At Suss Dental Group in Bergenfield, New Jersey, we help patients rebuild confident, functional smiles after tooth loss. Dental bridges are a time-tested restorative option that can return chewing ability, improve speech, and restore a natural appearance without the need for a removable appliance. Below you’ll find a clear, patient-focused overview of how bridges work, when they make sense, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
A lost tooth doesn’t just leave an empty space — it alters how your mouth functions. Teeth around a gap tend to drift toward the opening, which changes bite relationships and can create uneven wear on the remaining dentition. That shifting can make chewing less efficient and, over time, contribute to jaw discomfort or changes in facial appearance.
Missing teeth in one arch also affect teeth in the opposing arch: teeth without an opposing contact can gradually over-erupt, creating further misalignment and making restorative care more complicated. Additionally, gaps can make daily hygiene more challenging, trapping food and bacteria in new places and increasing the risk of decay and gum problems on adjacent teeth.
Addressing a missing tooth promptly helps maintain the balance of your bite and reduces the chances of more complex problems later. A well-designed bridge restores contact and contour so the forces of chewing are distributed more evenly and your oral health remains more stable.
Today’s restorative dentistry offers several ways to replace missing teeth, and the best choice depends on your oral health, anatomy, and personal goals. Bridges remain a strong option for many patients because they provide a fixed solution that feels like natural teeth and doesn’t require removal for cleaning. They can be an efficient way to restore one or several adjacent teeth when supporting structures are healthy.
Advances in materials and lab processes mean modern bridges are more lifelike and durable than ever. Ceramic and zirconia restorations can match surrounding teeth in color and translucency, while precision-fit metal-ceramic designs offer exceptional strength where needed. Because of these improvements, bridges can deliver excellent function and esthetics for many years with proper care.
Choosing the right restoration is a collaborative process. During your consultation we’ll review your oral health, take diagnostic images, and discuss how a bridge compares to other options like implants or removable prosthetics so you can make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth (pontics) supported either by crowned natural teeth or by dental implants. In addition to restoring appearance, a bridge reestablishes chewing contacts, supports proper speech, and prevents neighboring teeth from moving into the empty space.
Bridges are often recommended when the adjacent teeth are healthy enough to support a restoration or when implants are not the best immediate choice due to anatomy, bone volume, or patient preference. They are a predictable, conservative option when placed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Because every mouth is unique, the decision to use a bridge considers the health of the remaining teeth, gum tissue, and bone, along with your personal expectations. Our goal is to select an approach that preserves as much natural structure as possible while delivering long-term function and a natural appearance.
Bridges come in several designs, each suited to particular clinical situations. Traditional fixed bridges use crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support one or more pontics; they are durable and well-suited to spaces where the supporting teeth are strong and healthy. Cantilever bridges are a variation used when support is available on only one side of the gap.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of natural teeth as anchors. Because implants behave like tooth roots, they can support multiple replacement teeth without altering adjacent healthy teeth — a major advantage when preserving natural tooth structure is a priority. Implant bridges also help maintain bone volume in the jaw by transmitting functional forces to the surrounding bone.
Material choices matter as well: all-ceramic and zirconia bridges offer superior esthetics and biocompatibility, while porcelain-fused-to-metal options can provide added strength in high-stress areas. We’ll recommend the design and material that best match your bite, esthetic needs, and long-term goals.
Before fabricating any bridge, a thorough examination is essential. This includes a review of your dental and medical history, clinical evaluation, and imaging to assess tooth roots and jawbone. Healthy gums and solid support teeth or adequate bone for implants are prerequisites for a lasting result; any active gum disease must be treated first to reduce the risk of future complications.
For traditional bridges, the abutment teeth must be evaluated for strength and decay; sometimes root canal treatment or additional restorative work is needed to prepare them. For implant-supported solutions, we assess bone volume and quality—bone grafting or sinus augmentation may be recommended when additional support is required for predictable implant placement.
All treatment plans are customized. We’ll discuss relevant steps such as periodontal care, pre-restorative treatments, and realistic timelines so you understand what’s involved and can plan accordingly. Our priority is to create a healthy foundation so your bridge performs reliably for years to come.
The traditional bridge process typically unfolds over a few appointments. It begins with preparation of the abutment teeth: a conservative reshaping so crowns will sit securely. After impressions or digital scans are taken, a temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth while the final restoration is crafted in the dental laboratory.
