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At the office of Morrison Dental Care, our approach to replacing missing teeth balances predictable dentistry with an emphasis on how your smile looks, feels, and functions long term. Missing teeth are rarely an isolated problem — they affect chewing, speech, and the way surrounding teeth and bone behave over time. This page explains when a dental bridge is an appropriate solution, how different bridge options work, and what you can expect from planning through final placement.
When a tooth is lost, the immediate effect is often cosmetic, but the ripple effects extend deeper. Adjacent teeth tend to drift into the empty space, which can alter your bite and make chewing uneven. That shift can also create hard-to-clean pockets where plaque accumulates, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease for neighboring teeth.
At the same time, teeth that no longer have an opposing contact may slowly over-erupt, changing how your upper and lower teeth meet. These changes can lead to jaw strain, uneven wear, and, in some cases, new sensitivity or pain. Replacing missing teeth helps preserve the alignment and function of the entire dental arch.
Bone needs stimulation to maintain its volume. When a tooth is absent, the jawbone in that area receives less stimulation and can resorb over time, subtly changing facial contours. Restorations that restore chewing function and transmit force to the jaw help reduce that bone loss and support a more natural facial appearance.
Today’s restorative dentistry offers multiple reliable pathways for replacing missing teeth. A dental bridge provides a fixed option that restores a continuous row of teeth, while removable partial dentures and implant-based solutions are alternatives for different clinical circumstances. Choosing the right approach depends on dental health, the number and location of missing teeth, and long-term goals for appearance and function.
An effective replacement not only fills a gap visually but also reestablishes proper contact and distribution of chewing forces. That helps protect nearby teeth from excessive wear and keeps your bite balanced. Materials and lab techniques have advanced to the point where most restorations can be designed to look very natural while standing up to daily use.
The decision is highly individual. A careful evaluation — including a review of gum health, remaining tooth structure, and the condition of the jawbone — guides the treatment recommendation. We focus on options that keep as much healthy tooth structure intact as possible while delivering a reliable, long-lasting result.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that fills one or more missing-tooth spaces by anchoring an artificial tooth (or series of teeth) to stable support points. The artificial tooth components are called pontics; the supporting teeth or implants that hold the bridge in place are known as abutments. When well designed, a bridge restores bite relationships and the appearance of a complete, natural smile.
Bridges are fabricated from modern restorative materials such as high-strength ceramics and zirconia or porcelain fused to metal, chosen for durability and a lifelike appearance. Laboratory-milled restorations and digital workflows allow for precise fits and finely matched shades, which means a bridge can blend seamlessly with the surrounding dentition.
Because a bridge is permanently cemented (or screw-retained when connected to implants), it eliminates the need for daily removal and offers the stability many patients prefer. Proper hygiene around the bridge, including cleaning under pontics and between abutments, is essential to protect the supporting structures and extend the life of the restoration.
Traditional fixed bridges use prepared natural teeth adjacent to the gap as abutments. This approach is dependable when those supporting teeth are strong and healthy enough to receive crowns. The process typically requires shaping those teeth for crowns, which then anchor the pontics in a single unit that restores the missing space.
Implant-supported bridges replace missing teeth using dental implants as abutments instead of natural teeth. Because implants simulate tooth roots, they preserve nearby tooth structure and provide excellent long-term support. Implant-supported bridges are often favored when adjacent teeth are intact and removing healthy tooth structure would be undesirable.
Other variations, like cantilever or resin-bonded bridges, can be appropriate in limited situations, but each has distinct indications and trade-offs. The right choice balances preserving healthy tooth structure, maintaining function, and achieving an aesthetic result that meets your expectations.
Successful bridge treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. That typically includes a clinical exam, dental X-rays, and, when needed, three-dimensional imaging to assess bone volume and tooth roots. A stable periodontal foundation is essential; if gum disease is present, it will be treated first so the supporting teeth and tissues are healthy before a bridge is fabricated.
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared and impressions are taken to shape the crowns and pontics. A temporary restoration protects prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is crafted. Once the final restoration is ready, the fit, shade, and bite are verified before the bridge is cemented in place.
Implant-supported bridges follow a slightly different path. After implant placement, a healing period allows the implant to integrate with the jawbone. In many cases a temporary restoration can restore appearance during healing, and the final bridge is attached after integration is confirmed. Throughout both pathways, we focus on patient comfort, clear communication, and follow-up care to ensure predictable outcomes.
After placement, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups helps protect the investment in your oral health. With proper care, a well-designed bridge can serve you for many years, preserving bite function, supporting facial form, and restoring the confidence that comes with a complete smile.
In summary, dental bridges are a time-tested, versatile solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring both function and aesthetics. If you’d like to learn which option best fits your needs or want to discuss how a bridge might integrate with other treatments, please contact us for more information.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit are carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Morrison Dental Care, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Morrison Dental Care, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics. The replacement teeth are anchored to adjacent natural teeth that are prepared for crowns or to dental implants placed in the jaw. Bridges restore the appearance of a complete smile while helping to reestablish chewing and speaking function.
In addition to improving function and aesthetics, a well-designed bridge helps prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the empty space and altering your bite. Modern bridge materials such as porcelain and zirconia are engineered to mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth. Proper planning and precise fit are important to achieve a long-lasting, comfortable restoration.
