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At the office of Dr. Anthony Iuvone, DMD, we help patients restore missing teeth with predictable, long-lasting solutions that protect oral health and renew confidence. Losing one or more teeth changes more than your smile’s appearance — it alters how your bite works, how you chew, and how surrounding teeth behave over time. Our goal is to explain the role dental bridges play among modern tooth-replacement options and to guide you toward the approach that best fits your needs and goals.
A missing tooth creates a cascade of changes inside the mouth. When a tooth is absent, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space. That movement can shift bite relationships, create new wear patterns, and make it harder to keep teeth clean, which raises the risk for decay and gum disease.
Teeth in the opposing arch may also begin to over-erupt into the gap, disturbing your chewing surfaces and jaw alignment. Over time, these changes can lead to sensitivity, discomfort, and the need for more extensive restorative care if the underlying causes are not addressed.
Beyond the mouth, losing teeth can affect how you speak and what you feel comfortable eating. Restoring missing teeth supports normal function, preserves jawbone health when possible, and helps maintain facial contours that contribute to a natural, balanced appearance.
Today’s restorative dentistry offers several reliable ways to replace missing teeth. The best option depends on the number and location of missing teeth, the health of adjacent teeth and gum tissue, bone volume, and the patient’s personal priorities for durability, appearance, and maintenance.
Removable partial dentures can be appropriate for certain situations, but fixed solutions such as conventional bridges and implant-supported restorations often deliver improved comfort and longevity. A fixed bridge is a time-tested approach that can restore one or more teeth without relying on a removable appliance.
Dental implants provide a root-like foundation for restorations and often preserve bone and surrounding tissues more effectively. In some cases, a bridge supported by implants is the preferred choice for long-term function and preservation of oral structures. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which strategies meet your functional needs and aesthetic expectations.
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by spanning the gap with one or more prosthetic teeth anchored to adjacent structures. Conventional bridges gain support from crowns placed on the teeth next to the space, while implant-supported bridges anchor to dental implants when available and suitable.
The primary aims of a bridge are to restore chewing and speech, prevent shifting of neighboring teeth, and recreate a natural-looking smile. Bridges are crafted to match the color, shape, and contour of surrounding teeth so they blend seamlessly into your mouth while reestablishing proper bite relationships.
Materials used in modern bridges include strong, tooth-colored ceramics and porcelain-fused-to-metal constructs that balance strength and esthetics. These materials are selected to withstand daily forces while providing a lifelike appearance that complements your smile.
There are several bridge designs, and selecting the right one depends on clinical factors and long-term goals. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on both sides of the gap to support one or more pontics (artificial teeth). This option is reliable when the abutment teeth are healthy enough to support crowns.
A cantilever bridge is similar but uses support from only one adjacent tooth and is generally reserved for areas with lower biting forces, such as certain front teeth. A Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge uses a metal or ceramic wing bonded to the back of an adjacent tooth and can be a conservative choice when minimal alteration of neighboring teeth is desired.
Implant-supported bridges eliminate the need to alter healthy adjacent teeth and are especially valuable when multiple teeth in a row are missing. Implants act like stable anchors, supporting bridges that function much like natural teeth and helping preserve the surrounding bone and facial form.
Choosing among these designs requires a careful evaluation of tooth condition, periodontal health, bone support, and the expected load on the restoration. We’ll explain the trade-offs for durability, appearance, and oral preservation so you can make an informed choice.
Before fabricating any bridge, we perform a comprehensive exam that includes dental imaging and a review of your oral health. Healthy gums and stable teeth or adequate bone for implants are prerequisites for predictable outcomes. If periodontal disease or decay is present, it must be addressed first to ensure a stable foundation for the restoration.
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared for crowns during an initial appointment, impressions are taken, and a temporary restoration protects the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is made. After the laboratory delivers the final bridge, we verify fit, shade, and bite before cementing the restoration.
