Missing a tooth is more than a cosmetic issue. It affects how you chew, how you speak, and even how your other teeth hold up over time. Here at Strafford Dental, we see patients every week who have been living with a gap for months or even years. Some have just lost a tooth and aren’t sure what to do next. Others thought it wasn’t a big deal. Then they noticed their neighboring teeth starting to shift. That’s where a dental bridge comes in.
What Exactly Is a Dental Bridge?
Think of it like a literal bridge. The gap between your teeth is the river. The bridge spans that gap using the teeth on either side as anchors.
A traditional bridge has two crowns that go over the teeth next to the gap. Between those crowns sits a false tooth, called a pontic, that fills the empty space. The whole thing is fused together into one solid piece.
We custom-make every bridge to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. When it’s in place, nobody should be able to tell which tooth is the fake one.
Why You Can’t Just Leave a Gap
Some people think, “It’s just one tooth in the back. No one sees it. Why bother?”
When you lose a tooth, the teeth on either side start leaning into the gap. The tooth above or below might start drifting down or up into the empty space. That changes your bite over time. It can cause uneven wear, jaw pain, and even more tooth loss.
Chewing also gets harder. You start favoring one side of your mouth. That puts extra stress on your other teeth and jaw joints. And yes, your smile changes. Your face can start to look sunken in where that tooth is missing. It’s gradual, but it happens.
Closing that gap with a bridge keeps everything where it belongs. It protects your bite, your jaw, and your appearance.
What’s the Process Like?
We make it as straightforward as we can.
First, we prepare the two teeth that will hold the bridge. That means gently shaping them so the crowns will fit snugly over them. We numb you up first, so you won’t feel anything uncomfortable.
Then we take impressions of your teeth. Those get sent to a dental lab where they craft your custom bridge. While you wait, about two weeks, we fit you with a temporary bridge so you’re never walking around with a bare gap.
When your permanent bridge arrives, you come back in. We check the fit, make tiny adjustments if needed, and cement it into place. That’s it. You could walk out with a complete smile.
Caring for Your New Bridge
A bridge doesn’t mean you’re done with that spot forever. You still need to brush and floss around it. The crowns that anchor the bridge can still get cavities underneath if you don’t keep them clean. And the gums around the false tooth need attention too.
We’ll show you special floss or a water flosser that makes cleaning under the bridge easier. It takes maybe an extra minute a day. With good care, a bridge can last 10 to 15 years or more.
Do You Offer Any Other Options?
Sometimes a bridge isn’t the best choice. If the teeth on either side are healthy and we’d rather not file them down, we might suggest an implant instead.
But for many patients, a bridge is faster, less invasive, and more affordable. We’ll walk you through both options and tell you what we’d recommend for your specific situation.
Ready to Close That Gap?
If you’ve been living with a missing tooth, don’t wait any longer. Call us at 610-600-1559. We’ll take a look, answer your questions, and help you decide what’s right for you.