Missing teeth affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
At Legacy Dentistry in Midlothian, TX, Dr. Nguyen uses dental bridges to replace missing teeth with a fixed, natural-looking restoration that restores your smile’s function and appearance.
A bridge literally bridges the gap left by one or more missing teeth, anchoring to the teeth on either side for a stable, permanent solution that looks and functions like your natural teeth.
How Dental Bridges Work
A dental bridge consists of one or more replacement teeth (called pontics) held in place by dental crowns on either side. The crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth adjacent to the gap, creating a fixed restoration that becomes a permanent part of your smile.
Bridges can replace a single tooth or multiple consecutive missing teeth. They’re custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth for seamless integration.
Once placed, a bridge functions just like your natural teeth. You can eat, speak, and smile normally without worrying about it shifting or coming loose.
Types Of Dental Bridges
Dr. Nguyen offers several bridge options depending on your unique situation.
- Traditional bridges are the most common type. Crowns are placed on the teeth on both sides of the gap, with the replacement tooth or teeth suspended between them. They’re ideal when healthy teeth exist on both sides of the gap.
- Cantilever bridges are used when there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap. The bridge is supported on one side only and is typically reserved for areas of the mouth that don’t experience heavy chewing forces.
- Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth rather than covering them with full crowns. This is a more conservative option but isn’t suitable for all situations.
- Implant-supported bridges replace multiple missing teeth by anchoring to dental implants rather than natural teeth. This option preserves adjacent teeth and prevents bone loss.
Dr. Nguyen will evaluate your teeth and recommend the type of bridge that gives you the best long-term results.
Supporting Your Bite & Surrounding Teeth
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth begin shifting into the empty space. Over time this creates misalignment, bite problems, and uneven wear on your remaining teeth.
A bridge prevents this shift by filling the gap and maintaining proper spacing. It distributes chewing forces evenly, prevents opposing teeth from over-erupting, and keeps your bite balanced and functional.
Restoring your bite means more comfortable chewing, better speech, less strain on your jaw, and reduced risk of future dental problems
Bridge Materials & Aesthetic Options
Modern bridges are made from a variety of high-quality materials.
- Porcelain bridges offer the most natural appearance, mimicking the translucency and color of natural enamel. They’re ideal for front teeth, where aesthetics are most important.
- Zirconia bridges combine exceptional strength with a natural appearance, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges provide reliable strength with an aesthetic overlay. They’re a durable option but may show a dark line at the gum line over time.
Dr. Nguyen will help you select the material that best suits your needs, the location of the bridge, and your aesthetic goals.
What To Expect During Placement
Getting a bridge typically requires two visits. At the first appointment, Dr. Nguyen prepares the teeth on either side of the gap, takes digital scans using our 3D intraoral scanner, and places a temporary bridge.
A dental lab creates your custom bridge over the next few weeks. At the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is cemented in place. Dr. Nguyen checks the fit, color, and bite to ensure everything looks and feels perfect.
Bridges Vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
Bridges are an excellent solution in the right circumstances, but they’re not the right choice for every patient.
Bridges Are A Strong Option When:
- The teeth adjacent to the gap already need crowns
- You want a faster solution than implants
- Bone grafting would be required for implant placement
- Cost or timeline is a consideration
Implants May Be Preferable When:
- Adjacent teeth are healthy and don’t need crowns
- Long-term bone preservation is a priority
- You want the most permanent solution available
Dr. Nguyen will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.
Caring For Your Bridge Long-Term
With proper care, dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer. To maintain your bridge:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean under the pontic
- Visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings
- Avoid chewing ice or hard candy
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
The teeth supporting your bridge need special attention. Keeping them healthy and cavity-free ensures your bridge stays strong and stable for years to come.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Can You Take A Dental Bridge Out?
No, you cannot take your dental bridge out. Dental bridges are designed to remain in your mouth for many years after being placed. You should not be able to remove your bridge on your own. Only your dentist can do this.
Some healthcare providers may call partial dentures “removable bridges,” however, this is not entirely accurate. Partial dentures are similar to bridges, but one of their key differences is that partial dentures can be removed by the patient at any time, while a dental bridge cannot.
What Are Dental Bridges Made Of?
Dental bridges can be made of the same materials as dental crowns. Bridges made from gold or metal alloys used to be the standard; today, most dentists are moving towards metal-free materials such as ceramic and porcelain, as they appear more natural.
At Legacy Dentistry, we proudly use tooth-colored materials in our dental bridges, as we find that these are extremely natural-looking while being very durable and long-lasting.
Is Getting A Dental Bridge Painful?
Before preparing your teeth to support your new dental bridge, your dentist will numb the teeth they’ll be working on. Usually, all these needs are a topical anesthetic, but severely nervous or anxious patients may benefit from sedation. Speak to your dentist if you are interested in trying sedation for your dental bridge procedure.
After the preparation and placement of your dental bridge, your underlying teeth may feel sensitive for a few days. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever should help, but please call your dentist if your discomfort worsens.
Because bridges keep your remaining teeth from drifting out of place, they could potentially prevent discomfort caused by dental drift later on.
If you’ll be getting an implant bridge, you will likely experience some soreness after dental implant surgery, but your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions to help minimize the pain.
How Long Should A Dental Bridge Last?
On average, you can expect your dental bridge to last somewhere between five and fifteen years; however, this will vary depending on the materials your bridge is made from.
Dental bridges made of metal often last slightly longer than other materials, but this difference is usually negligible.
More so than the materials used, the longevity of your bridge depends on individual factors like your diet, oral hygiene, and whether you have any bad oral habits like smoking, nail biting, teeth grinding, or eating ice.
Bridges that replace front teeth may possibly last longer than those towards the back of the mouth, as they’re not subjected to as much wear and tear from chewing.
If your bridge is supported by dental implants, it will probably last longer than a traditional bridge. While the restoration itself will need to be replaced eventually, the implant posts will remain in place for many years with proper care.
Restore Your Complete Smile
At Legacy Dentistry, dental bridges offer a proven, reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. Dr. Nguyen combines precision craftsmanship with personalized care to create bridges that look natural, feel comfortable, and function beautifully.
Call our Midlothian, TX office or book online to schedule your bridge consultation. We’ll evaluate your teeth, discuss your options, and create a treatment plan that restores your smile’s completeness.