At Mercer Island Dental Associates, our team helps patients replace missing teeth with solutions that restore comfort, function, and a natural-looking smile. Missing teeth can affect more than how you look — they change chewing patterns, speech, and the long-term health of surrounding teeth and bone. Below, we explain how dental bridges fit into modern treatment planning and what you can expect if a bridge is recommended for your smile.
A gap in your smile often seems purely cosmetic at first glance, but the consequences can spread beyond appearance. When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth can tilt or drift into the empty space, gradually altering bite relationships and making cleaning more difficult. Over time this can increase the risk of decay and gum disease in nearby teeth.
Missing teeth also change how forces are distributed during chewing. Without a full complement of teeth to share biting pressure, adjacent teeth may take on extra load and wear faster. In the opposing arch, teeth that no longer meet a partner may drift outward, further disrupting your bite and jaw comfort.
Finally, loss of a tooth root means the underlying jawbone no longer receives normal stimulation, which can trigger gradual bone shrinkage. This change in bone volume affects facial contours and can make future restorative choices more complex, which is why timely tooth replacement matters both for function and long-term oral health.
Today’s dental restorations are designed to blend aesthetics with reliable performance. A bridge provides a fixed, durable option to replace one or more adjacent missing teeth, restoring the ability to chew comfortably while preserving the appearance of your smile. For many patients, a bridge offers a predictable way to regain confidence without daily removal or special adhesives.
Advances in digital imaging, high-strength ceramics, and laboratory processes mean bridges can be precisely matched to your natural teeth in shape, color, and translucency. This allows restorations to look lifelike and resist staining over time while maintaining strong functional properties.
Choosing the right restoration depends on the location of the gap, the condition of neighboring teeth, and your long-term goals. Bridges are one of several well-established options — alongside implants and partial dentures — and an individualized treatment plan ensures the outcome aligns with your oral health needs and lifestyle.
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by spanning the space with one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, anchored to adjacent natural teeth or implants. This structure restores continuous tooth contours so you can chew, speak, and smile more naturally. Because the prosthetic is fixed in place, it feels stable compared with removable alternatives.
Beyond restoring everyday function, a properly designed bridge helps maintain tooth alignment by preventing neighboring teeth from drifting into the empty space. That preservation of alignment benefits overall bite stability and makes daily oral hygiene more predictable.
Bridges also distribute chewing forces across the arch in a controlled way, protecting isolated teeth from absorbing undue pressure. When supported by implants, a bridge can even simulate the stimulation of natural tooth roots, helping to preserve bone volume in the area of the missing teeth.
There are several bridge designs, each suited to particular clinical situations. The most common include traditional fixed bridges, implant-supported bridges, cantilever bridges, and adhesive (Maryland) bridges. The choice depends on factors such as how many teeth are missing, the health of the adjacent teeth, and the condition of the jawbone.
Implant-supported solutions are especially valuable for preserving bone and facial structure. At Mercer Island Dental Associates, we evaluate each case to recommend a bridge design that balances durability, esthetics, and long-term oral health.
Successful bridge treatment begins with a thorough evaluation. We examine the health of the remaining teeth, the condition of your gums, and the quality of the supporting bone. If gum disease or active decay is present, those issues are addressed first to create a stable foundation for any restoration.
For traditional bridges, it’s important that the teeth chosen as anchors are structurally sound and have sufficient periodontal support. When implants are part of the plan, we use detailed imaging to assess bone density and anatomy so implants can be placed in positions that support long-term success.
We also discuss your personal preferences, daily habits, and aesthetic goals. This shared decision-making process helps us design a bridge that fits your expectations and integrates smoothly into your overall oral health strategy.
The process for a traditional fixed bridge usually spans multiple appointments. After diagnostics and planning, the supporting teeth are prepared by shaping them to receive crowns. Impressions or digital scans are taken to fabricate a custom bridge that matches your bite and neighboring teeth.
While the final restoration is made, a temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth and maintains appearance and function. Once the laboratory restoration is ready, we check fit, color, and bite before permanently cementing the bridge. Minor adjustments may be made to ensure comfort and proper occlusion.
After placement, you’ll receive guidance on cleaning around the bridge and maintaining gum health. With regular professional care and diligent home hygiene, a well-made bridge can function effectively for many years.
When a bridge is anchored on implants, the process begins with the surgical placement of the implants into the jawbone. This is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and sedation options when appropriate. Detailed planning, including 3D imaging, helps us position implants precisely for optimal support.
Healing time varies, but implants generally require several months to integrate with bone before the final bridge is attached. During this period you may wear a temporary restoration to maintain appearance and function. We provide clear pre- and post-operative instructions to support smooth healing and reduce discomfort.
Once osseointegration is complete and the implant sites are stable, the final bridge is secured. The result is a robust, self-supporting restoration that closely mimics the feel and performance of natural teeth while helping to preserve underlying bone.
In summary, dental bridges remain a versatile, reliable option for restoring missing teeth and preserving oral health. If you’re considering a bridge—or simply want to learn more about tooth-replacement choices—please contact us for additional information and to schedule 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 Mercer Island Dental Associates, 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 Mercer Island Dental Associates, 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.
At Mercer Island Dental Associates, a dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics. Those pontics are supported by crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth or by dental implants, creating a stable restoration. Bridges are permanently cemented or screwed in place and do not require daily removal, which gives them a feel similar to natural teeth.
A properly designed bridge restores chewing function and helps maintain clear speech and natural tooth contours. Because the restoration fills the empty space, it prevents neighboring teeth from drifting and helps preserve bite relationships. When supported by implants, a bridge can also help maintain jawbone stimulation near the missing roots.
