A missing tooth creates more problems than most people realize — and not just cosmetic ones. The teeth on either side of the gap gradually drift toward the empty space. The tooth above or below loses its opposing surface and begins to shift as well. The jawbone beneath the missing tooth starts to resorb without a root to stimulate it. Over time, what started as one missing tooth quietly reorganizes the surrounding dental architecture in ways that become increasingly difficult to correct.
A dental bridge addresses the gap directly, restoring the appearance and function of the missing tooth while stopping that chain of consequences before it compounds. For patients who aren’t candidates for implants, aren’t ready for that commitment, or simply want a proven fixed solution, a bridge is often the right answer.
Here’s what you need to know.
What a Dental Bridge Is
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that spans the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth — called pontics — held in place by crowns cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Those supporting teeth are called abutment teeth. The entire structure is bonded permanently in place, meaning it doesn’t come in and out like a partial denture. It functions like your natural teeth and is cleaned like them too.
Traditional bridges, which use the two adjacent natural teeth as anchors, are the most common type. Cantilever bridges anchor to only one adjacent tooth and are used in specific situations where only one neighboring tooth is available. Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth rather than full crowns, making them a more conservative option that requires less tooth preparation — though they’re typically used for front teeth where bite forces are lower.
The material most commonly used today for the visible portions of a bridge is porcelain or ceramic, chosen to match the color and translucency of surrounding natural teeth. The result, when well-crafted, is a restoration that blends naturally into the smile.
How the Procedure Works
Getting a traditional dental bridge at Behner Family Dentistry typically involves two appointments.
At the first appointment, the abutment teeth on either side of the gap are prepared by reshaping them to receive the crowns that will anchor the bridge. This involves removing a layer of enamel from each tooth — similar to the preparation involved in a standard crown procedure. Impressions or digital scans are taken of the prepared teeth and the gap, and that information is sent to a dental lab where your custom bridge is fabricated. Temporary crowns are placed over the prepared teeth to protect them while the permanent bridge is being made, which typically takes one to two weeks.
At the second appointment, the temporaries are removed, the permanent bridge is fitted and checked for accuracy of bite and color match, and it’s cemented permanently into place. Dr. Behner will verify that the fit is comfortable and that your bite feels natural before you leave.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so there’s no pain during either appointment. Some sensitivity in the prepared teeth is normal in the days following the first visit and typically resolves once the permanent bridge is in place.
How a Bridge Compares to Other Tooth Replacement Options
The two alternatives most patients consider alongside a bridge are dental implants and partial dentures. Each has genuine advantages and the right choice depends on the patient’s specific circumstances — bone health, budget, timeline, and overall dental situation among them.
An implant replaces the tooth root itself with a titanium post anchored directly into the jawbone, onto which a crown is placed. This is the closest thing to a natural tooth in terms of function and long-term bone preservation, and implants don’t require altering the adjacent teeth. The tradeoff is a longer treatment timeline — typically several months from placement to final restoration — a higher upfront cost, and a surgical component that not every patient is a candidate for. Patients with insufficient bone density, certain medical conditions, or active periodontal disease may not be immediately eligible for implants without additional preparatory work.
A partial denture is a removable appliance that can replace one or several missing teeth. It’s less expensive and doesn’t require altering adjacent teeth, but it comes out for cleaning, can feel less stable during eating and speaking, and doesn’t provide the fixed, integrated feel of a bridge or implant. For patients missing multiple teeth in different areas of the mouth, a partial may be the most practical solution.
A bridge sits between those two options in most respects. It’s fixed and permanent, feels natural, and restores full chewing function on a shorter timeline and at a lower cost than an implant. The primary tradeoff is that the adjacent abutment teeth require preparation — healthy tooth structure is altered to support the bridge. For teeth that are already restored with crowns or have significant existing restorations, this is often not a meaningful sacrifice. For teeth that are otherwise pristine, it’s worth factoring into the decision.
The other consideration is bone. Because a bridge replaces the visible tooth but not the root, it doesn’t stimulate the jawbone the way an implant does, and some bone resorption will still occur in the area beneath the pontic over time. For most patients this is a manageable tradeoff, but it’s part of an honest comparison.
How Long Does a Bridge Last?
With proper care, a well-placed dental bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and many last considerably longer. The longevity depends on the materials used, where in the mouth the bridge is located, and — most significantly — how well it’s maintained.
The most common reason bridges fail prematurely is decay developing in the abutment teeth beneath the crowns. Because the junction between the crown and the natural tooth can allow bacteria to penetrate if oral hygiene is inconsistent, cleaning around a bridge requires more attention than cleaning natural teeth. A specialized tool called a floss threader or an interdental brush is used to clean beneath the pontic and around the base of the crowns, reaching areas that standard floss can’t access on its own. Water flossers are also effective and many bridge patients find them easier to use consistently.
Beyond that, the habits that protect natural teeth protect your bridge:
- Regular cleanings at Behner Family Dentistry
- Avoiding biting hard objects
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
Your dentist will check the bridge at every routine exam, monitoring the abutment teeth, the gum tissue around the restoration, and the fit of the bridge itself.
Is a Bridge Right for You?
The best way to know is a thorough evaluation. Not every gap is identical, not every adjacent tooth is equally suited to serve as an abutment, and the condition of the surrounding bone, gums, and bite all factor into which solution makes the most clinical sense.
What a dental bridge offers is a time-tested, fixed solution to tooth loss that restores full function, blends naturally with your existing teeth, and can be completed in a matter of weeks rather than months. For patients in Altamonte Springs who are missing a tooth and want to understand all their options clearly — without pressure toward any particular path — a consultation with Dr. Behner is the right starting point.
Call Behner Family Dentistry at 407-831-5455 or schedule online to set up a restorative dentistry consultation. The gap won’t get easier to address the longer it’s left — and knowing your options costs nothing.
People Also Ask
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
A traditional bridge typically requires two appointments spaced one to two weeks apart. The first visit involves preparing the abutment teeth and taking impressions; the second involves cementing the permanent bridge. From start to finish, most patients have their permanent bridge in place within two to three weeks.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
Both appointments are done under local anesthesia, so there’s no pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity in the abutment teeth is normal after the first appointment while wearing the temporary crowns, and typically resolves after the permanent bridge is placed.
Can a dental bridge be done if I have gum disease?
Active gum disease needs to be treated and stabilized before a bridge is placed. Placing a bridge on teeth with unhealthy supporting tissue puts both the bridge and the abutment teeth at risk. Your dentist will evaluate periodontal health as part of any restorative treatment plan.
How do you clean under a dental bridge?
Standard floss can’t pass between the pontic and the gumline, so cleaning beneath the bridge requires a floss threader, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. Your dental hygienist will walk you through the technique at your appointment and help you find an approach that works for your routine.
What happens if a dental bridge fails?
If a bridge fails — typically due to decay in the abutment tooth, cement breakdown, or fracture — it will need to be removed and the underlying issue addressed before a new restoration is placed. In some cases the abutment teeth can support a new bridge; in others, an implant may become the more appropriate solution at that point.
Is a bridge or implant better for a missing tooth?
There’s no universal answer. Implants are generally the preferred long-term solution when the patient is a good candidate — they preserve bone, don’t require altering adjacent teeth, and can last a lifetime. Bridges are an excellent option when implants aren’t feasible or the adjacent teeth already need crowns, when a faster timeline matters, or when budget is a constraint. A thorough consultation will clarify which option makes the most sense for your specific situation.