Restore Your Smile with a Custom Dental Bridge from Whiteman Dental Associates
Missing teeth can affect more than your smile. They can change the way you eat, speak, and even how your bite feels. At Whiteman Dental Associates, we create custom dental bridges that restore your appearance, protect your oral health, and help you feel confident again. Each bridge is designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, so it looks and feels like a part of your smile.
We approach every restoration with precision, artistry, and care. From the materials we select to the way we tailor your treatment, our focus is on achieving results that look natural, feel comfortable, and last for years.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is anchored in place by crowns on the teeth next to the gap or by dental implants. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, is crafted to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.
Bridges do more than fill a space in your smile. They help maintain proper bite alignment, support facial structure, and prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of place. For many patients, they are a dependable and long-lasting solution to tooth loss.
How a Dental Bridge Works
A bridge works by spanning the space left by missing teeth. Crowns or implants on either side of the gap serve as anchors, holding the bridge securely in position. The pontic in the middle restores the look and function of a natural tooth.
There are several ways a bridge can be anchored:
- Traditional bridges use crowns on both sides of the gap.
- Cantilever bridges are supported on only one side when there is no tooth available on the other.
- Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors for enhanced strength and stability.
Your bridge is carefully shaped to fit your bite and match the contours of your smile, so it feels natural when you eat, speak, and smile.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
At Whiteman Dental Associates, we offer several bridge designs to suit different needs:
Traditional Bridges
The most common type. These are anchored by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. They are strong, reliable, and a great option for many patients.
Cantilever Bridges
Used when a tooth is only available on one side of the gap. While not as common, they can be a practical solution in specific situations.
Maryland Bridges
These use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. They require minimal alteration to surrounding teeth and are often used for front teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Anchored by dental implants instead of natural teeth, these provide maximum stability and help preserve jawbone health.
We’ll recommend the option that best suits your oral health, aesthetic goals, and long-term needs.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge may be right for you if:
- You are missing one or more teeth in a row.
- You have healthy teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
- Your gums are healthy and free from active periodontal disease.
- Your bite is stable and can support the restoration.
The best way to find out is through a consultation, where we’ll examine your mouth, take any necessary imaging, and talk through your treatment options.
The Dental Bridge Process in Brookline
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
We start with a full examination, including digital X-rays if needed. We’ll discuss your goals, review your options, and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
If your bridge will be supported by crowns, we reshape the anchor teeth to make space for the crowns. If you’re receiving an implant-supported bridge, the implants will be placed first and allowed to heal before the bridge is attached.
Step 3: Impressions
We take detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth to ensure the bridge fits precisely and matches your natural bite.
Step 4: Temporary Bridge
A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth and maintain appearance while your permanent bridge is being made.
Step 5: Final Placement
Once your custom bridge is ready, we fit it, make adjustments, and bond or secure it into place. We check your bite and make sure it feels natural.
Step 6: Follow-Up
We’ll see you for a follow-up visit to ensure your bridge is fitting well and that you’re comfortable.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge offers more than just a complete smile. It supports your oral health, function, and overall confidence in ways you can feel every day.
Restores Comfortable Chewing and Clear Speech
Missing teeth can make it difficult to bite into certain foods or pronounce words clearly. A bridge brings back a stable, even surface for chewing and helps you speak naturally without adjusting your bite.
Supports Your Facial Structure
Teeth play an important role in maintaining the shape of your face. By filling the gap, a bridge helps support your lips and cheeks, preventing a sunken or aged appearance.
Prevents Unwanted Tooth Movement
When a gap is left unfilled, neighboring teeth can slowly shift out of place. This can affect your bite and lead to further dental issues. A bridge holds the surrounding teeth in their proper position.
Blends Seamlessly with Your Smile
Your bridge is custom-designed to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Once in place, it’s virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
Provides Long-Lasting Results with Good Care
With proper at-home care and regular dental checkups, a bridge can last for many years, making it a reliable and worthwhile investment in your oral health.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Daily oral hygiene is essential to keep your bridge and surrounding teeth healthy. We’ll show you how to use special floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean under the pontic.
Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and keeping up with regular checkups will help your bridge last as long as possible.
It’s also best to avoid biting into very hard foods with your bridge to prevent unnecessary wear or damage.
Why Choose Whiteman Dental for Your Bridge?
At Whiteman Dental Associates, every bridge is crafted with the same care and attention we’d give to a member of our own family. We see each restoration as an opportunity to restore not only your smile but also your comfort and confidence.
Our approach is carefully balanced to ensure your bridge works in harmony with your bite, supports your long-term oral health, and blends naturally with your other teeth. We choose high-quality materials for their strength, durability, and lifelike appearance, so your bridge feels as good as it looks.
Throughout the process, you’ll experience our calm and welcoming environment, where your comfort is always a priority. Many of our patients have trusted us for decades, and we value these relationships built on consistent care, exceptional results, and mutual trust.
Every bridge we create is as individual as the person wearing it and designed to fit naturally into your life as well as your smile.
Book Your Dental Bridge Consultation in Brookline
If you’re living with missing teeth, a custom dental bridge could restore your smile and your confidence. Call Whiteman Dental Associates today to schedule your consultation. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, making sure you feel informed, supported, and excited about your results.