At the office of Silk Dental Delray Beach (formerly Marc Bilodeau DMD), we help patients restore healthy, functional smiles after tooth loss. Missing teeth can create problems that extend beyond appearance, so our goal is to offer sensible, long-lasting solutions tailored to each person's oral health, lifestyle, and goals. Below you’ll find an in-depth look at dental bridges — what they do, how they differ, and what to expect when choosing one.
Losing a tooth creates an immediate visual gap, but the effects run deeper than aesthetics. When a tooth is absent, neighboring teeth can start to shift toward the empty space. Over time this movement can change the way your teeth meet, altering your bite and placing uneven stress on remaining teeth and jaw joints.
Missing teeth also affect chewing efficiency. A reduced ability to break down food can lead to changes in diet and even digestive discomfort. In some cases, patients unconsciously avoid chewing on one side, which increases wear and tear on the opposing teeth and can trigger muscle tension or jaw pain.
Finally, tooth loss can influence the underlying bone. When a root is no longer present to stimulate the jaw, the bone begins to remodel and gradually resorb. This gradual change can alter facial contours and make certain restorative options more complex down the road. Addressing missing teeth promptly helps preserve function and long-term oral health.
There are several viable ways to replace missing teeth; the right choice depends on factors like the number of teeth lost, the health of adjacent teeth, bone volume, and a patient’s personal preferences. A dental bridge is a fixed restorative option that restores appearance and chewing ability without the daily handling required by removable prosthetics.
Bridges can be paired with crowns on natural teeth or supported by implants. Both approaches aim to create a continuous row of teeth that look natural and reconnect the chewing surface to distribute bite forces evenly. The decision between these methods is based on durability goals, oral anatomy, and how conservative the treatment should be with the patient’s natural teeth.
Because every patient is different, the care team will perform a comprehensive assessment and explain available pathways. Our emphasis is on conservative, evidence-based recommendations so patients can weigh the pros and cons and choose a solution that balances durability, appearance, and preservation of healthy tooth structure.
A dental bridge fills a gap with one or more replacement teeth, known as pontics, that are anchored to supports on either side of the space. The primary goals are to restore the smile, maintain proper tooth alignment, and reestablish normal chewing and speech patterns. Bridges are fixed in place, offering a stable, low-maintenance alternative to removable partial dentures.
Bridges are often recommended when adjacent teeth are strong enough to support crowns or when implants are not immediately feasible. They are an efficient option for replacing a small number of teeth, particularly in areas where esthetics and function must be balanced. For many patients, a bridge provides a reliable, predictable restoration with a natural appearance.
Because bridges come in different designs and materials, they can be customized to match the color, shape, and translucency of the surrounding teeth. Modern ceramic and zirconia-based materials allow restorations that blend seamlessly with natural enamel while providing excellent strength for everyday use.
Bridge designs vary according to how the replacement teeth are supported. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap; the crowns are joined to pontics that span the missing tooth area. This approach is widely used and can be a durable solution when the supporting teeth are healthy.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as the foundation instead of natural teeth. Implants transfer chewing forces to the jawbone and do not require altering neighboring teeth. This design is often preferred when preserving tooth structure is a priority or when multiple adjacent teeth need replacement.
Other designs, like cantilever or resin-bonded bridges, can be appropriate in select situations. A cantilever bridge attaches to a crown on only one side and is typically limited to areas with lower bite forces. Resin-bonded (or Maryland-style) bridges use a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth and are sometimes used for single-tooth replacements in low-stress areas.
Successful bridge therapy begins with preparation. A thorough clinical exam combined with radiographs or 3D imaging helps identify tooth vitality, bone levels, and any underlying disease that must be addressed before restoration. Gum health is essential; active periodontal disease should be treated first to ensure a stable foundation for any bridge.
When a traditional bridge is planned, the supporting teeth are evaluated for structural integrity and sufficient enamel for crown placement. If supporting teeth are compromised, alternative plans — such as endodontic therapy or implant support — may be discussed. For implant-supported bridges, bone volume and density are assessed; bone grafting may be recommended in cases of resorption to create a reliable implant site.
Patient input is part of the planning process. Discussions include material options, expected longevity, and how the restoration will integrate with existing dental work. This planning stage sets expectations and helps guide the clinical steps that follow, ensuring the final bridge meets both functional and esthetic objectives.
Receiving a traditional fixed bridge typically involves two or more appointments. During the first visit the abutment teeth are prepared: a portion of enamel is removed so crowns can be placed. An impression or digital scan captures the prepared teeth and surrounding tissues to guide the laboratory in crafting a precise restoration.
While the permanent bridge is being fabricated, a temporary prosthesis protects the prepared teeth and preserves tooth position. Temporary restorations help the patient maintain appearance and function, and they allow the mouth to adapt to the new contours while the final restoration is made.
At the final visit the temporary is removed, and the new bridge is tried in. The dentist checks fit, occlusion, and esthetics, making minor adjustments as needed before cementation. After placement, patients receive guidance on caring for the bridge, including hygiene techniques to clean under and around pontics to protect the supporting teeth and tissues.
Implant-supported bridges begin with detailed diagnostics and surgical planning. Advanced imaging is used to map bone anatomy, identify vital structures, and determine optimal implant positions. When implants are placed, the procedure is performed with an emphasis on comfort and atraumatic technique.
Following implant placement there is a healing period during which osseointegration — the fusion of implant to bone — occurs. Temporary restorations may be provided for esthetics while the implants integrate. Once stable, abutments are placed and impressions are taken to create a bridge that connects securely to the implants.
The finished implant-supported bridge restores function much like natural teeth and helps preserve surrounding bone by transmitting chewing forces to the jaw. Long-term success depends on regular professional care and consistent home hygiene to keep the supporting tissues healthy and free of inflammation.
Whether you are exploring a traditional crown-and-bridge approach or considering implant-supported restorations, our team provides clear, evidence-based guidance so you can choose the solution that best fits your needs. If you have questions about dental bridges or would like to learn which option is right for you, 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 get 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 Silk Dental Delray Beach (formerly Marc Bilodeau DMD), 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 Silk Dental Delray Beach (formerly Marc Bilodeau DMD), 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.
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