Dental Bridges

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. As its name suggests, a bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, restoring both the appearance and function of your smile.

A traditional dental bridge consists of artificial replacement teeth, known as pontics, supported by dental crowns placed over the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Other bridge designs may be supported by dental implants.

At Larchmont Family Dental, our dentists provide porcelain dental bridges designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth. The goal is to create a comfortable, functional restoration that complements your smile.

Unlike removable dentures, a fixed dental bridge stays securely in place and does not need to be removed for daily cleaning.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Replacing missing teeth is important for maintaining your oral health and everyday comfort. Dental bridges offer several benefits for patients seeking a reliable tooth replacement option.

Restore Your Smile and Confidence

Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious when smiling, laughing, or speaking. A custom dental bridge fills visible gaps and helps restore a complete, natural-looking smile.

Improve Chewing and Speaking

Missing teeth can make certain foods difficult to chew and may affect how you pronounce words. Dental bridges help restore the function of your bite, allowing you to eat and speak more comfortably.

Prevent Neighboring Teeth From Shifting

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may gradually move toward the empty space. This shifting can affect your bite and make oral hygiene more challenging. A dental bridge helps maintain the space and alignment of neighboring teeth.

Provide a Fixed Tooth Replacement Solution

Traditional dental bridges are securely attached to supporting teeth, offering a stable alternative to removable partial dentures.

Support Long-Term Oral Health

Replacing missing teeth can help distribute biting forces and support proper dental function. With consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a bridge can remain functional for many years.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges may be recommended for patients who are missing one or more teeth and want a fixed tooth replacement solution.

You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth.
• Have healthy neighboring teeth capable of supporting a traditional bridge.
• Have healthy gums and adequate oral support.
• Want to improve your ability to chew and speak.
• Prefer a fixed restoration rather than a removable denture.
• Are looking for an alternative to dental implants.

During your consultation at Larchmont Family Dental, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and bite to determine whether a dental bridge is the most appropriate treatment.

What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?

Several types of dental bridges are used in restorative dentistry. The best option depends on the location of your missing teeth, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and your overall oral health.

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional bridges are among the most common options for replacing missing teeth. They use dental crowns on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap to support one or more artificial teeth.

Cantilever Dental Bridges

A cantilever bridge is supported by a natural tooth on only one side of the missing tooth. This option may be considered in select situations, although it is not appropriate for every location in the mouth.

Maryland Dental Bridges

Maryland bridges use a framework or bonded attachments secured to the backs of neighboring teeth. They may be appropriate for certain missing front teeth because they generally require less alteration of adjacent teeth.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants rather than relying on neighboring natural teeth. They may be recommended when multiple teeth are missing and sufficient bone is available to support implants.

Larchmont Family Dental offers both dental bridge and dental implant services. Your dentist can explain which treatment options are suitable for your individual needs.

What Happens During the Dental Bridge Procedure?

Getting a dental bridge typically involves multiple steps, with the exact process depending on the type of bridge selected.

Step 1: Dental Examination and Consultation

Your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine whether a dental bridge is appropriate. Digital X-rays or other diagnostic imaging may be used to assess your oral health and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Step 2: Preparing the Supporting Teeth

For a traditional dental bridge, the neighboring teeth are carefully reshaped to accommodate dental crowns. Local anesthesia is used to help keep you comfortable during the procedure.

Step 3: Taking Dental Impressions

Precise impressions or digital scans are taken to create a bridge that fits your mouth.

Larchmont Family Dental uses TRIOS digital scanning technology, which can be used for dental bridges and other restorations. This technology can reduce the need for traditional impression materials.

Step 4: Placing a Temporary Bridge

Depending on your treatment plan, a temporary bridge may be placed while your permanent restoration is being fabricated. This helps protect the prepared teeth and maintain your appearance.

Step 5: Fitting Your Permanent Dental Bridge

Once your custom bridge is ready, your dentist will evaluate its fit, appearance, and bite. After any necessary adjustments, the bridge is secured in place.

