Restoring Your Smile with Precision and Lasting Comfort
Missing teeth can affect not only how your smile looks, but also how you eat, speak, and feel each day. At Whiteman Dental Associates in Boston, we create custom dental bridges that restore balance, stability, and confidence. Each restoration is designed to blend naturally with your teeth, giving you both comfort and a seamless appearance.
We approach every bridge with careful attention to detail—from the materials we select to the way your bite is shaped and adjusted. Our goal is to create a restoration that looks natural, functions smoothly, and supports your long-term oral health.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth between healthy supporting teeth or dental implants. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, fills the space left by the missing tooth and is carefully shaped and colored to match your natural enamel.
Bridges are not only aesthetic—they’re functional and preventative as well. They help keep neighboring teeth from drifting out of place, preserve your bite alignment, and prevent uneven pressure on surrounding teeth.
At Whiteman Dental Associates, every bridge is tailored to your unique bite, ensuring it feels natural and secure. The result is a restoration that restores more than your smile—it restores everyday comfort and confidence.
How a Dental Bridge Works
A dental bridge fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. Crowns or dental implants act as anchors on either side of the gap, holding the bridge firmly in place.
The bridge includes:
- Anchors: Crowns or implants that secure the bridge.
- Pontic: The artificial tooth that replaces the missing one.
- Framework: The structure that connects and supports the entire restoration.
Different anchoring methods are available, depending on your oral health and treatment goals.
Traditional Bridges
Supported by crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, traditional bridges offer strong, reliable support and a natural feel.
Cantilever Bridges
Used when a tooth is only available on one side of the gap, cantilever bridges provide stability without requiring multiple anchors.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth, these bridges provide exceptional strength and help preserve jawbone health.
Each design is custom-fitted to your bite and created to restore natural function when chewing and speaking.
Types of Dental Bridges Available at Whiteman Dental Associates
We provide several bridge options, each designed for long-lasting performance and aesthetic integration with your smile.
Traditional Bridges
The most common type, supported by crowns on neighboring teeth. They are ideal for patients with healthy anchor teeth.
Maryland Bridges
These bridges use a thin framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring minimal alteration to natural enamel. They are often recommended for front teeth.
Cantilever Bridges
Supported by a single anchor tooth, cantilever bridges can be effective in specific cases, particularly when spacing limits other options.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For patients missing multiple teeth, implant-supported bridges offer the strongest and most stable solution. They are fixed directly to dental implants, eliminating the need for crowns on healthy teeth.
During your consultation, Dr. Whiteman will explain which type best suits your needs based on your oral health, the number of missing teeth, and your long-term goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
You may be a strong candidate for a dental bridge if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth in a row
- Have healthy surrounding teeth or dental implants for support
- Have good oral hygiene and gum health
- Want a fixed, non-removable restoration
- Are looking for a natural-looking, long-term replacement option
Every case begins with a detailed evaluation. We’ll take imaging, review your medical and dental history, and discuss your lifestyle to determine the best treatment plan.
The Dental Bridge Process at Whiteman Dental Associates
We make the process straightforward and comfortable, guiding you through every stage.
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
We begin with a thorough examination and digital imaging. Dr. Whiteman will assess your oral health and explain your options, including bridge types and materials.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation or Implant Placement
If your bridge will attach to crowns, the adjacent teeth are gently reshaped to make space for them. For implant-supported bridges, implants are surgically placed and allowed to heal before the bridge is secured.
Step 3: Impressions and Color Matching
We take precise impressions or scans to ensure the bridge fits your bite perfectly. The shade is matched to your natural enamel for a cohesive, lifelike look.
Step 4: Temporary Bridge
A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth and maintain appearance while your permanent restoration is being crafted.
Step 5: Final Bridge Placement
Once your bridge is ready, we carefully check the fit, adjust the bite, and bond or attach it in place. You’ll leave the office with a fully restored, comfortable smile.
