A missing tooth can change more than your smile. It can affect chewing on one side, shift your bite, and make you self-conscious in photos. Dental Bridges offer a time-tested way to replace a missing tooth (or teeth) by anchoring an artificial tooth to the natural teeth next to the space. Done well, they look seamless and help keep your bite stable.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A Dental Bridge is a custom restoration that spans a space left by a missing tooth. The teeth on either side—called abutments—receive crowns, and a middle tooth (the pontic) is fused to them, creating a single piece that fits securely. The goal is to restore function and appearance while preventing neighboring teeth from drifting.

Dental Bridges can be made from porcelain, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or other strong materials, chosen for durability and esthetics. For the right case, a bridge is a reliable, fixed (non-removable) solution.

Who’s a Good Candidate?

You may be a great candidate for a Dental Bridge if:

• The teeth next to the gap are strong enough to support crowns
• Your gums are healthy and there’s no active infection
• You prefer a fixed option rather than a removable partial denture
• You want to prevent shifting and bite changes sooner than later

If the neighboring teeth are pristine and you’d rather not crown them, an implant might be worth considering. We’ll walk through both paths so you can choose with confidence.

How the Process Works

1. Planning and imaging: We assess the space, the health of the abutment teeth, and your bite.
2. Tooth preparation: The adjacent teeth are shaped for crowns, removing old fillings or decay if present.
3. Impressions and temporaries: We take accurate measurements, pick the shade, and place a temporary bridge so you can chew and smile comfortably.
4. Bridge fabrication: The lab crafts your final Dental Bridge with careful color and contour matching.
5. Try-in and cementation: We verify the fit and bite, make small refinements, and cement the bridge securely.

Living with a Bridge

A Dental Bridge should feel natural. You’ll floss underneath using a small threader or special floss to keep the area clean. Most people adjust quickly—chewing feels more balanced, speech is clear, and smiling is easier.

How Long Does a Bridge Last?

With good home care and regular checkups, Dental Bridges often last many years. The key is protecting the abutment teeth and maintaining gum health. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard helps safeguard your bridge and your natural teeth.

Benefits (What Professionals Emphasize)

Professional guidance from groups like the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry highlights that Dental Bridges:

• Restore function and alignment: Replacing a missing tooth prevents tilting and bite changes that strain your jaw.
• Protect oral health: Filling the space reduces food trapping and helps you clean more effectively.
• Support confidence: A well-designed bridge blends with your smile so you can speak and laugh freely.
• Offer a fixed solution: For patients who prefer not to remove a denture, a bridge stays put and feels secure.

FAQs—Clear, Quick, and Honest

Will people notice my Dental Bridge?
Modern materials and careful shade selection make bridges very natural-looking.

Is a bridge better than an implant?
They solve the same problem in different ways. Bridges use neighboring teeth for support; implants stand alone. We’ll review your gums, bone, and goals to guide the choice.

Is cleaning hard?
There’s a small learning curve with floss threaders, but most patients catch on fast. We’ll show you the trick.

What if one of the abutment teeth has a big filling?
That actually makes a bridge more appealing, since crowning a heavily restored tooth adds strength while replacing the missing one.

If a gap has been holding you back, a Dental Bridge can bring back your bite and your confidence—without removable parts. Call Pak Dental at 248-243-4876 in Auburn Hills or schedule a consultation to see whether a Dental Bridge is the right way to close the space and keep your smile in line.