What Is a Dental Bridge? Your Dentist in Mint Hill Explains

If you’re missing one or more teeth, it can impact much more than just your smile. Chewing, speaking, and even your confidence can take a hit. The good news? There are reliable, time-tested solutions available.

At Maple Springs Dental, we often recommend dental bridges as a durable, natural-looking option to restore your smile’s function and appearance. Let’s take a closer look at what a dental bridge is and whether it might be right for you.

What Is a Dental Bridge and How Does It Work?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is typically held in place by crowns cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the missing space or supported by dental implants. Here’s how a typical dental bridge is structured:

• Abutment teeth: These are the surrounding individual teeth that have crowns attached to support the bridge.
• Pontic: One or more artificial teeth that fill in the gap, crafted to match the shape and shade of your natural smile.

Whether you're missing a single tooth or a few in a row, a dental bridge can provide a secure and aesthetic solution, without the need for removable dentures.

Types of Dental Bridges

At Maple Springs Dental, we offer several types of bridges, each tailored to your specific needs, bite, and oral health goals. Thanks to our state-of-the-art imaging technology, we can precisely plan your treatment for long-lasting results and exceptional comfort. Common bridge options include:

• Traditional Bridge:  Secured with crowns on healthy teeth adjacent to the gap. This is the most common type for patients with sturdy supporting teeth.
• Cantilever Bridge: Used when only one adjacent tooth is available for support.
• Maryland Bonded Bridge: Uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of neighboring teeth, often suitable for front teeth.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: Anchored in place with dental implants instead of abutment teeth, offering added stability and bone preservation.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which option is best, your comfort and personalized care come first, and we’ll walk you through your choices with zero pressure.

Benefits of Choosing a Dental Bridge

Living with missing teeth can affect everything from your oral health to your self-esteem. Thankfully, dental bridges offer numerous benefits that help restore both form and function:

• Improve chewing ability and clear speech
• Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
• Restore the natural contour of your face and smile
• Distribute bite forces more evenly
• Offer a fixed, durable option that feels secure and natural

Plus, when created and placed by a skilled dentist like those at Maple Springs Dental, your dental bridge will be custom-made to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth for a confident, natural smile.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your dental bridge treatment process is designed to prioritize your comfort every step of the way. During your initial visit, we take detailed 3D scans and digital impressions to design a bridge that fits precisely and feels natural. Then, we gently prepare the abutment teeth (or coordinate your implant placement if needed), and attach a temporary bridge to protect your smile while your permanent one is being crafted.

Once your final bridge is ready, you’ll return to have it securely placed and adjusted. Our team will ensure it feels just right, explain how to care for it at home, and check in during routine cleanings to keep everything in great shape. The result? A beautiful, functional smile without the hassle of removable appliances or outside referrals.

Schedule Your Consultation with a Trusted Dentist in Mint Hill

If you're ready to enjoy a complete smile again, our friendly and experienced team at Maple Springs Dental is here to help. We offer full-service dental care under one roof, including expert dental bridge treatment tailored to your goals. Call us at (704) 818-4324 or request an appointment online today, we’re proud to serve the Mint Hill community with compassionate, technology-driven care you can trust.