Restoring Your Bite And Your Smile
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth, restoring your bite, your speech, and the overall shape of your smile. A bridge consists of one or more replacement teeth held in place by crowns on the neighboring teeth, creating a stable, fixed restoration that does not need to be removed for cleaning. At Bristol Dental Clinic, we design each bridge to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth so the result looks and feels comfortable from day one.
Leaving a gap from a missing tooth unaddressed can allow surrounding teeth to drift and tilt over time, which may affect your bite alignment and make it harder to clean your teeth properly. The opposing tooth may also begin to shift, compounding the problem. A bridge helps keep everything in its correct position while giving you back the ability to chew and speak with confidence. Unlike removable options, a fixed bridge stays securely in place and is cared for just like your natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
A traditional bridge relies on dental crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap. These crowns act as anchors, supporting the replacement tooth, known as a pontic, that fills the space between them. If you are missing multiple teeth, a bridge combined with partial dentures may also be an option worth discussing with your dentist.
Getting Your Bridge
Consultation
We examine the gap and the surrounding teeth, review your overall oral health with the help of digital imaging, and discuss the best bridge option for your situation so you can make an informed choice.
Preparation
The supporting teeth on either side of the gap are gently shaped to accommodate crowns. Precise measurements or digital scans are taken and sent to the lab, and a temporary bridge is placed to protect the area while your restoration is crafted.
Placement
Once the lab completes your restoration, your custom bridge is carefully fitted, checked for bite accuracy, and permanently bonded into place. We make any final adjustments to ensure the result feels natural and comfortable.
Complete Your Smile
Closing The Gap With Confidence
A missing tooth affects more than your appearance. It can change how you chew, how you speak, and how you feel about your smile. Over time, the teeth next to the gap may begin to shift, potentially leading to bite issues and making daily cleaning more difficult. Addressing the gap sooner rather than later helps prevent these secondary problems from developing.
A custom dental bridge fills the space naturally, restoring both function and confidence. Modern bridge materials are designed to match the shade and translucency of your natural teeth, so the result blends in seamlessly. With proper care, including daily brushing and flossing around and beneath the bridge, your restoration can serve you comfortably for many years. Most patients find that a well-fitting bridge feels so natural they quickly forget it is there during everyday eating and conversation.
Regular visits to Bristol Dental Clinic allow us to check the fit and health of your bridge, monitor the supporting teeth, and address any concerns early. If you are unsure whether a bridge is the right option for you, a dental exam is a great place to start. We will evaluate your needs and walk you through every option so you can choose with confidence.