Implant-supported bridges begin with surgical placement of dental implants, a process that is planned using detailed imaging to optimize position and function. After implant placement, a healing period allows the implants to integrate with the bone; during this time, temporary solutions can maintain appearance and function in many cases. Once integration is complete, the final bridge is fabricated and attached to the implants.
After any bridge is placed, routine oral hygiene and periodic professional care are essential. We’ll provide specific instructions for cleaning around pontics and abutment teeth or implant components, and schedule follow-ups to monitor the restoration and surrounding tissues for long-term success.
Restoring a gap in your smile is a highly personalized process that balances function, appearance, and oral health preservation. If you’re exploring ways to replace missing teeth, the office of Dr. Anthony Iuvone, DMD can walk you through the options and help you choose a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact us to learn more about dental bridges and to arrange a consultation.
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 Dr. Anthony Iuvone, 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 Dr. Anthony Iuvone, 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.
A dental bridge is a fixed restorative appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics. Conventional bridges are anchored to natural teeth that are fitted with crowns, while implant-supported bridges attach to dental implants that act as stable anchors. Bridges restore the continuity of the dental arch so chewing, speech, and bite force distribution return toward normal.
Bridges are custom fabricated to match the color, shape, and contour of surrounding teeth so they blend into the smile and reestablish proper bite relationships. The restoration redistributes forces during chewing to protect neighboring teeth and help prevent unwanted tooth movement. With proper care and regular professional monitoring, a well-made bridge can provide many years of reliable function.
Replacing a missing tooth preserves the alignment and health of the remaining teeth by preventing adjacent teeth from drifting into the empty space. Tooth movement can change how the upper and lower teeth meet, create new wear patterns, and make effective cleaning more difficult, increasing the risk of decay and periodontal problems. Restoring missing teeth also helps maintain normal chewing patterns and reduces strain on the jaw joints and surrounding musculature.
Beyond function, replacing teeth supports facial structure and can prevent gradual changes to facial contours that occur with long-term tooth loss. Restorations like bridges or implants help maintain the vertical height of the bite and support soft tissues for a balanced appearance. Early evaluation of replacement options reduces the chance of more complex problems developing over time.
Several bridge designs are commonly used depending on the clinical situation and long-term goals. Traditional fixed bridges use crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support one or more pontics and are a durable option when abutment teeth are healthy enough for restoration. Cantilever bridges attach to a single adjacent tooth and are typically reserved for areas with lower biting forces, while resin-bonded or Maryland bridges use adhesive wings bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth for a more conservative approach.
When preserving adjacent tooth structure is a priority or when multiple teeth in a row are missing, implant-supported bridges provide an alternative that avoids altering healthy teeth. Each design has trade-offs for strength, esthetics, and conservation of tooth structure, so selecting the right type requires a careful clinical evaluation. Your dentist will explain which option best balances longevity, appearance, and oral preservation for your situation.
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone, whereas conventional bridges rely on crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth for support. Because implants act like artificial tooth roots, they can preserve surrounding bone and maintain facial form more effectively than restorations that depend on natural tooth support. Implant-supported solutions often avoid the need to reduce healthy neighboring teeth for crowns, preserving tooth structure.
The surgical and restorative timeline for implant-supported bridges is different from conventional bridges and typically includes a healing period for osseointegration before the final prosthesis is attached. Implant-supported bridges can offer excellent long-term stability and function when adequate bone and healthy soft tissues are present. A thorough evaluation including imaging helps determine whether implant support is a practical and advantageous choice for a given patient.
A good candidate for a dental bridge generally has one or more missing teeth with healthy neighboring teeth or sufficient bone for implant placement, depending on the chosen design. Candidates should have controlled periodontal health and be free of active decay on the teeth that will serve as abutments; issues such as gum disease or untreated cavities must be addressed before bridge placement. Overall oral hygiene and a commitment to routine dental care are important for long-term success.
