2633 W State Rd
Suite 434
Longwood, FL 32779
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2633 W State Rd
Suite 434
Longwood, FL 32779
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At True Vine Dental Care, we help patients rebuild smiles that look natural and work reliably. When a tooth is lost due to decay, injury, or other health reasons, the gap affects more than appearance — it changes how your bite functions, how neighboring teeth behave, and how your jawbone maintains its shape. This page explains how dental bridges work, who they help, and what you can expect as you explore fixed tooth-replacement options with our team in Longwood, FL.
Losing a tooth creates an empty space that the mouth naturally responds to. Adjacent teeth can tilt or drift into that opening over time, which shifts your bite and may create new areas that trap food and plaque. These changes can make daily cleaning more difficult and raise the risk of decay and gum problems around neighboring teeth.
Missing teeth on the opposite arch can also impact the way your bite meets, sometimes allowing teeth to over-erupt into the gap. When teeth no longer meet properly, chewing becomes less efficient and more stressful for the remaining teeth, which can accelerate wear and sensitivity.
Beyond tooth movement, tooth loss alters the way your jawbone receives stimulation. When a root is missing, the bone in that area receives less load and can resorb over time, subtly changing facial contours. Replacing missing teeth with a stable restoration helps distribute chewing forces correctly and supports long-term oral health.
A dental bridge is a non-removable restoration that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. It recreates the appearance and function of natural teeth so you can chew comfortably, speak more clearly, and smile with confidence. Because a bridge is fixed in place, it feels more like a natural tooth than many removable alternatives.
Bridges also play an important role in preserving the position of surrounding teeth. By spanning the gap, a bridge prevents neighboring teeth from shifting and helps maintain a balanced bite. That stability reduces the likelihood of future problems that could otherwise require more extensive care.
Modern materials and fabrication techniques mean bridges can be both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic and zirconia options closely mimic the translucency and color of natural enamel, allowing us to tailor a restoration that blends with your smile while standing up to daily use.
There are several approaches to bridging a gap, and the right one depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of adjacent teeth, and your oral health overall. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on the teeth next to the gap to support one or more pontics (replacement teeth). This option is reliable when the neighboring teeth are healthy and strong enough to serve as anchors.
Cantilever bridges are a variation used when support is available on only one side of the missing tooth. They require careful case selection because the forces placed on the single abutment tooth are different from those in a two-sided bridge. A Maryland or resin-bonded bridge is a more conservative option that uses a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth—this preserves more tooth structure but may not be suitable for areas of heavy biting force.
When preserving adjacent tooth structure is a priority, implant-supported bridges offer a powerful alternative. Dental implants act like artificial roots, anchoring the bridge without involving neighboring teeth. Implant-supported solutions can support multiple missing teeth and help preserve bone by transmitting biting forces directly to the jaw.
Your dentist will review these options with you based on diagnostic findings, including the condition of supporting teeth and bone. Together, you can weigh the functional goals, aesthetic expectations, and long-term benefits to reach a decision that reflects your priorities.
For a traditional bridge, treatment typically begins with a diagnostic visit and treatment planning. The abutment teeth are prepared by reshaping them to allow room for crowns. Impressions or digital scans are then taken to create a precise model for the laboratory-made restoration, and a temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth while the permanent piece is fabricated.
During the final appointment, the temporary restoration is removed and the permanent bridge is tried in for fit, color, and bite. Adjustments are made as needed before the restoration is cemented in place. After placement, it’s normal to experience mild sensitivity or a brief adjustment period as your bite settles into the new restoration.
Implant-supported bridges require surgical placement of the implant fixtures first, followed by a healing phase while the implants integrate with the jawbone. Depending on the case, a provisional restoration may be provided during healing to maintain appearance and function. Once integration is confirmed, the final bridge is attached to the implants and checked for a comfortable fit and stable occlusion.
Throughout either process, our team will explain anesthesia and sedation options, provide pre- and post-operative instructions, and remain available to address any concerns during recovery. Clear communication and careful planning help ensure predictable outcomes and a positive treatment experience.
A well-made bridge can last many years with the right care. Daily brushing and flossing around the bridge are essential to keep the supporting teeth and gums healthy. Special flossing tools, interdental brushes, or water flossers can make it easier to clean under pontics and around abutment crowns, where plaque tends to accumulate.
Routine dental examinations and professional cleanings allow your dentist to monitor the bridge and the supporting structures. Regular checkups help detect early changes in fit, wear, or gum condition so small adjustments can be made before problems progress.
Be mindful of habits that place excessive force on restorations, such as chewing ice or using teeth as tools, and report any looseness, pain, or changes in your bite to the office promptly. Early attention to those signs helps protect the restoration and the health of adjacent teeth and bone.
In summary, dental bridges are a dependable option for restoring missing teeth, preserving bite alignment, and improving daily function and appearance. If you’d like to learn whether a bridge is a suitable solution for your situation, contact us for more information and to schedule a consultation.
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 True Vine Dental Care, 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 True Vine Dental Care, 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.