Step 6: Follow-Up Visit
We’ll see you for a follow-up appointment to ensure everything feels comfortable and functions as it should.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge provides more than a restored smile—it helps maintain oral health and day-to-day comfort.
Restores Function and Comfort
Replacing missing teeth allows you to chew comfortably and speak clearly again.
Preserves Natural Alignment
Filling the gap prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, maintaining the integrity of your bite.
Supports Facial Structure
Bridges help maintain facial balance and prevent the sunken appearance that can occur with tooth loss.
Enhances Appearance
Each bridge is color-matched and shaped to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, restoring confidence in your smile.
Long-Lasting Durability
With proper care and maintenance, a bridge can provide reliable performance for many years.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Proper hygiene ensures the longevity of your bridge and the health of surrounding teeth and gums.
Here’s how to care for your restoration:
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use floss threaders or water flossers to clean beneath the pontic.
- Visit us regularly for cleanings and exams.
- Avoid using your bridge to bite into very hard foods.
We’ll show you specific cleaning techniques during your visit to help you maintain optimal oral health.
Why Choose Whiteman Dental Associates in Boston?
At Whiteman Dental Associates, every restoration is designed to feel natural, function smoothly, and last for years. We take a patient-centered approach that prioritizes communication, comfort, and detail.
Each bridge is shaped and shaded to complement your features, your bite, and your overall smile design. Dr. Whiteman’s extensive experience in restorative dentistry allows him to create results that are as reliable as they are aesthetic.
Our boutique-style practice provides a calm, welcoming environment where care is never rushed. From the initial consultation through placement and follow-up, you can expect a consistent standard of professionalism, honesty, and warmth.
Insurance and Cost Information
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bridges when they are medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits and explain what portion is covered, ensuring complete clarity before treatment begins.
For those without insurance, we offer flexible payment options to make your care accessible. Karen, our office manager, will provide a detailed breakdown of costs and help you explore options that best fit your situation.
Book Your Dental Bridge Consultation in Boston
If you’re missing one or more teeth, a custom dental bridge can restore your smile, comfort, and confidence. At Whiteman Dental Associates, we’ll help you explore your options and design a restoration that feels as natural as it looks.
Every bridge is made with precision, artistry, and a commitment to your long-term oral health. You’ll receive honest guidance, detailed communication, and care focused entirely on your comfort and goals.
Call today to schedule your dental bridge consultation or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you restore your smile with care that feels both personal and lasting.
Your Dental Bridge Questions Answered
Can a dental bridge replace more than one tooth?
Yes. A bridge can replace multiple teeth in a row, depending on the strength of the supporting teeth or implants.
How long does a dental bridge procedure take?
Typically, two to three visits are needed from preparation to placement, depending on the complexity of your case.
Will I be able to eat normally after getting a bridge?
Once your permanent bridge is in place, you can eat most foods comfortably. We recommend avoiding very sticky or hard foods in the first few days.
How soon after tooth loss can I get a bridge?
Once the gums and surrounding tissues have healed from extraction, a bridge can often be placed within a few weeks.
Do dental bridges feel bulky or unnatural?
No. Each bridge is shaped to fit your bite and match your natural tooth contours, providing a smooth, balanced feel.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
Leaving a gap can cause neighboring teeth to shift, alter your bite, and increase the risk of further dental problems.
Can my bridge be repaired if it becomes damaged?
Minor damage can sometimes be repaired, but in most cases, replacing the bridge ensures the best fit and stability.
How long do bridges usually last?
With proper care, most bridges last 10 to 15 years or more. Consistent hygiene and regular dental visits help extend their lifespan.
Can I floss normally with a bridge?
Yes—with the right tools. We’ll show you how to use floss threaders or water flossers to clean effectively under your bridge.
Are there alternatives to a dental bridge?
Yes. Dental implants or partial dentures can also replace missing teeth. During your consultation, we’ll explain the differences so you can choose the best option for your needs.