At the office of Smith Tano Dental Group, we provide thoughtful, experienced care focused on restoring both the function and appearance of your smile. When a tooth is lost because of decay, injury, or medical treatment, the consequences extend beyond a gap in your grin. Our approach combines modern materials, careful planning, and patient-centered guidance so you can choose the tooth-replacement option that best fits your health and lifestyle.
When a tooth is missing, the effects ripple through the mouth. Remaining teeth can tilt or drift toward the empty space, which alters your bite and can make chewing less efficient. Over time these shifts can lead to excessive wear on other teeth and increased sensitivity as contacts change.
Loss of a tooth also affects the way opposing teeth meet. Teeth without an opposing contact can move out of their normal position, which further destabilizes the bite and may create new areas that are difficult to clean. These changes raise the risk of decay and gum inflammation in surrounding teeth.
Beyond mechanics, missing teeth can accelerate bone loss in the jaw where the tooth root used to provide stimulation. That resorption alters facial contours, potentially changing how a smile and profile look. Replacing missing teeth, when appropriate, helps preserve oral health and long-term facial structure.
Contemporary dentistry offers stable, natural-looking options for replacing one or more missing teeth. From fixed tooth-supported bridges to implant-supported restorations, today’s materials and techniques aim to restore chewing function while blending seamlessly with the surrounding dentition.
Selection of the right treatment depends on several factors: the condition of neighboring teeth, the volume and quality of jawbone, overall oral health, and a patient’s goals for appearance and durability. A thorough exam and discussion of priorities help guide a tailored recommendation.
Whether a bridge supported by natural teeth or dental implants is the best choice, the objective remains the same: recreate reliable contacts for biting, prevent undesirable tooth movement, and deliver an outcome that looks and feels like a natural part of your smile.
A dental bridge fills a gap by suspending one or more replacement teeth (pontics) across the space. Traditional tooth-supported bridges rely on crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap, while implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors instead of modifying healthy neighboring teeth.
The restoration reestablishes normal chewing forces, helps maintain proper tooth alignment, and restores the visual continuity of the smile. Modern bridge materials — such as high-strength ceramics and zirconia — are chosen to match tooth color and translucency, giving a natural appearance while offering durability.
Regardless of the supporting structure, a well-designed bridge distributes forces across the area in a way that protects surrounding teeth and helps maintain the stability of the bite. Long-term success depends on good oral hygiene, routine dental care, and attention to changes in fit or comfort.
There are several bridge designs to consider, but most people are best served by either a traditional fixed bridge or an implant-supported bridge. A traditional bridge is predictable when the abutment teeth are healthy and solid, while implant-supported options are often preferred when preserving adjacent natural teeth is a priority.
Cantilever and resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges are additional options that may suit specific scenarios, such as when only one adjacent tooth is available for support or when a more conservative preparation is desired. Each design carries distinct requirements for support, hygiene, and longevity.
During the planning phase, our team evaluates tooth vitality, periodontal health, and jawbone condition to recommend the most appropriate bridge type. When implants are part of the plan, we review bone volume and may discuss bone-grafting techniques if additional support is needed to create a stable foundation.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment: clinical examination, digital X-rays or 3D imaging when needed, and a conversation about goals and concerns. This diagnostic step allows us to map the ideal restorative approach and sequence any preparatory care, such as periodontal therapy.
For a traditional bridge, preparation typically involves shaping the abutment teeth, taking accurate impressions, and placing a temporary restoration while the laboratory fabricates the final bridge. Patients commonly experience mild sensitivity and gum tenderness that resolves as tissues heal and the permanent restoration is fitted.
Implant-supported bridges involve a surgical phase to place implants followed by a healing period while the implants integrate with bone. In many cases a temporary restoration can be provided during healing to maintain function and appearance. Throughout the process we explain anesthetic and sedation options and provide clear pre- and post-operative instructions to support a smooth recovery.
After the permanent bridge is placed, routine maintenance includes careful daily cleaning around the restoration — often using floss threaders, interdental brushes, or water irrigation — and periodic dental checkups to monitor fit and oral health. Timely attention to wear, loose cement, or any discomfort helps ensure predictable long-term performance.
At Smith Tano Dental Group, our goal is to help patients make informed choices about replacing missing teeth so they can enjoy a healthy, functional, and attractive smile. If you’d like more information about how a dental bridge might fit into your treatment plan, please contact us for a consultation.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Smith Tano Dental Group, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Smith Tano Dental Group, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
