Dental Bridges

At Kennedy Dentistry, our goal is to help patients restore the comfort, function, and appearance of their smiles after tooth loss. Missing teeth can affect more than how you look — they can change how you chew, speak, and how your remaining teeth behave over time. On this page we explain how dental bridges work, when they are a good option, and what to expect when choosing a bridge as part of your restorative care.

Why a single gap can become a bigger problem

Even one lost tooth changes the forces that travel through your bite. When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth can begin to tilt or drift into the empty space, and opposing teeth may migrate outward. These subtle shifts gradually alter your bite and can make chewing less efficient or comfortable.

Changes in tooth position also create new areas where food and plaque collect, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Over time that can put additional teeth at risk, which is why replacing missing teeth promptly is an important part of protecting long-term oral health.

There are also aesthetic and social impacts: gaps can affect a person’s smile and confidence. Restoring a missing tooth helps maintain facial structure and gives patients a more natural, balanced appearance while preserving oral function.

How modern dentistry recreates a complete smile

Today’s restorative options are designed to blend durability, function, and a natural look. Whether the goal is to replace one tooth or several, clinicians consider the condition of surrounding teeth, bone levels, and the patient’s overall health to recommend an approach that fits each situation.

For some people, removable prosthetics can be appropriate. For others, fixed solutions such as dental bridges or implant-supported restorations offer improved stability and feel. The best choice balances biological factors with practical considerations like treatment timeline and maintenance.

At every step, the focus is on creating a result that looks and feels like a natural tooth — restoring bite alignment, enabling efficient chewing, and helping you smile with confidence.

Dental bridges: what they are and why they work

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. It typically consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that are supported either by crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth or by dental implants. Because bridges are fixed in place, they function much like natural teeth for everyday activities such as speaking and eating.

Bridges not only replace visible gaps but also help preserve the position of surrounding teeth. By preventing neighboring teeth from shifting, a bridge helps maintain proper bite relationships and reduces the likelihood of future restorative needs caused by tooth movement.

Materials used for bridges range from high-strength ceramics to porcelain-fused-to-metal, chosen to match the color and translucency of natural teeth while offering the durability needed for chewing. Advances in dental materials mean that modern bridges can be both strong and highly aesthetic.

Common bridge types and when each is appropriate

Bridges are not one-size-fits-all. The design a clinician recommends depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of adjacent teeth, bone support, and long-term goals for oral health.

• Traditional fixed bridge

  This design uses crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support one or more pontics. It’s a reliable option when the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to receive crowns and when implant placement is not preferred or feasible. Traditional bridges are fixed in place and do not come in and out.

• Implant-supported bridge

  Implant-supported bridges are anchored to two or more dental implants rather than relying on natural teeth for support. This approach preserves adjacent tooth structure because it avoids crowning healthy teeth. Implants also stimulate the jawbone in a way that helps prevent the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss.

  When multiple adjacent teeth are missing, implant-supported bridges often provide the most conservative way to restore function and facial support long term. The number and position of implants will be planned to ensure proper strength and distribution of biting forces.

Preparing your mouth for a bridge

Successful bridge work begins with a thorough evaluation. That includes checking the health of the gums, measuring bone support, assessing tooth alignment, and reviewing any medical conditions that could affect healing. Diagnostic imaging and dental records help create a treatment plan tailored to each patient.

If gum disease or active decay is present, those issues are treated first so the supporting structures are healthy before a bridge goes in. For traditional bridges, the teeth serving as abutments need to be strong and well-supported by bone. For implant-supported solutions, sufficient bone volume is required, and bone grafting may be recommended where necessary to create a stable foundation.

Open communication about goals, lifestyle, and maintenance expectations allows the dental team to choose materials and designs that meet aesthetic preferences and functional needs. This planning stage is also an opportunity to discuss the timeline for treatment and what to expect during each visit.

Treatment steps and what patients commonly experience

The process for a traditional fixed bridge usually spans multiple appointments. After the initial consultation and diagnostic phase, the abutment teeth are prepared and shaped to receive crowns. Impressions are taken to fabricate the bridge, and a temporary restoration is placed to protect the prepared teeth while the final bridge is being made.

Once the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist checks fit, shade, and bite, then cements the restoration into place. Patients may notice minor sensitivity or pressure during the adjustment period; these symptoms typically settle as you adapt. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help prolong the life of the bridge.

Implant-supported bridge workflows include surgical placement of implants followed by a healing period while the implants integrate with the bone. In some cases, a temporary prosthesis is provided during healing to maintain appearance and function. When integration is complete, the final bridge is attached to the implant abutments. Throughout the process, clear instructions are provided for care and recovery.

Bridges are a well-established option for restoring missing teeth, and when planned and placed carefully they offer a durable, natural-feeling solution. If you would like to learn more about whether a bridge is the right choice for your smile, please contact us for more information.