13020 W. Rancho Santa Fe Blvd., Suite 102 Avondale, AZ 85392
Serving Avondale and the West Valley
Serving Avondale and the West Valley
At the office of Summit Family Dentistry, we help patients rebuild healthy, functional smiles after tooth loss. Missing teeth affect more than appearance — they change how you chew, speak, and how surrounding teeth behave over time. Our goal is to guide each person through clear, evidence-based options so they can make informed choices that suit their oral health and lifestyle.
This page focuses on dental bridges: what they do, the different approaches available, and what patients can expect during treatment. The information below is written for everyday readers who want straightforward, reliable explanations without unnecessary jargon. If you have questions about how a bridge might fit into your care plan, our team is available to discuss your individual needs.
When a tooth is lost, the change is rarely isolated. The gap can make chewing more difficult on that side of the mouth, which can lead to uneven wear on other teeth and altered chewing patterns. Over time, these compensations can strain the jaw muscles and joints, and may contribute to discomfort or sensitivity elsewhere in the mouth.
The empty space also allows adjacent teeth to drift or tip toward the gap, gradually changing the alignment of the bite. Teeth that were once in contact may no longer meet properly, creating food traps and areas that are harder to clean. These changes raise the risk of decay and gum inflammation because toothbrushes and floss can no longer reach some surfaces effectively.
Bone loss is another consequence of missing teeth. Without the stimulation provided by a tooth root, the underlying jawbone slowly remodels and shrinks. This affects not only oral health but also facial contours. Restoring missing teeth in a timely manner helps protect surrounding structures and preserve a more natural appearance over the long term.
There are multiple valid approaches to replacing missing teeth, and a bridge is one of the most established solutions. Unlike removable appliances, a fixed bridge provides a stable restoration that patients do not take out daily. Bridges can restore chewing efficiency and close gaps that would otherwise promote drifting and bite changes.
A bridge is typically considered when adjacent teeth can support the restoration or when dental implants are used as anchors. The choice among a traditional bridge, an implant-supported bridge, or a removable option depends on the health of neighboring teeth, bone volume, the number of teeth missing, and each patient’s priorities for appearance and durability.
Because every mouth is unique, the best path forward is determined through a careful assessment. Our role is to explain the functional implications and practical trade-offs of each option so you can choose the approach that aligns with your goals for comfort, appearance, and long-term oral health.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics. In a fixed bridge, the pontics are anchored to support structures at each end, which can be natural teeth fitted with crowns or dental implants placed into the jawbone. This creates a single, continuous restoration that restores both form and function.
Modern bridge materials balance strength and lifelike aesthetics. Porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and durable ceramics like zirconia can be color-matched to surrounding teeth and shaped to restore natural contours. These materials allow bridges to withstand chewing forces while maintaining an attractive appearance.
Beyond aesthetics, bridges help maintain proper tooth positioning and bite relationships. By filling the empty space, they prevent neighboring teeth from drifting, reduce the risk of excessive wear, and help distribute chewing forces in a healthier way across the mouth.
Traditional fixed bridges use crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support one or more pontics. This approach is commonly recommended when the neighboring teeth already need crowns or are strong enough to serve as reliable anchors. A cantilever bridge is similar but is supported from only one side; it is selected in situations where space or tooth position makes dual support impractical.
A Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge is a more conservative option that uses a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. Because it requires minimal alteration of natural tooth structure, it can be an option for replacing a single front tooth when bite forces are light and tooth positions are favorable.
Implant-supported bridges replace missing teeth without involving adjacent natural teeth. Dental implants act as independent anchors, which can be especially advantageous when the supporting teeth are healthy and you prefer to avoid altering them. Implant-supported solutions also help preserve bone by transmitting functional forces to the jaw in a way that mimics natural tooth roots.
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation that includes a visual exam, dental imaging, and a review of your overall oral health. The team will assess gum health, the condition of potential abutment teeth, and jawbone volume. Any existing gum disease or infection needs to be addressed before a bridge is fabricated to ensure a stable outcome.
For a traditional bridge, the involved teeth are prepared for crowns, impressions are taken, and a temporary restoration protects the prepared teeth while the laboratory creates the final bridge. You may experience short-term sensitivity and mild soreness after preparation; these symptoms are expected and typically subside as the mouth adjusts.
When implants are part of the plan, placement is performed surgically and the implants are allowed time to integrate with the bone — a process called osseointegration. Depending on your case, a temporary bridge can sometimes be provided during healing for immediate function and aesthetics. Once the foundation is stable, the final bridge is fitted, refined for proper bite and contour, and permanently seated.
Care after placement focuses on gentle cleaning around the bridge and regular checkups to monitor fit and tissue health. With proper oral hygiene and routine professional care, bridges can provide many years of reliable service while protecting the surrounding teeth and supporting structures.
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 Summit Family Dentistry, 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 Summit Family Dentistry, 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 restorative device that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics. In a typical fixed bridge the pontics are supported at each end by crowns on adjacent teeth or by dental implants, creating a continuous restoration that restores chewing function and appearance. Modern bridge materials such as porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal and zirconia are chosen to balance strength and lifelike esthetics.
Beyond replacing visible teeth, a properly designed bridge helps maintain tooth position, distribute chewing forces more evenly, and reduce the risk of drifting or uneven wear. The design and material are selected to match surrounding teeth and to support long-term oral health. Your dentist will explain how a bridge can meet your functional and cosmetic goals.
Good candidates typically have one or more missing teeth with healthy adjacent teeth that can serve as reliable anchors or sufficient bone for implant support. Patients should have controlled gum disease and the ability to maintain regular oral hygiene to protect the abutment teeth and surrounding tissues. A comprehensive exam, including imaging and a bite assessment, helps determine candidacy.
