Dental Bridges
In Charlotte
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you probably want to know the best way to restore the gap in your smile. An untreated gap can make it difficult to chew, speak clearly, or smile with confidence. It can also cause your remaining teeth to shift, leading to bite misalignment and jaw discomfort.
At Piedmont Dentistry in Charlotte, Dr. Gabrielle Williams and our experienced team create custom dental bridges to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Using high-quality materials and advanced techniques, we help patients regain both function and confidence.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that “bridges” the gap left by one or more missing teeth. The bridge is anchored in place using either healthy natural teeth or dental implants, allowing you to regain proper chewing ability, speech, and aesthetics.
Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal, to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Who Needs Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge may be the right solution if you’ve lost teeth due to:
- Tooth decay or gum disease
- Trauma or injury
- Failed root canal or extraction
If you’re missing teeth, a dental bridge can correct the following issues:
- Problems biting and chewing correctly
- Stress on the jaw and surrounding teeth
- Uneven wear on the tooth surfaces
- Self-consciousness about your smile
If you’re not a candidate for dental implants, a bridge may be the best alternative. To qualify, you generally need
healthy teeth on both sides of the gap to support the bridge—or, if needed,
dental implants can be used as anchors. Gum health is also important, so any
periodontal issues should be addressed before treatment.
Types of Dental Bridges
At our Charlotte Dentist Office, we offer several types of bridges to meet your needs:
- Traditional fixed bridge – This is one or several adjoining prosthetic teeth that attach to the adjacent healthy teeth. The healthy teeth are usually covered with a crown to provide stronger support.
- Maryland dental bridge – This resin-bonded bridge is usually used to replace front teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth, which has a wing that extends to the side. We bond that wing to the back of the adjacent tooth to keep the prosthetic in place.
- Implant-supported bridge – This two-step process involves inserting implants into your gums. Once those are affixed, we anchor the false teeth to the implants. This is an ideal solution for high-pressure areas, such as molars or missing teeth that don’t have an adjacent tooth to anchor to.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Procedure Take?
Once you decide to replace your missing teeth with bridges, you should have your new smile in about two appointments:
First Appointment
- Teeth are reshaped (if needed) to support the bridge, or implants are placed.
- Impressions of your mouth are taken to ensure a natural fit.
- A temporary bridge is placed while your permanent one is custom-made.
Second Appointment
- The temporary bridge is removed.
- Your permanent dental bridge is securely placed.
- The dentist checks your bite and makes adjustments for comfort.
- You’ll receive care instructions to help your bridge last.
With proper care, a
dental bridge can last 7–10 years or longer.
If you live in the Charlotte, NC, area and wonder whether you should replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge, contact us. We will set up a consultation to restore your beautiful smile.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Restore chewing and speaking ability
- Prevent teeth from shifting into gaps
- Maintain proper jaw alignment
- Improve confidence with a full smile
- Long-lasting solution with regular dental care
What is a dental bridge, and who is a candidate?
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to adjacent teeth or implants. You are a good candidate if the supporting teeth are healthy and strong, and you want a fixed (non-removable) solution.
What types of bridges do you offer at Piedmont Dentistry?
We offer:
- Traditional fixed bridges, which use crowns on adjacent teeth to support the pontic
- Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges, often for front teeth
- Implant-supported bridges, when adjacent teeth are not available or ideal
How many visits are required, and how long does the process take?
Typically, two main appointments are needed. In the first, we prepare abutment teeth (or place implants), take impressions, and fit a temporary bridge. In the second, we install the final bridge, adjusting fit and bite. With implants, additional healing time may be required.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good oral hygiene and regular care, a dental bridge can last 10 years or more. However, its longevity depends on how well the supporting teeth, gums, and bridge are maintained.
How do I care for my bridge, and are there risks?
You should brush and floss daily (including beneath the pontic using special floss or floss threaders). Avoid hard foods, and maintain regular dental visits. Over time, gum disease, decay on abutment teeth, or wear can affect your bridge — that’s why follow-up and care are essential.