At Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we understand that losing a tooth changes more than the way your smile looks — it changes how your mouth works and how you feel about yourself. This page outlines why timely tooth replacement matters, the modern bridge options available, and how we guide patients through each step of treatment with careful planning and compassionate care.
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding structures adapt to the new situation. Adjacent teeth can slowly tip or drift into the empty space, which can alter your bite and create areas that are harder to clean. Over time these changes increase the risk of decay and gum problems because toothbrushes and floss may no longer reach effectively between shifting teeth.
Missing teeth can also affect chewing efficiency and speech. A single missing molar can change how force is distributed across your bite, making other teeth work harder and increasing wear. When front teeth are missing, you may notice subtle changes in your pronunciation or feel self-conscious speaking and smiling in social settings.
Beyond the teeth themselves, the jawbone responds to the absence of normal stimulation. Without tooth roots or implants to provide that stimulation, the bone slowly remodels and resorbs. This gradual loss of bone volume can change facial contours and make future restorative options more complex, which is why many clinicians recommend addressing gaps sooner rather than later.
Today’s restorative dentistry offers predictable ways to rebuild a smile so it looks natural and performs reliably. Dental bridges replace the visible portion of missing teeth and restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile without obvious gaps. Bridges are fabricated to match surrounding teeth in color and shape, helping them blend seamlessly into the smile.
While bridges restore the crown portion of missing teeth, implant-supported solutions go a step further by replacing missing roots as well. When implants are used as supports for a bridge, they anchor the restoration directly to the jawbone, which improves stability and helps preserve bone volume over time. This combination often delivers the most lifelike form and function.
Choosing the right approach depends on the health of the remaining teeth, bone availability, and your long-term goals for comfort and maintenance. Our approach is to discuss the advantages and limitations of each option in plain language so you can make a decision that fits your lifestyle and expectations.
There are several bridge designs, and each is suited to specific clinical situations. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support one or more artificial teeth (pontics). This solution is robust and well-proven when the abutment teeth are healthy and can support crowns.
Cantilever bridges work similarly but are supported from only one side when a second abutment isn’t available or advisable. Resin-bonded or “Maryland” bridges use a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth and can be a conservative option for replacing a front tooth when minimal tooth alteration is preferred.
Implant-supported bridges are the most conservative to neighboring teeth because they don’t rely on natural teeth for support. Instead, implants are placed in the jaw to anchor the bridge. This option is particularly valuable when multiple adjacent teeth are missing or when preserving bone and long-term stability are priorities.
Good planning is essential for predictable results. Before any bridge is made, we perform a thorough evaluation that includes oral health screening, bite analysis, and, when needed, 3D imaging to assess bone and root positions. That information helps us design a restorative plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.
If active gum disease or significant decay is present, those conditions must be treated first. Healthy gums and stable supporting teeth are critical to the longevity of any bridge. In cases where bone volume is insufficient for implants, bone grafting or other preparatory procedures can create a stable foundation for long-term success.
We also discuss practical considerations such as the materials best suited to your case, esthetic preferences, and how each option will be maintained. Our goal is to minimize surprises by mapping out the sequence of care and explaining what to expect during each phase of treatment.
For a traditional fixed bridge, treatment typically spans multiple visits. The supporting teeth are prepared, impressions or digital scans are taken, and a temporary restoration is placed while the laboratory fabricates the final bridge. Temporary restorations protect prepared teeth and allow us to refine appearance and function before final cementation.
When implants are part of the plan, the process includes a surgical phase to place the implants, followed by a healing period that allows the implants to integrate with bone. Some patients receive provisional restorations during this time so they can maintain a natural appearance and reasonable function as healing progresses.
After the permanent bridge is placed, it’s normal to experience a short period of adjustment as your bite settles. We review oral hygiene techniques specific to bridges, and schedule follow-up visits to check fit and comfort. With routine care — brushing, flossing around the restoration, and regular dental exams — bridges can provide reliable service for many years.
In summary, dental bridges are a versatile, time-tested option for replacing missing teeth and restoring function and confidence. Whether you’re considering a traditional fixed bridge or an implant-supported solution, our team is ready to walk you through the clinical considerations and help you choose the best path forward. Contact us for more information or to discuss whether a bridge is the right solution for your smile.
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 are 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 Dodson Brothers Dentistry, 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 Dodson Brothers Dentistry, 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.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap created by those teeth. It typically consists of one or more artificial teeth called pontics that are joined to crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth or attached to dental implants. The bridge restores the visible portion of the missing teeth so you can chew, speak, and smile without an obvious gap.
Bridges are custom fabricated to match the color, shape, and size of surrounding teeth so they blend with your smile. When supported by natural teeth, the abutment teeth are prepared to receive crowns that hold the bridge securely in place. When supported by implants, the bridge is anchored independently to the jaw, which can preserve bone and protect neighboring teeth from extra stress.