Your dentist will also explain how to care for your restoration to help maintain its appearance and longevity.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges commonly last approximately 5 to 15 years, although some may last longer with proper care.

The lifespan of your bridge depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene habits, the health of your supporting teeth, the materials used, and the amount of daily wear.

To help your dental bridge last as long as possible:

• Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean underneath your bridge using floss threaders, interdental brushes, or other recommended tools.
• Attend regular dental cleanings and examinations.
• Avoid chewing ice or extremely hard objects.
• Address teeth grinding or clenching with your dentist.
• Maintain healthy gums and supporting teeth.

Routine dental care is especially important because decay or gum disease around the supporting teeth can affect the stability of a traditional bridge.

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants: Which Is Better?

Dental bridges and dental implants are both effective options for replacing missing teeth, but they work differently.

A traditional dental bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support and generally does not require surgery. However, the supporting teeth usually need to be reshaped to accommodate crowns.

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root with a surgically placed implant that supports a crown or other restoration. Dental implants do not require reshaping adjacent healthy teeth and can help preserve bone in the area of the missing tooth.

The best choice depends on your dental health, available bone, treatment preferences, budget, and long-term goals.

At Larchmont Family Dental, our team can help you understand the differences between dental bridges and implants so you can make an informed decision about replacing missing teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

How much does a dental bridge cost in Larchmont, NY?

The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on the number of teeth being replaced, the bridge material, the type of restoration, and any additional dental treatment needed. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost. Our team can review your treatment options and provide an individualized estimate.

Is getting a dental bridge painful?

The dental bridge procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity or soreness after their teeth are prepared or the bridge is placed. This usually improves as the mouth adjusts.

Can a dental bridge replace more than one missing tooth?

Yes. Dental bridges can replace multiple adjacent missing teeth, provided there is adequate support from neighboring teeth or dental implants. Your dentist will determine how many teeth can safely be replaced with a bridge.

How long does it take to get a dental bridge?

Traditional dental bridges often require two or more appointments over several weeks. The timeline depends on the type of bridge, the fabrication process, and whether additional dental treatments are necessary.

Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?

Once your permanent bridge is placed and you have adjusted to it, you should be able to enjoy many of your favorite foods. Your dentist may recommend avoiding especially hard or sticky foods that could damage the restoration.

Can a dental bridge be replaced?

Yes. Dental bridges may need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear, damage, changes in fit, or problems with supporting teeth. Regular dental examinations help identify concerns before they become more serious.

Are dental bridges permanent?

A fixed dental bridge is designed to remain securely in your mouth and cannot be removed by the patient. However, bridges are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and may eventually require replacement.

Why Choose Larchmont Family Dental for Dental Bridges?

At Larchmont Family Dental, we understand that replacing missing teeth is an important decision. Our goal is to provide personalized, comfortable dental care while helping you achieve a healthy and confident smile.

Our practice offers:

• Experienced dental professionals: Our team has over 40 years of combined experience in general dentistry.
• Comprehensive restorative care: We provide dental crowns, bridges, implants, and other treatments to restore dental health and function.
• Advanced dental technology: Our office uses digital X-rays and TRIOS digital scanning technology to assist with treatment planning and restorative procedures.
• Natural-looking restorations: We offer porcelain crowns and bridges designed to complement your natural teeth.
• Patient-centered care: We focus on gentle, conservative treatment options tailored to each patient's needs.
• Convenient Larchmont location: Our office serves patients throughout Larchmont and surrounding Westchester County communities.

Our dentists, including Avi Malkis, DDS, and Alicia Schraner, DDS, are dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy smiles through comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry.

Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in Larchmont, NY

Don't let missing teeth affect your confidence, comfort, or oral health. Whether you're missing a single tooth or several teeth, the team at Larchmont Family Dental can help you explore your options for restoring your smile.

We proudly welcome patients from Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Harrison, Rye, Pelham, and surrounding Westchester County communities.

Larchmont Family Dental
1415 Boston Post Road, Suite 3
Larchmont, NY 10538
Phone: 914-834-1646

Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation Online