RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Bridges
A missing tooth does more than affect appearance. It allows adjacent teeth to drift, shifts bite mechanics, and leads to bone loss in the area of the gap over time. Dr. Martin evaluates the full picture before making a recommendation: the condition of the surrounding teeth, bone health, and what the patient actually needs functionally and aesthetically.
A dental bridge replaces the missing tooth by anchoring a custom ceramic pontic to crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side — fixed, non-removable, and designed to restore normal chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. Where neighboring teeth are already restored or have significant decay, a bridge is often the most practical path. Where they're healthy and intact, Dr. Martin lays out the tradeoffs directly, including the fact that those teeth will be permanently altered to support the bridge. Patients leave that conversation with a clear picture of what they're choosing.
How does a bridge compare to a dental implant?
The fundamental difference is that an implant replaces the tooth root as well as the crown, preserving the bone in the area and leaving the adjacent teeth untouched. A bridge requires preparing — and essentially permanently altering — the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as supports. If those adjacent teeth are already restored or have significant existing decay, a bridge may be the more practical option. If they're healthy and intact, an implant avoids compromising them. At our practice, we walk through these trade-offs transparently so you can make an informed decision based on your specific clinical situation rather than simply what's quicker or more convenient.
What is a dental bridge, and when is it the right option for replacing a missing tooth?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth — called pontics — to crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. It's a well-established solution that restores appearance, chewing function, and prevents adjacent teeth from drifting into the space. At our practice, we evaluate the condition of the anchor teeth, the health of the bone in the gap, and the patient's overall treatment goals before recommending a bridge. For many patients, a dental implant is the preferable long-term solution — but where implants aren't appropriate or desired, a well-crafted bridge is a reliable and durable alternative.
How long does a bridge last, and how do I take care of it?
A well-maintained ceramic bridge can last fifteen years or more — sometimes considerably longer. The most important maintenance consideration is cleaning beneath the pontic, where the artificial tooth meets the gum tissue. Standard flossing can't access this area, so a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser is essential for keeping the tissue beneath the bridge healthy and preventing decay at the margins of the anchor crowns. At our practice, we go through care instructions thoroughly after placement and check the health of the bridge and surrounding gum tissue at every recall visit.
Will a bridge look natural?
With modern ceramic materials and careful craftsmanship, yes — a well-designed bridge is essentially indistinguishable from natural teeth. The shade, shape, and translucency of the ceramic are matched to your surrounding teeth, and the pontic is contoured to sit naturally against the gum tissue. At our practice, we work with high-quality dental laboratories and take the time to ensure shade accuracy and proper emergence profile before finalizing the restoration. A bridge that looks natural is one that was planned and executed with attention to both the technical and aesthetic details.
Begin with a
comprehensive evaluation.
Every patient relationship begins with a thorough assessment and an open conversation. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and long-term goals before recommending treatment. Complete the form below and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.
Before
and after.
Explore real patient transformations made possible through Dr. Gregory Martin’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach to care. Results vary by individual. These images are provided for educational purposes and do not guarantee specific outcomes.