Dental Bridges
There are a few different types of dental bridges. The most common type of bridge, often called a traditional bridge, is made up of three units. It has a crown on each end, which get cemented onto the teeth that surround an empty space in the mouth. One or more artificial teeth, called pontics, are supported by the crowns.
A dental bridge consists of several dental crowns fused together. The middle crown, or pontic, is the tooth replacement and fits inside the space from your missing tooth. The other crowns act as anchors and are bonded to your natural teeth on either side of the gap.
How Dental Bridges Work?
If you have one or more missing teeth, dental bridges can be an excellent solution. For missing molars caused by tooth decay or advanced gum disease, bridges replace the lost teeth with artificial ones, filling the gaps effectively. These bridges can be fixed permanently using dental implants or crowns. The replacement tooth is called a pontic, while the neighboring teeth that support the bridge are known as abutment teeth. When a fixed dental restoration is placed on your back teeth, it helps distribute chewing forces evenly, improving your bite and reducing strain on surrounding teeth. If placed at the front, it can also help improve speech by supporting proper pronunciation and sound formation.
Dental Bridge Types :
- Traditional Bridge:
A traditional dental bridge is made up of a false tooth or teeth that are held in place by dental crowns that are cemented on each of the abutment teeth. A traditional dental bridge is the most popular option as it blends in most naturally with your teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge:
The cantilever dental bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. However, the cantilever bridge only needs one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap.
- Maryland Bridge:
A Maryland dental bridge uses a framework of porcelain or metal that is bonded onto the backs of the abutment teeth. This type of bridge can only be used when you have a natural tooth on each side of the gap which is caused by the missing tooth or teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge:
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of dental crowns or frameworks. Most frequently, one implant is placed surgically for every tooth that is missing and these implants hold the bridge in its position. This is considered to be the strongest and most stable implant and commonly requires two surgeries.
What Is the Process for a Dental Bridge
When you come in for your consultation, we’ll make sure a dental bridge will work for you. We also create an impression of your teeth so your new dental bridge blends in naturally with your smile. The impressions are then sent to a lab, and your new bridge is created and sent back.
After about a week, you’ll return to our office so the Dentist can ensure the dental bridge fits properly. The Dentist then bonds the outer dental crowns to your teeth so your bridge stays firmly in place. You can walk out of the office holding your head high and sharing your new smile with everyone!
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
Our experienced dental team is ready to show you how a dental bridge works and how it can help you. The advantages of giving yourself a full smile with a dental bridge include:
- Improving your bite and ability to eat.
- Protecting the surrounding teeth from damage.
- Making cleaning your teeth easier and more efficient.
- Restoring your full smile.
We also want you to feel comfortable during your visit. Our Dentist can explain the process thoroughly, and our entire team works together with your care in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
A traditional dental bridge is supported by dental crowns placed on the teeth on each side of the gap. No surgery or implants are involved. The bridge is cemented permanently and cannot be removed by the patient - no surgery required.
With proper care, a porcelain-fused-to-metal or all-ceramic bridge typically lasts 10–15 years. The supporting abutment teeth must remain healthy; decay or gum disease at those teeth is the most common reason bridges fail prematurely.
Implants are generally preferred because they do not require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, prevent jawbone loss, and can last a lifetime. Bridges are an appropriate choice when adjacent teeth already need crowns, when bone is insufficient for implants, or when budget or timeline is a factor.
A traditional bridge has no natural gap for floss to pass through. Oxford Smiles will show you how to use floss threaders, super floss, or a water flosser to clean under the bridge each day. This step is critical - failure to clean under the bridge leads to decay on the abutment teeth.
A Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge uses metal or ceramic wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth rather than full crowns. It requires minimal tooth preparation and is often used for front teeth, especially as a temporary or conservative solution for younger patients waiting for a dental implant.
Flexible Financing & Insurance options
We strive to make dental care affordable and accessible for all our patients. That's why we accept most major insurances, and will work with you to help you understand your plan and maximize your benefits. If you have questions about insurance, or anything at all, give us a call to speak with one of our friendly insurance experts. Don't see your insurance listed? Give us a call on (508) 290-8714, and we'll walk you through all your options!
No Insurance? No Problem.
Flexible financing & membership plans available
We offer Quality Membership Plans along with flexible financing options through LendingClub, Sunbit, and CareCredit. Quality dental care is an investment in your health and happiness and we believe the cost of treatment should never stand in the way of your ideal smile. That's why we partner with trusted healthcare lenders, allowing you to create personalized payment plans that fit your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Dr. Aditya Mehta – Compassionate Cosmetic & General Dentist
Dr. Mehta, inspired by a family legacy of 15 doctors, brings a deep-rooted passion for healthcare to his work at Oxford Smiles in Marlborough. With a commitment to excellence, he combines advanced dentistry with a warm, personalized approach to ensure every patient feels valued and cared for.
He specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry. Dr. Mehta focuses on creating natural-looking smiles, offering comfortable, anxiety-free visits, and staying at the forefront of dental innovation through continuous education. Trusted for both his gentle care and expertise, Dr. Mehta helps patients achieve lasting oral health with a strong emphasis on transparency and trust.
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We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only within Marlborough but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
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We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only
within Marlborough
but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our
commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
- Marlborough
- Auburn
- Maynard
- Bolton
- Hudson
- Framingham
- Westborough
- Shrewsbury
- Northborough
- Southborough
- Hopkinton
- Ashland