Dental Bridges are a reliable way to replace missing teeth and restore comfortable chewing, clear speech, and confidence in your smile. When a tooth is lost, the space it leaves behind can affect nearby teeth, bite alignment, and overall oral health. A dental bridge fills that gap with an artificial tooth that is supported by surrounding teeth or dental restorations.
At Sommers Family Dentistry in Norwalk, Ohio, dental bridges are part of a personalized restorative dentistry approach. Our team focuses on long-term function, natural appearance, and patient comfort while helping families regain healthy, complete smiles.
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth, sometimes called a false tooth, that is anchored in place by supporting teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth are known as abutment teeth.
Once placed, a bridge restores the appearance of natural teeth while helping maintain proper chewing function and bite balance. Dental bridges also help prevent nearby teeth from shifting into the open space, which can lead to additional dental problems over time.
Missing teeth can affect more than appearance. Tooth loss may contribute to changes in bite alignment, difficulty chewing, and increased strain on remaining teeth. Gaps can also trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge helps support oral health by:
Dental bridges provide a permanent solution for many patients seeking a fixed tooth replacement option.
At our Norwalk dental office, we offer two types of dental bridges to replace missing teeth: traditional dental bridges and implant supported bridges. Both options are designed to restore chewing function, maintain alignment, and support long-term oral health. The right option depends on the condition of your surrounding teeth, the location of the gap, and your overall treatment goals.
Natural teeth support a traditional dental bridge on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth, called abutment teeth, are fitted with dental crowns that hold the artificial tooth securely in place. Traditional bridges are a common option when the adjacent teeth are healthy and strong enough to support the restoration.
This type of bridge restores the appearance of natural teeth while helping prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of position. Traditional bridges are often used for both front and back teeth and provide reliable, fixed tooth replacement.
An implant supported bridge is anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth. Dental implants act as artificial roots placed in the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for the bridge. This option may be recommended when one or more teeth are missing and additional support is needed.
Implant supported bridges help preserve bone structure and reduce pressure on surrounding teeth. They are often a good option for patients seeking added stability and a long-term solution for tooth replacement.
The dental bridge procedure typically takes place over two visits to the dental office.
During the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared to support the bridge. Impressions are taken to ensure a custom fit, and a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the area. These impressions are used to design a custom bridge that matches your natural teeth.
At the second visit, the permanent bridge is placed and adjusted for fit and comfort. Your dentist will check bite alignment and ensure the bridge feels secure and natural before final placement.
Some mild soreness may occur following the procedure, though most patients return to normal activities quickly.
Dental bridges play an important role in maintaining dental health after tooth loss. By filling the space left by a missing tooth, bridges help distribute chewing forces evenly and reduce wear on supporting teeth.
Bridges also support proper oral hygiene by maintaining tooth spacing and helping patients clean effectively around the restoration. With proper care, dental bridges can last many years and contribute to long-term oral health.
Proper care helps protect both the bridge and the surrounding teeth. Daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to maintaining results.
Helpful care habits include:
Your dentist may recommend special cleaning tools to help maintain healthy gums and supporting teeth.
Dental bridges are one of several tooth replacement options available. Compared to partial dentures, bridges are fixed in place and do not need to be removed. Compared to dental implants, bridges may be a good option when implants are not recommended or when adjacent teeth already need crowns.
Choosing the right treatment depends on factors such as oral health, number of teeth missing, dental insurance plans, and long-term goals. Our team helps patients make informed decisions by explaining each option clearly.
Sommers Family Dentistry has served families in Norwalk and surrounding communities since 1952. Our experience with restorative dentistry allows us to provide dental bridges that restore function while blending naturally with your smile.
We take time to evaluate supporting teeth, explain treatment options, and ensure each bridge is designed for comfort and durability. Our goal is to help patients feel confident in their care and results.
If you are missing one or more teeth and want to explore your tooth replacement options, dental bridges may be the right solution. Our team is here to answer questions and guide you through a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Call (419) 668-3606 to schedule your appointment at Sommers Family Dentistry. We proudly serve patients in Norwalk, Ohio and the surrounding North Central Ohio communities.
Call today to schedule your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our Norwalk dental office and caring for your smile for years to come.
The goal of our clinic is to provide friendly, caring dentistry and the highest level of general, cosmetic, and specialist dental treatments.
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