At the placement visit, we remove the temporaries and check the fit, color, and bite of the definitive bridge. Fine adjustments ensure comfortable occlusion and natural contours. Once you and the clinician are satisfied, the bridge is permanently cemented. We’ll review home care and any short-term sensitivity you might experience as the surrounding tissues settle.
Long-term success relies on excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. With good home care and professional monitoring, a well-made traditional bridge can function effectively for many years. If any concerns arise, we’re available to evaluate and make precise adjustments when needed.
Implant-supported bridges begin with careful surgical planning and imaging to place implants in positions that provide optimal support. The surgical stage places titanium implants in the jawbone — a procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation options available to improve comfort. Healing time varies, but osseointegration (the fusion of bone to implant) typically takes several months.
During healing, a temporary prosthesis can often be provided to maintain esthetics and function. Once integration is complete, the final bridge is attached to implant abutments and fine-tuned for fit and bite. Because implants stabilize the bridge independently of nearby natural teeth, this approach preserves adjacent tooth structure and restores chewing forces more naturally.
After placement, routine care includes regular professional checkups and consistent home hygiene. Implant-supported restorations demand the same attention as natural teeth: daily cleaning and periodic maintenance visits help ensure longevity and a healthy surrounding tissue environment.
Summary: Dental bridges are a versatile, reliable way to replace missing teeth and restore comfort, function, and appearance. Whether you are considering a traditional fixed bridge or an implant-supported solution, our team in Bergenfield will guide you through a personalized plan tailored to your needs. Contact us to learn more and schedule a consultation to discuss which option is right 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 get 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 Suss Dental Group, 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 Suss Dental Group, 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 restorative appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics supported by adjacent abutment teeth or dental implants. Bridges restore the form and function of natural teeth and are fabricated to match the color and shape of surrounding dentition. They offer a stable alternative to removable prosthetics and are intended to feel and function like natural teeth.
Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge helps reestablish efficient chewing and can improve speech that was affected by the gap. By restoring contact points and contours, a bridge also helps prevent neighboring teeth from drifting and reduces uneven wear on the remaining dentition. Properly designed bridges support long-term oral health when combined with good hygiene and routine professional care.
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by relying on adjacent teeth or implants for support, while a dental implant replaces the tooth root with a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. Implants preserve bone by transmitting chewing forces to the underlying bone, whereas traditional bridges do not replace the root and therefore do not provide the same bone-preserving stimulus. Both solutions restore function and esthetics, but they differ in the way they interact with surrounding oral structures.
The choice between a bridge and an implant depends on factors such as the health of adjacent teeth, jawbone volume, medical history, and patient preferences. Bridges can be completed more quickly when adjacent teeth are suitable, while implants may require surgical planning and a longer healing period for osseointegration. A comprehensive evaluation, including diagnostic imaging, helps determine the most predictable option for each patient.
Several bridge designs address different clinical situations, including the traditional fixed bridge, the cantilever bridge, the Maryland or resin-bonded bridge, and the implant-supported bridge. Traditional fixed bridges use crowns on both adjacent teeth to support one or more pontics, while cantilever designs attach to a single supporting tooth. Maryland bridges use a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth for minimally invasive replacement of a single tooth.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors and are often preferred when preserving adjacent natural teeth is a priority or when replacing multiple teeth in a row. Material choices such as all-ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal are selected based on esthetic demands, bite forces, and biocompatibility. Your clinician will recommend the design and materials that best fit your anatomy and long-term goals.
Good candidates for a dental bridge generally have healthy gums, sound supporting teeth adjacent to the gap, and good overall oral hygiene. Bridges are often recommended when neighboring teeth are strong enough to receive crowns or when implants are not immediately feasible due to bone volume or other medical considerations. A thorough clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging help determine whether a bridge offers a predictable, conservative solution for your situation.
Patients with uncontrolled periodontal disease, insufficient bone for implant placement without grafting, or poor oral hygiene may need preparatory treatment before a bridge is recommended. In some cases, alternative options such as implant therapy or removable partial dentures are more appropriate depending on long-term restoration goals. The final treatment decision is made collaboratively after reviewing clinical findings and patient preferences.
