Dental Bridges at Avon Dental
Missing one or more teeth in a row? A dental bridge restores both the look of your smile and the function of your bite — filling the gap with custom-crafted artificial teeth that blend seamlessly with the ones you have. At Avon Dental, we help you choose the right type of bridge for your specific situation and make the process as comfortable as possible from consultation to final placement.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that literally "bridges the gap" left by one or more missing teeth. Custom-made to match the shade and shape of your natural teeth, a bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap — or dental implants — as anchors to hold a set of artificial teeth securely in place.
Every bridge is built from two key components working together:
Abutments
The support structures on either side of the gap. Usually these are your natural teeth (fitted with custom crowns), but they can also be dental implants.
Pontics
The artificial teeth that fill the gap. Custom-shaded and shaped to look just like your natural teeth.
Four Types of Dental Bridges
The right bridge depends on your specific situation — how many teeth you're missing, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and where the gap sits in your mouth. Here are the four main options.
Traditional Bridge
The most common type. A pontic (artificial tooth) sits between two crowns, which are cemented to the healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap.
Cantilever Bridge
Similar to a traditional bridge, but only anchored to one side of the gap instead of two. The pontic "hangs over" from a single supporting tooth.
Maryland Bridge
A resin-bonded bridge that uses metal or porcelain "wings" attached to the backs of the neighboring teeth — no crowns required, so surrounding teeth stay untouched.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Instead of using natural teeth as anchors, this bridge rests on dental implants. Strong, stable, and preserves your jawbone long-term.
Restore what's missing — without changing who you are.
Request a ConsultationThe Bridge Process at Avon Dental
Most traditional and cantilever bridges are completed in just two visits. Here's what happens at each step.
Consultation & Exam
We assess your gap, the surrounding teeth, and overall gum health to determine which type of bridge is best for you.
Prepare the Abutment Teeth
For a traditional bridge, we reshape the teeth on either side of the gap to make room for crowns. You'll be numbed with local anesthesia for comfort.
Digital Impressions & Temporary Bridge
We take precise digital impressions and send them to the lab. You'll wear a temporary bridge while your custom one is crafted.
Fitting & Adjustment
At your second visit, we remove the temporary, try the final bridge, check the fit and bite, and make any fine adjustments.
Cementing & Aftercare
Once you're comfortable with the fit, we permanently bond your bridge in place. We'll walk you through how to care for it at home.
Bridges vs. Implants vs. Dentures
Each replacement option has strengths. Here's an honest side-by-side look to help you and your dentist choose the right path.
| Dental Bridges | Dental Implants | Dentures | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 5–15 years | 20+ years to lifetime | 5–10 years |
| Time to complete | 2 visits over 2–4 weeks | 3–6 months | Few weeks |
| Affects neighboring teeth | Yes — requires reshaping | No | No |
| Preserves jawbone | No | Yes | No |
| Feels like natural teeth | Mostly | Yes | Less so |
| Initial investment | Moderate | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | 1–4 teeth missing in a row, healthy adjacent teeth | Long-term solution, single tooth or full arch | Multiple missing teeth, budget-conscious |
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
A well-made bridge does far more than fill a visible gap. Here's what it changes day-to-day — and how to keep it in great shape for years.
Benefits
- Restores natural chewing and biting function
- Improves speech — especially consonant sounds
- Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap
- Maintains proper bite alignment
- Restores the shape and fullness of your face
- Natural-looking result that matches your other teeth
Caring For Your Bridge
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Floss daily using a floss threader or interdental brush
- Use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or very sticky foods
- Visit us every 6 months for professional cleanings
- Call us right away if your bridge feels loose or sensitive
Restorative care, with honest guidance
Replacing a missing tooth is a decision that affects both your health and your smile for years to come — and we don't take that lightly. At Avon Dental, every bridge case starts with a thorough exam and an open conversation about your options, whether that's a bridge, an implant, or a different approach entirely.
We explain the trade-offs clearly. If a bridge is the best fit for your situation, we'll show you why. If an implant would serve you better in the long run, we'll tell you that too. No pressure, no upsell — just the answer that fits your teeth, your health, and your goals.
Learn more about our dental implants, denture options, or full range of services.
Common Questions About Dental Bridges
How long does a dental bridge last?
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
How many teeth can a bridge replace?
Is a bridge or an implant better?
How do I clean a dental bridge?
Does insurance cover dental bridges?
What happens if my bridge breaks or comes loose?
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Ready to talk through bridge options for your smile?
A consultation gives you a clear picture — we'll assess your teeth, walk through the options that fit, and build a plan with no pressure.
Our Featured Services
Comprehensive Family Care
The tradition of family is central to every visit at Avon Dental. Our goal is to treat patients with the same care and compassion we would our own families. As general dentists who do not believe in one-size-fits-all care, Our Doctors consult with each patient, from children through adults, to provide comprehensive treatment solutions unique to each person.
3-D Guided Implants
When it comes to dental implants, accuracy is everything. With the latest 3-D imaging, implants at Avon Dental are taken to a new level of precision.
Same-Day Crowns
With Avon Dental Associates’ state-of-the-art CEREC machine, patients can receive beautiful crowns, often during just one appointment, instead of waiting weeks to get their crowns back from the lab. Teeth are quickly restored without any messy impressions, which means a lower cost and better results than with traditional treatment.