Replacing a missing tooth matters beyond cosmetic appearance because even a single gap can alter how your teeth interact. Neighboring teeth may tilt or drift into the space, which changes bite forces and makes cleaning more difficult. These shifts increase the risk of decay and periodontal problems in adjacent teeth.
Loss of a tooth root also reduces the normal stimulation of the jawbone, which can lead to gradual bone resorption and changes in facial contours. Bone loss complicates later restorative choices and may require additional procedures to rebuild support for implants or other treatments. Timely tooth replacement therefore preserves both function and long-term oral health.
Common bridge designs include traditional fixed bridges, implant-supported bridges, cantilever bridges and adhesive (Maryland) bridges. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on supporting teeth, while an implant-supported bridge anchors to dental implants rather than natural teeth. Cantilever and adhesive bridges are more conservative options used in specific clinical situations where support is available on only one side or minimal alteration of adjacent teeth is desired.
The right design depends on how many teeth are missing, the health and strength of adjacent teeth, the quality of the jawbone and the patient's functional and aesthetic goals. Implant-supported solutions are often preferred when preserving bone is a priority and when multiple adjacent teeth are missing. Your dentist will weigh durability, esthetics and long-term oral health when recommending a bridge type.
An implant-supported bridge differs from a traditional fixed bridge because it is anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth. This approach avoids removing healthy tooth structure from adjacent teeth and provides support that mimics natural tooth roots. By transmitting forces into the jawbone, implant-supported restorations help reduce bone loss in the area of the missing teeth.
Placing an implant-supported bridge requires surgical insertion of implants followed by a healing period for osseointegration before the final restoration is attached. Patients often wear temporary restorations during healing to maintain function and appearance. The overall timeline is longer than a traditional bridge but can offer superior long-term stability in appropriate cases.
At Mercer Island Dental Associates, the practice performs a comprehensive evaluation of oral health, including the condition of remaining teeth, the health of the gums and the quality of supporting bone. Dental imaging, including digital X-rays and 3D scans when needed, helps determine anatomy, bone density and precise implant placement if implants are part of the plan. Active decay or periodontal disease is treated first to establish a stable foundation for any restoration.
We discuss the patient's esthetic preferences, chewing habits and long-term goals to ensure the chosen solution fits their lifestyle and expectations. Materials and laboratory techniques are selected to match natural tooth shape and color while providing the necessary strength for function. This shared decision-making process helps deliver a durable, natural-looking restoration tailored to each patient.
The process for a traditional fixed bridge typically begins with diagnostics and planning followed by preparation of the supporting teeth. The dentist reshapes the abutment teeth to accept crowns and then records impressions or takes digital scans to fabricate the custom bridge. A temporary bridge protects prepared teeth and maintains appearance and function while the laboratory restoration is made.
When the final bridge returns from the laboratory, the clinician checks fit, color and bite before permanently cementing the restoration. Minor adjustments may be made to ensure comfort and proper occlusion, and patients receive instructions for care and hygiene. Follow-up visits allow the team to monitor healing and make any necessary refinements.
Daily home care is essential to extend the life of a dental bridge and protect surrounding teeth and gums. Patients should brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and clean beneath the pontic using floss threaders, interdental brushes or water flossers as recommended. An antimicrobial rinse can help control plaque in hard-to-reach areas around the restoration.
Regular professional cleanings and routine examinations allow your dentist to catch early signs of decay, gum disease or restoration wear. Avoiding very hard or sticky foods and protecting teeth during sports or bruxism with a night guard can reduce the risk of chipping or loosening. Consistent maintenance and timely attention to changes in fit or comfort help preserve both the bridge and the health of adjacent teeth.
With proper care, quality materials and regular dental follow-up, bridges commonly last many years and often a decade or longer. Longevity depends on factors such as the type of bridge, the materials used, the health of supporting teeth and the patient's oral hygiene habits. High-strength ceramics and modern laboratory techniques contribute to improved wear resistance and esthetics over older materials.
Habits that increase stress on a restoration—such as clenching, grinding or chewing very hard foods—can shorten a bridge's useful life. Smoking and uncontrolled periodontal disease also reduce longevity by compromising gum and bone health. Regular monitoring and early intervention when problems arise help maximize the service life of the restoration.
Possible complications with dental bridges include decay or fracture of the abutment teeth, loosening of the restoration and inflammation of the surrounding gums. Poor oral hygiene or untreated gum disease increases these risks and can undermine the support for a bridge. Material failures, such as chipping of ceramic, are uncommon but possible and can usually be repaired or replaced depending on severity.
Implant-supported bridges carry surgical risks such as infection, insufficient osseointegration or nerve irritation, although careful planning and sterile technique reduce these chances. Addressing underlying periodontal issues, following post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments minimizes complications and promotes predictable outcomes. Discussing individual health factors, medications and habits with the dental team further helps identify and mitigate potential risks.
Yes, a bridge can be replaced or converted to an implant-supported solution later if clinical conditions allow. Over time a bridge may need replacement because of wear, changes in adjacent teeth or evolving treatment goals. When considering conversion to implants, the clinician evaluates bone volume and may recommend bone grafting to recreate adequate support if significant resorption has occurred.
The transition typically involves removing the existing restoration, planning implant positions with digital imaging and placing implants with a staged or immediate protocol based on case complexity. Temporary restorations maintain function during healing and the final prosthesis is fabricated to integrate with the new implant support. A well-coordinated approach preserves oral health while upgrading the restoration to meet long-term functional and aesthetic objectives.