Patients who prefer a fixed, nonremovable restoration or who need to restore chewing and speech function quickly often find bridges an appropriate solution. For those with compromised adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges may be recommended as an alternative that avoids preparing healthy teeth. Your dentist will review medical and dental history, perform a clinical exam and imaging, and discuss the options that best meet your functional and cosmetic priorities.
Treatment for a traditional fixed bridge typically begins with a comprehensive exam and imaging to confirm that surrounding teeth and gums can support the restoration. During the first restorative visit, the abutment teeth are prepared and impressions are taken so a laboratory can fabricate the final bridge; a temporary restoration protects the prepared teeth while the permanent prosthesis is being made. When the final bridge is ready, the dentist verifies fit, shade, and bite before cementing the restoration and making any final adjustments.
For implant-supported bridges, the process includes surgical placement of implants, a healing interval to allow integration with the bone, and a restorative phase to attach the bridge components. Temporary prostheses can often be used during healing to maintain function and appearance. Throughout either pathway, the team will provide instructions for care and schedule follow-up visits to monitor tissue health and the integrity of the restoration.
Modern bridges are commonly made from tooth-colored ceramics, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or zirconia, each offering a balance of strength and esthetics. All-ceramic and zirconia bridges provide excellent esthetic outcomes because they mimic the translucency and color of natural teeth, making them well suited for front teeth or highly visible areas. PFM bridges add a metal substructure for added strength and can be a reliable option for posterior teeth where higher biting forces occur.
The choice of material depends on the location of the restoration, esthetic demands, and the amount of force the bridge will endure. Materials are selected to withstand daily chewing forces while maintaining an appearance that complements the rest of the smile. Your dentist will discuss the benefits and limitations of each material to match clinical needs and cosmetic expectations.
The longevity of a dental bridge varies with design, material, oral hygiene, and the health of the supporting teeth or implants, but well-maintained bridges commonly last many years. Factors that influence lifespan include the presence of gum disease, recurrent decay on abutment teeth, bruxism (teeth grinding), and how well a patient follows home-care and professional maintenance recommendations. Implant-supported bridges may have different maintenance needs than tooth-supported bridges but can also provide durable function when properly cared for.
Regular dental exams and professional cleanings help detect early issues and protect the foundation of the restoration, increasing the chance of long-term success. Avoiding behaviors that overload the bridge, such as using teeth to open packages or chewing very hard objects, also reduces the risk of damage. If complications arise, timely evaluation allows conservative measures to extend the life of the restoration or plan an appropriate replacement.
Effective home care for a dental bridge includes brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque at the gumline and around abutment teeth or implant components. Special flossing tools, interdental brushes, or water flossers can help clean beneath pontics and around implant restorations where conventional flossing is difficult. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene reduces the risk of decay and gum disease that could compromise the bridge's support.
In addition to daily care, attend routine professional cleanings and checkups so your dental team can monitor the bridge and surrounding tissues for signs of wear, loosening, or inflammation. Your dentist will provide tailored instructions for cleaning based on the bridge design and will recommend products or techniques to make care more effective. Promptly report any sensitivity, mobility, or changes in bite so these concerns can be evaluated early.
During a consultation at the office of Dr. Anthony Iuvone, DMD you can expect a thorough evaluation that includes a review of your medical and dental history, a clinical exam, and dental imaging as needed to assess bone and tooth structure. The team will discuss your symptoms, functional concerns, and aesthetic goals so they can recommend appropriate tooth-replacement options. If periodontal disease or decay is present, those issues will be addressed before any definitive restorative work begins.
The consultation will also cover the advantages and limitations of different bridge types as they relate to your specific case, and the dentist will explain the treatment sequence and expected timelines for traditional and implant-supported options. You will receive clear care instructions and answers to questions about maintenance and follow-up so you can make an informed decision. If you choose to proceed, the office will help you schedule the necessary visits and provide preparation guidelines for each phase of care.
