrounding teeth to ensure that your bridge blends seamlessly with your natural smile.

Temporary Bridge Placement

While your custom bridge is being fabricated in our dental lab, Dr. Kostas will place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth and maintain your smile's appearance and function.

Expert Bridge Placement & Fine-Tuning

Once your custom bridge is ready, you'll return for a final appointment. Dr. Kostas will position the bridge with care, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit. As a final step, he polishes the bridge to a natural shine and applies a protective sealant to the margins, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting finish.

How to Care for Your Dental Bridges

Once you’ve invested in restoring your smile with a dental bridge, it's important to protect that investment. Proper care and maintenance will help ensure the longevity and health of your bridge and surrounding teeth. 

Follow these simple tips to keep your smile shining bright for years.

• Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying close attention to the area around the bridge and along the gumline.

• Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles from under and around your bridge. Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean those hard-to-reach areas.

• A fluoride mouthwash can help strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay.

• Avoid chewing hard and sticky foods since they can damage your bridge.



• Schedule regular checkups and cleanings to monitor the health of your bridge and surrounding teeth.