Dental Bridges

smiling senior man

Losing a tooth doesn’t mean you can’t have your old smile back. Most of us will lose at least one tooth in adulthood, whether from decay or an accident. There’s no need to worry! Dental bridges are a safe, simple way to repair those gaps and make your smile as good as new!

Dental Bridge Procedure


How long does a dental bridge last?

Dental bridges aren’t a permanent solution to a missing tooth, but they do last a considerable amount of time. You should expect your dental bridge to last five years at the very least and 10 years on average. Some, if well cared-for, can last 15 years or even longer! 

Can a dental bridge be repaired?

What if something happens to your dental bridge? Can it be fixed? Well, that depends on what exactly the issue is. If it’s a cosmetic issue like a crack or chip on the outside of the bridge, it can usually be easily corrected. However, if the issue is structural, like a problem with the attachments, then the bridge will most likely be removed and reconstructed. 

Types of Dental Bridges


Every individual has different needs and preferences when it comes to fixing their smile. A one-size-fits-all approach is not what’s best for every patient. Fortunately, there are a few options available when it comes to dental bridges, and the team at Circle Drive Dental will happily help find the perfect fit for you. 

Traditional Dental Bridges

The most common type of dental bridges are generally the ones that will work best in most cases. If you’re missing one tooth and still have two healthy teeth on either side of the gap, the traditional dental bridge is a great option to restore your smile. The false tooth that covers the gap has a dental crown on each side of it, which attach to your own permanent teeth. Because they’re custom-made to match the look and feel of your own real teeth, this option keeps a natural look to your newly revived smile.

Cantilever Bridges

Let’s say you’re missing a tooth with only one natural tooth beside it. It could be a tooth next to an implant or a tooth from the very back of your mouth. A cantilever bridge may be the best choice to replace that tooth. Similar to traditional dental bridges, cantilever bridges have the same look and feel, but only have one dental crown connected to the false tooth. It works the very same way: the false tooth covers the gap, and the crown is attached to your own healthy, natural tooth to perfect your smile again.

Maryland Bridges

Generally considered a more conservative way to replace missing teeth, Maryland bridges consist of a single false tooth piece that is fixed to the backs of the two surrounding teeth. The bridge has two wings on its sides, which fix to the adjacent teeth without having to install a crown. These types of bridges are best for cosmetic tooth restoration rather than biting power, like a molar. 

Implant-Supported Bridges

What if you have more than one missing tooth? That’s where implant-supported bridges come into play. Instead of connecting your new false teeth with crowns or wings, dental implants provide the support of these bridges. One implant is placed for every missing tooth, and together, they hold the bridge securely in place. The result is a very comfortable, natural-looking bridge that looks, feels, and works just like your real teeth!
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