There are several types of dental bridges, including traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges, and implant-supported bridges. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on teeth adjacent to the gap to support one or more pontics, while a cantilever attaches to a crown on only one side of the missing tooth. A Maryland bridge is bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth and is typically reserved for select situations with minimal biting forces.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as abutments instead of natural teeth and are often the preferred option when suitable bone and overall health permit. The choice of design depends on the number and location of missing teeth, the condition of neighboring teeth, and the long-term goals for oral health and function. Your dentist will recommend the type best suited to your individual needs after a comprehensive evaluation.
An implant-supported bridge is anchored to dental implants that act like artificial tooth roots and do not require alteration of adjacent natural teeth. Because implants integrate with the jawbone, they provide excellent stability and help preserve bone volume over time. This approach often produces a more natural feel and long-term function similar to natural teeth.
A traditional fixed bridge, by contrast, relies on crowns placed on adjacent teeth for support and requires reducing those teeth to accommodate the restorations. While traditional bridges can be an excellent solution when the supporting teeth are healthy and strong, they transfer some of the biting forces to the natural abutment teeth and do not prevent the bone loss that follows tooth loss. Treatment selection depends on oral health, bone levels, and patient preferences discussed during the planning visit.
Candidacy for a dental bridge depends on several clinical factors, including the health of adjacent teeth, the amount of available jawbone, gum health, and overall medical status. Patients with uncontrolled gum disease or active decay will need those conditions treated before a bridge is considered. Systemic health issues, smoking, and medications that affect healing are also evaluated because they can influence the success of both traditional and implant-supported restorations.
During a consultation, your dentist will conduct a full oral exam and take diagnostic images to evaluate support structures and occlusion. At Morrison Dental Care, we often use digital impressions and 3D imaging to assess candidacy and develop a predictable treatment plan tailored to your needs. This comprehensive assessment ensures the selected solution aligns with your functional goals and long-term oral health.
The process for a traditional fixed bridge typically begins with a diagnostic workup that includes X-rays and an examination to confirm the health of the abutment teeth. At the next visit the supporting teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel so crowns can fit properly, and then an impression is taken for the lab fabrication of the bridge. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while the final restoration is being made.
When the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist checks the fit, shade, contours, and bite before cementing it in place. Minor adjustments may be needed to fine-tune occlusion and comfort, and patients often experience temporary sensitivity that resolves as tissues adapt. Regular follow-up visits help monitor the restoration and maintain oral health around the bridge.
Implant-supported bridge treatment begins with a detailed treatment plan and diagnostic imaging to determine ideal implant positions and angulation. Implant placement is an outpatient surgical procedure that may be performed with local anesthesia and sedation options as needed to maximize comfort. After placement, the implants require a healing period of several months to osseointegrate, during which time a temporary restoration may be used for esthetics and function.
Once the implants have integrated, the restorative phase involves attaching the bridge framework and refining fit and occlusion before finalizing the prosthesis. The process can vary depending on bone quality, the number of implants, and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting were required. The team at Morrison Dental Care provides clear preoperative and postoperative instructions and closely monitors healing to support predictable outcomes.
Proper home care is essential to prolong the life of a dental bridge and protect the supporting teeth or implants. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and clean under the pontic and between abutments with floss, a floss threader, or an interdental brush to remove plaque and food debris. Maintaining healthy gums through consistent oral hygiene reduces the risk of decay under crowns and prevents gum disease around implants.
In addition to daily care, schedule regular dental examinations and professional cleanings so your dentist can monitor the bridge and surrounding tissues. If you grind your teeth, discuss a nightguard with your dentist to reduce excessive forces on the restoration. Contact the office promptly if you notice looseness, discomfort, or changes in bite so potential problems can be addressed early.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies depending on factors such as the type of bridge, the materials used, oral hygiene, bite forces, and the health of surrounding teeth and gums. Traditional fixed bridges commonly last five to 15 years with good care, while implant-supported bridges often last longer and may provide many decades of service when implants remain healthy. High-quality materials and precise fit contribute significantly to durability and function.
To extend the service life of a bridge, maintain meticulous oral hygiene, attend routine dental visits, and address issues such as gum disease or bruxism promptly. Periodic maintenance and professional evaluations allow your dentist to identify wear or changes early and recommend conservative repairs or adjustments when appropriate. Replacement or refurbishment may eventually be necessary to restore optimal function and esthetics.
While dental bridges are a predictable solution for tooth replacement, potential complications can include increased sensitivity after tooth preparation, decay beneath crowns, gum inflammation, and loosening of the restoration. For implant-supported bridges, risks include infection, implant failure, or bone loss if implants do not integrate properly or if peri-implant disease develops. Proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and maintenance are key to minimizing these risks.
Your dentist will review specific risks related to your health history and treatment option during the consultation and explain how those risks are managed. Treating gum disease before restoration, following postoperative care instructions, and adhering to regular recall appointments all reduce the likelihood of complications. Early detection and intervention help protect both the restoration and your long-term oral health.
Before your consultation, make a list of goals and concerns you have about replacing missing teeth and bring an up-to-date medical history and a list of current medications. Be prepared to discuss your oral hygiene routine, previous dental treatments, and any symptoms such as sensitivity or difficulty chewing. Expect the appointment to include a clinical exam, X-rays or 3D imaging as needed, and a conversation about restorative options that match your functional and esthetic objectives.
Write down questions about recommended materials, the treatment timeline, what to expect during recovery, and long-term care for the restoration so you can make an informed decision. Your dentist will outline the recommended approach and next steps based on clinical findings and your personal preferences, and will provide a clear plan for achieving a stable, healthy, and natural-looking result. Schedule a follow-up or treatment visit when you are ready to proceed and feel confident in the proposed plan.
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1524 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065