Good candidates for a dental bridge are people who have one or more missing teeth and healthy adjacent teeth or adequate jawbone to support implants. During an evaluation we assess oral health, gum status, tooth structure, and bone volume to determine whether a traditional crown-and-bridge, a resin-bonded design, or an implant-supported bridge is most appropriate. If active gum disease or extensive decay is present, those conditions are treated first to create a stable foundation.
Age alone is not a limiting factor, but long-term oral hygiene and realistic expectations for maintenance are important for success. We also consider your chewing habits, overall health, and lifestyle when recommending the most predictable option. A personalized exam and diagnostic imaging help us recommend the safest, most durable solution for your situation.
Several bridge designs are commonly used depending on the clinical situation and the location of the missing tooth. Traditional fixed bridges use crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support pontics and are a strong, well-established option when those abutment teeth are healthy and can be crowned. Cantilever bridges anchor a pontic to a single abutment when support on one side is preferable, though they are used selectively to reduce stress on the supporting tooth.
Resin-bonded or Maryland bridges use a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth and are often chosen for replacing a front tooth with minimal tooth preparation. Implant-supported bridges are used when preserving neighboring teeth is a priority or when multiple adjacent teeth are missing; implants replace the roots and anchor the bridge without altering natural teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone, so they do not rely on natural teeth for support. This approach reduces or eliminates the need to alter adjacent healthy teeth and helps maintain bone volume by restoring the stimulation that tooth roots normally provide. For patients missing several adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges can offer superior stability and a more natural feel during chewing.
Because implants require a surgical placement and a healing period for osseointegration, the overall treatment timeline is longer than for a traditional bridge. However, implant-supported restorations often provide improved long-term function and may reduce the risk of future problems in neighboring teeth. A thorough evaluation, including 3D imaging when indicated, helps determine whether implant support is feasible and beneficial for your case.
The process for a traditional fixed bridge generally involves several steps over multiple visits, beginning with a comprehensive exam and treatment planning. On the first restorative visit the abutment teeth are prepared by reshaping their surfaces to receive crowns, then impressions or digital scans are taken to fabricate the final bridge. A temporary restoration is placed to protect the prepared teeth and to help you maintain function and appearance while the laboratory constructs the permanent bridge.
When the final bridge is ready, it is tried in, adjusted for fit and bite, and then permanently cemented to the abutment teeth. You may experience a short adjustment period as the bite settles and you become accustomed to the restoration. Follow-up visits allow the dentist to verify fit and make any necessary refinements to ensure comfort and longevity.
Preparing for a long-lasting bridge begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a clinical exam, bite analysis, and imaging to assess tooth and bone condition. Any active gum disease or significant decay must be treated before placing a bridge because healthy supporting tissues are critical to its success. When bone volume is insufficient for implant support, procedures such as bone grafting can be performed to create a stable foundation.
The planning phase also includes discussing suitable materials and esthetic goals so the final restoration meets your expectations. We map out the sequence of care, explain what to expect at each stage, and provide instructions to protect prepared teeth during the temporary phase. Clear communication and careful preparation help minimize surprises and improve long-term outcomes.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush twice daily, and clean under the pontic using floss with a threader or an interdental brush to remove plaque and debris. Regular professional cleanings and exams help detect issues early, and avoiding hard or sticky foods reduces the risk of damage or dislodgement.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies depending on factors such as oral hygiene, the health of the abutment teeth and gums, the materials used, and the amount of bite stress the restoration endures. With consistent home care and regular dental checkups, many bridges provide reliable service for a decade or longer, and some last significantly longer when well maintained. Poor hygiene, untreated gum disease, or excessive biting forces can shorten a bridge's functional life.
Routine examinations allow the dentist to monitor the condition of the bridge and supporting teeth so minor issues can be addressed before they become major problems. If a bridge shows signs of failure such as recurring decay under an abutment or loosening, the restoration can often be repaired or replaced depending on the clinical findings. Proactive maintenance is the best way to extend the useful life of any restoration.
Like any dental restoration, bridges carry potential risks that patients should understand before treatment. Common concerns include decay or fracture of the abutment teeth, gum inflammation around the restoration, and eventual wear or loosening of the bridge. In some cases, an improperly fitting restoration can alter the bite, leading to discomfort or increased wear on other teeth.
Many risks can be minimized through meticulous oral hygiene, regular professional care, and careful treatment planning to select the most appropriate design and materials. If complications do occur, early intervention often preserves options for repair or replacement and helps protect overall oral health.
To determine whether a bridge is the best solution for your missing teeth, schedule a consultation at our Kihei office for a thorough evaluation and treatment discussion. During the visit we review your dental and medical history, perform an oral exam, and recommend any necessary imaging so we can present options that match your anatomy and goals. We explain the advantages and limitations of each approach in plain language to help you make an informed choice.
The outcome is a personalized treatment plan that outlines the recommended sequence of care, what to expect during each phase, and the maintenance steps needed for long-term success. Our team focuses on gentle, individualized care and will answer your questions so you feel confident moving forward with the option that best supports your oral health and lifestyle.
Have questions, need to schedule an appointment, or want to learn more about our services?
Our friendly team is ready to assist you. At Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we make connecting with us easy, convenient, and stress-free.