Preparation begins with a comprehensive exam that includes a review of your dental and medical history, a clinical evaluation, and diagnostic imaging to assess tooth roots and jawbone. Any active gum disease or decay must be treated first to create a healthy foundation for a long-lasting restoration. When implants are planned, the assessment may include three-dimensional imaging to evaluate bone volume and determine whether grafting or sinus augmentation is necessary.
For a traditional bridge, the abutment teeth are evaluated for strength and may require restorative work such as root canal therapy or fillings before being shaped for crowns. Digital scans or impressions are taken to capture precise measurements, and a temporary restoration protects prepared teeth while the laboratory fabricates the final bridge. Clear communication about the proposed sequence and timeline helps set realistic expectations for treatment.
The process for a traditional fixed bridge typically occurs over two or more appointments and begins with preparing the abutment teeth by gently reshaping their surfaces to accommodate crowns. After preparation, impressions or digital scans are taken to create an accurate model of the mouth, and a temporary bridge is placed to protect the teeth and maintain function while the final restoration is made. The laboratory uses these records to craft a bridge that matches your bite and the color of neighboring teeth.
At the placement visit, the clinician will remove the temporary and evaluate the fit, occlusion, and esthetics of the definitive bridge, making minor adjustments as needed for comfort. Once proper fit and function are confirmed, the bridge is permanently cemented and polished. Post-placement instructions focus on managing any short-term sensitivity and reinforcing the home care steps necessary to protect the restoration.
Implant-supported bridges begin with careful surgical planning, often using advanced imaging to determine optimal implant positions that will support the final restoration. During the surgical stage, titanium implants are placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia with sedation options available for comfort. Healing involves osseointegration, the biological process by which bone fuses to the implant surface, and this phase typically takes several months depending on the site and patient healing capacity.
Temporary prostheses are often provided during the healing period to maintain esthetics and function. After sufficient integration, abutments are attached and the final bridge is secured to the implants, with adjustments made to ensure an even bite and natural contours. Ongoing maintenance includes regular professional checkups and consistent home hygiene to preserve implant health and surrounding tissues.
Common materials for bridges include all-ceramic restorations, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal options, each offering different balances of esthetics, strength, and biocompatibility. All-ceramic and zirconia provide excellent color matching and translucency for front teeth, while porcelain-fused-to-metal or reinforced zirconia may be selected for posterior areas where higher bite forces occur. Material selection depends on the location of the missing tooth, occlusal demands, and the esthetic expectations of the patient.
Your clinician will recommend a material based on clinical factors such as opposing dentition, parafunctional habits, and any allergies or sensitivities to restorative materials. Laboratory techniques and digital workflows also influence the precision and longevity of the final restoration. A carefully chosen material contributes to a natural appearance and the long-term success of the bridge.
Daily oral hygiene is essential for the longevity of a dental bridge and includes brushing twice a day and cleaning beneath the pontic with floss, a floss threader, or an interdental cleaner. Removing plaque and food debris from around abutment teeth prevents decay and gum inflammation that could compromise support for the bridge. Using a soft-bristled brush and a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste helps protect both the restoration and natural tooth structure.
Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings allow your clinician to monitor the bridge, evaluate the health of supporting teeth or implants, and make timely adjustments if needed. Avoiding excessive forces such as chewing on hard objects and addressing parafunctional habits like bruxism with night guards when indicated can reduce undue stress on the restoration. Promptly reporting any looseness, discomfort, or changes in bite ensures early intervention and helps preserve the bridge.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies with factors such as the design, materials, quality of oral hygiene, and the health of supporting teeth or implants, but well-maintained bridges commonly function for many years. Regular professional care, consistent home hygiene, and avoidance of habits that place excessive force on the restoration all contribute to durability. Periodic evaluations allow the dental team to detect developing issues early and take preventive steps to extend the service life of the prosthesis.
If you notice increased sensitivity, mobility of the bridge, changes in your bite, or signs of gum inflammation, you should schedule an appointment for evaluation as soon as possible. The team at Suss Dental Group in Bergenfield can assess the restoration, diagnose underlying causes, and recommend conservative repairs or replacements when indicated. Timely attention to concerns helps protect oral health and maintain the function and appearance of your restoration.
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Contacting Suss Dental Group is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