When neighboring teeth are intact and healthy, alternatives such as implant-supported restorations may be discussed to avoid altering natural tooth structure. Patients with reduced bone volume may require grafting before implants are an option, and individuals with active infection will need treatment before a bridge is placed. A personalized treatment plan identifies the safest and most predictable path forward.
Common bridge designs include traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Traditional fixed bridges use crowns on abutment teeth to support one or more pontics and are often recommended when those teeth already need crowns. Cantilever bridges are supported from one side and are used in limited situations, while Maryland bridges use a bonded metal or ceramic framework to minimize tooth preparation.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as independent anchors and are a preferred option when adjacent teeth are healthy and bone support is adequate. Material choices such as full-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal and zirconia influence appearance and durability. Your dentist will recommend a specific design based on tooth position, bite forces and long-term goals.
An implant-supported bridge is anchored to dental implants placed in the jaw rather than to natural teeth, so it does not require crowning or significant alteration of adjacent healthy teeth. Because implants transfer chewing forces to the underlying bone, they can help preserve bone volume and support facial contours in a way that mimics natural tooth roots. This structural difference often makes implant-supported options preferable when adjacent teeth are healthy.
Traditional bridges rely on prepared abutment teeth and can sometimes be completed more quickly without surgical procedures, but they place additional load on those supporting teeth. Implant treatment involves a surgical phase and a healing period for osseointegration before the final bridge is attached. Your dentist will review the clinical trade-offs, healing timeline and maintenance requirements for each approach.
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation that typically includes a visual exam, dental imaging and a review of gum and bone health. For a traditional bridge the abutment teeth are prepared for crowns and impressions are taken so the laboratory can fabricate the final restoration; a temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth during this interval. Patients may experience short-term sensitivity or soreness following tooth preparation, which generally subsides as the mouth adjusts.
When implants are part of the plan, implant placement is performed surgically and a recovery period allows the implants to integrate with the bone before the final bridge is fitted. Temporary restorations can sometimes be provided for immediate function and aesthetics during healing. Final seating includes adjustments to bite and contour to ensure comfort and long-term function.
Daily care for a bridge includes thorough brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cleaning under and around the pontic using floss, a floss threader or interdental brushes to remove trapped debris. Keeping the supporting teeth and surrounding gum tissue healthy is essential to prevent decay and gum disease that can compromise the restoration. Avoiding excessively hard or sticky foods helps reduce undue stress on the bridge while you adapt.
In addition to home care, regular professional cleanings and dental exams allow the team to monitor the fit, integrity and tissue health around the bridge. Prompt attention to any sensitivity, looseness or changes in the bite helps prevent minor issues from becoming larger problems. Following the hygiene recommendations provided by your dental team supports the longest possible service life for the restoration.
With proper oral hygiene and regular professional care, dental bridges can last a decade or longer, though longevity varies with individual circumstances. Factors that affect lifespan include the health of the abutment teeth and gums, the quality of oral hygiene, bite forces and the material used to fabricate the bridge. Recurrent decay on abutment teeth or uncontrolled gum disease are common contributors to early failure.
Routine dental exams help identify wear, loosening or recurrent decay early so timely repairs or replacements can be planned. In some cases a worn or damaged bridge can be repaired, while in others replacement is the most predictable option. Open communication with your dentist about changes you notice will support proactive care.
Common complications include decay or fracture of the abutment teeth, gum inflammation around the restoration and loosening of cemented bridges. Sensitivity after tooth preparation and changes in bite or chewing comfort can occur as the mouth adapts to the new restoration. Poor oral hygiene or uncontrolled periodontal disease increases the risk that a bridge will fail prematurely.
Implant-supported bridges carry additional considerations such as the risk of infection, failure of osseointegration and the potential need for bone grafting when bone volume is inadequate. Careful treatment planning, surgical technique and postoperative care reduce these risks. Your dental team will explain the specific risks for your case and the steps taken to minimize them.
A well-executed bridge restores chewing efficiency and helps maintain proper tooth alignment, which can reduce the risk of uneven wear and food impaction. By closing gaps, bridges also make it easier to maintain a stable bite and can contribute to clearer speech and a more natural appearance. Properly contoured pontics and good hygiene support healthy gum tissue around the restoration.
However, bridges require attentive cleaning to prevent decay on abutment teeth and to maintain periodontal health. Regular visits allow the dental team to monitor tissue response and make adjustments if needed to maintain comfort and function. When integrated into a comprehensive care plan, bridges support long-term oral health goals.
The best choice depends on several clinical factors including the condition of adjacent teeth, available bone volume, your oral health history and your priorities for durability and tooth preservation. If neighboring teeth already require crowns, a traditional bridge can be an efficient solution, while implants are often preferred to avoid altering healthy teeth. Bone health, medical history and the ability to undergo surgical procedures are also important considerations.
A comprehensive exam with imaging and a discussion of your functional and esthetic goals will clarify which option aligns with your needs. Your dentist will explain the advantages, limitations and maintenance expectations for each approach so you can decide with confidence. To explore these choices further, consider a consultation at Summit Family Dentistry where your case can be evaluated and personalized recommendations provided.
Ready to schedule your next appointment or have questions about our services? Our friendly team is here to help with everything from booking visits to answering questions about your treatment options. We’re committed to making the process simple and stress-free.
Whether you prefer to give us a call or fill out our convenient online contact form, reaching us is quick and easy. Don’t wait to take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile—contact Summit Family Dentistry today!
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