How a Dental Bridge Works

The dental bridge procedure involves attaching a fabricated tooth to two healthy teeth on either side of a gap. If you are missing one or more teeth, we can fill the span of the absent space with a custom-made prosthesis—which is secured by dental crowns on top of existing teeth—to restore your bite. Each dental crown is bonded to adjacent teeth and secured permanently in place.

Some patients opt to place a dental bridge as a conservative alternative to a dental implant.

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants

A dental bridge and a dental implant are both exceptional solutions to replace missing teeth and recover a full smile. While they accomplish similar goals, there are many distinctions between these two restorative procedures— primarily, the method by which each dental prosthesis is placed differs greatly. While a dental implant involves inserting a small titanium post into the gumline, which serves as the anchor for a custom restoration, securing a dental bridge does not require implantation. Therefore, patients who may not have enough jawbone density to support placement of a dental implant may still be able to achieve an excellent tooth replacement with a dental bridge.

That said, individuals who have the requisite bone structure for implant treatment may achieve more long-term benefits with dental implants when compared to attached bridges. As the implant is designed to stay rooted to the jawbone rather than sit atop the gumline, this restoration has been known to lend a greater degree of security, as well as result in less bone loss over time. For some patients missing multiple teeth, a dental bridge can even be affixed to the gums using dental implants rather than crowns. This treatment, often referred to as “implant bridges,” can enhance the security of a dental bridge and may be a less invasive option than replacing each individual missing tooth with an implant. The best treatment for your goals will depend on the nature of your dental needs. Once they evaluate your concerns in person, Dr. Nicholas Rallis and Dr. Chris Chondrogiannis, our restorative dentist and periodontist, can help you determine which procedure is the most ideal for your smile and oral health.

Who is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

Dr. Rallis uses ED4 technology to provide same day restorative dentistry to patients. We can create beautiful, natural-looking crowns for your bridge right in our office so you do not have to wait weeks for your new smile. The best candidates for a dental bridge:

• Are in good oral health with no signs of gum disease
• Have two strong, healthy teeth to support the bridge
• Want a long-lasting solution for fixing their smile

How is the Dental Bridge Procedure Performed?

Once it has been decided that you are a good candidate for dental bridges, your prosthesis will be crafted using advanced ED4 technology that allows creation of a custom-made dental bridge on the same day as your visit. Our dentists will take measures to ensure the bridge fits comfortably in your mouth and appears indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Your dental bridge will then be meticulously placed to fill the entirety of the gap between healthy teeth, attached with state-of-the-art same day dental crowns. After treatment, you should have a seamless smile as well as the full integrity of your biting function.

Restore Your Smile with a Trusted Dentist

Our cosmetic and restorative dentists at Center for Smiles have advanced training and experience in restoring patients’ smiles. Dr. Rallis has been in practice for 27 years and attended the Dawson Academy, where he learned specialized dentistry techniques. In fact, both Dr. Rallis and Dr. Chondrogiannis teach full mouth reconstruction techniques to other licensed dentists as part of the continuing education program at New York University’s College of Dentistry. They have helped countless patients restore their smile and self-confidence with a dental bridge procedure. With their combined experience, you can trust that your treatment will be conducted with the utmost skill and professionalism for beautiful results.

Take a look at some of our dental treatment before-and-after photos to see how a dental bridge can transform your smile!