Dental Bridge

Restore Your Complete Smile With Dental Bridges

A missing tooth does more than affect your smile. It can change the way you chew, shift your bite, and even cause neighboring teeth to drift out of place over time. At Meridian Dental Care, we offer custom dental bridges to fill those gaps and restore your bite to full strength. As a trusted dentist in Puyallup, Washington, our team takes a personalized approach to every restoration, helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth, called a pontic, to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. Those supporting teeth, known as abutments, are fitted with crowns that hold the bridge securely in place. Once bonded, a dental bridge functions like your natural teeth, letting you chew comfortably and speak clearly without worrying about gaps or shifting.

At Meridian Dental Care, our dentists, Dr. Brus, Dr. Hobson, Dr. Kim, Dr. Lim, and Dr. Park, design each dental bridge to match the color, shape, and fit of your existing teeth for a seamless, natural-looking result.

Types of Dental Bridges

Not every patient needs the same kind of bridge. During your consultation, we will help determine which option fits your needs best.

• Traditional Dental Bridge: The most common type, supported by crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
• Cantilever Bridge: Used when there is only one adjacent tooth available to support the restoration.
• Maryland Bridge: A conservative option that uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of neighboring teeth rather than crowns.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth, often recommended when several teeth in a row are missing.

Benefits of a Dental Bridge

Choosing a dental bridge to replace missing teeth offers several lasting advantages.

• Restored Chewing Function: A bridge allows you to eat a full range of foods without discomfort.
• Improved Speech: Gaps from missing teeth can affect pronunciation. A bridge fills that space and supports clearer speech.
• Maintained Facial Structure: Replacing missing teeth helps prevent the sunken appearance that can develop when teeth are left unaddressed.
• Prevents Shifting Teeth: A bridge holds the surrounding teeth in their proper position, reducing the risk of bite problems down the road.
• Natural Appearance: Modern materials allow your bridge to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

The Dental Bridge Process

Getting a dental bridge at Meridian Dental Care typically involves the following steps.

1. Consultation and Exam: We evaluate your oral health and discuss whether a dental bridge is the right solution for your missing tooth or teeth.
2. Preparing the Abutment Teeth: The supporting teeth are reshaped to accommodate the crowns that will anchor your bridge.
3. Impressions and Temporary Bridge: We take impressions to create your custom bridge and place a temporary one to protect your teeth while it is made.
4. Placing the Permanent Bridge: Once your custom restoration is ready, we check the fit, make any needed adjustments, and bond it securely into place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dental bridge last?

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer.

Does getting a dental bridge hurt?

The procedure is done with local anesthesia, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during placement.

How do I care for my dental bridge?

Brush and floss daily, including under the bridge with a floss threader or water flosser, and keep up with regular dental visits.

Can a dental bridge be combined with implants?

Yes. An implant-supported bridge is often recommended when multiple teeth in a row need to be replaced.

Restore Your Smile with a Dental Bridge Today

Living with a gap in your smile does not have to be permanent. A custom dental bridge from Meridian Dental Care can restore your bite, protect your remaining teeth, and give you back the confidence to smile without hesitation. Our experienced team takes the time to walk you through your options and recommend the solution that fits your needs and your budget.

If you are ready to talk with a dentist in Puyallup, Washington who will treat you like family, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you take the next step toward a complete, healthy smile.