When one or more teeth are missing, the gap left behind affects much more than just your smile’s appearance; it can compromise your ability to chew effectively, alter your speech patterns, and allow remaining teeth to shift out of their proper positions. Dental bridges offer a time-tested solution that literally “bridges” the space between teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics to your smile. This proven restorative treatment has helped countless patients regain confidence in their appearance while maintaining the structural integrity of their bite.
At JAX Dental Studio, Dr. Charles Poblenz brings extensive experience in creating custom dental bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our Jacksonville team understands every patient’s needs are unique, which is why we take the time to discuss your options thoroughly and develop a treatment plan that addresses both your immediate concerns and long-term oral health goals. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or several adjacent teeth, modern bridge technology can provide a durable, attractive solution that restores your complete smile.
Dental bridges can be used to replace up to 3 consecutive missing teeth.
Dental bridges work best for patients with specific oral health conditions and missing tooth patterns that make this treatment approach ideal. The most suitable candidates have one or more missing teeth with healthy, strong teeth on either side of the gap that can serve as reliable anchor points for the bridge structure.
Good candidates for dental bridges typically have adequate bone support around the anchor teeth and maintain excellent oral hygiene habits. The teeth adjacent to the missing space should be free from significant decay, have healthy root structures, and possess sufficient enamel to support the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Patients with a stable bite and no history of teeth grinding or clenching tend to experience the best long-term success with bridge restorations.
Several factors make patients ideal candidates for dental bridge treatment:
Patients seeking a relatively quick solution for tooth replacement often find bridges appealing, as the treatment typically takes just a few weeks to complete. Those who prefer a fixed restoration that doesn’t require removal for cleaning may also favor bridges over removable partial dentures.
However, patients with insufficient bone support, extensive gum disease, or poor oral hygiene habits may need to address these issues before bridge treatment. Additionally, individuals who are candidates for dental implants might want to consider that option, as implants don’t require modification of healthy adjacent teeth. Dr. Poblenz carefully evaluates each patient’s unique situation to recommend the most appropriate tooth replacement solution.
Most dental insurance plans recognize dental bridges as a necessary restorative treatment and provide coverage for this procedure, though the extent of coverage varies significantly between different insurance providers and plan types. Traditional dental insurance typically classifies bridges as major restorative work, which generally receives coverage ranging from 50% to 80% of the total treatment cost after meeting any applicable deductibles.
The amount of coverage you receive often depends on your specific plan’s annual maximum benefit, which represents the total dollar amount your insurance will pay for dental treatments within a calendar year. Since bridges can involve multiple units and crowns, the total cost may approach or exceed these annual limits, particularly for more extensive bridge work involving several missing teeth.
Several factors influence insurance coverage for dental bridges, including the following:
Some insurance plans have specific waiting periods for major restorative procedures, meaning coverage may not be available immediately after enrolling in a new plan. Additionally, certain policies include “alternative treatment” provisions that only cover the cost of the least expensive viable treatment option, which might be a removable partial denture rather than a fixed bridge.
Understanding your insurance benefits before beginning treatment helps avoid unexpected expenses. Our team at JAX Dental Studio works closely with insurance providers to verify coverage and maximize your benefits. We’ll provide detailed treatment estimates and help you understand what portion of the bridge cost your insurance will cover, allowing you to make informed decisions about your dental care while planning for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Your dentist will clean and numb your mouth, and then begin to trim away a thin layer of enamel from the two teeth next to your missing tooth. These are known as “abutment teeth” and they will hold your crowns. Your bridge will permanently attach to these crowns.
Once your abutment teeth have been prepared, your dentist will use dental putty and trays to take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be used by a technician at a dental lab to build your dental bridge.
Depending on your needs, your dentist will place a temporary resin bridge to protect your prepared abutment teeth, or two temporary dental crowns. Either way, your prepared teeth will be covered and protected until your permanent bridge can be placed.
Once your permanent bridge is ready, usually within a few weeks, you’ll come into the office to have the bridge checked for proper fit. Minor adjustments may be made by your dentist, if necessary, to ensure that your bridge looks and feels natural. If the bridge requires larger adjustments, it will be sent back to the lab for further refinement.
Once you and your dentist have determined that the fit of your bridge feels right, they will use powerful dental cement to attach it permanently to your abutment teeth, restoring your smile and your bite.
Traditional dental bridges are made out of two crowns, which are attached permanently to “abutment teeth.” These are the healthy teeth located next to one or more missing teeth within your mouth. Between these teeth, a metal framework is used to suspend one or more “pontics” (false teeth). These false teeth literally “bridge” the gap between your missing teeth, restoring your smile.
Unlike a traditional fixed bridge, which supports your bridge using two abutment teeth, a cantilever bridge uses only a single tooth to support your bridge. In this type of bridge, a single tooth is trimmed next to your missing tooth. Then, a bridge is made that consists of a single crown and an artificial tooth. The crown is attached to your abutment tooth, and then the artificial tooth is suspended in the gap where your missing tooth used to be, restoring your smile.
Cantilever bridges are less invasive than traditional bridges, since only one tooth has to be trimmed, and they are usually less expensive than traditional bridges. However, you must have a healthy mouth to get a cantilever bridge, and they typically can only be used in a few areas of the mouth.
A Maryland bridge does not require any removal of enamel or preparation of the adjacent teeth. In this treatment, a false tooth is built using a metal framework with “wings” that attach to the adjacent teeth. These “wings” are attached to the backs of your teeth using dental cement, holding the false tooth in place and restoring your smile. Maryland bridges are commonly used in the front teeth, and are ideal if you would like to restore your smile without any invasive dental treatment.
When missing teeth compromise your confidence and oral function, dental bridges offer a proven pathway back to a complete, beautiful smile. Dr. Charles Poblenz combines meticulous attention to detail with advanced restorative techniques to create bridges that not only look natural but also provide years of reliable service. Our Jacksonville team takes pride in crafting custom solutions that address each patient’s unique needs, ensuring your bridge fits comfortably and functions seamlessly with your existing teeth.
From initial consultation through final placement, we guide you through every step of the bridge process with clear communication and compassionate care. Our commitment to excellence means using only high-quality materials and proven techniques that deliver lasting results you can count on. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from enjoying your favorite foods or smiling with complete confidence. Contact JAX Dental Studio at (904) 396-4091 or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation and discover how a custom dental bridge can restore both the function and beauty of your smile.
Bridges preserve your alignment, and keep your other teeth from shifting.
While every type of bridge is different, dental bridges all share similar characteristics, and work in the same way. A bridge is used to attach one or more false teeth to your existing teeth – locking them into place by using dental crowns (fixed and cantilever bridges) or metal “wings” that attach to the rear of your teeth (Maryland bridges).
Because they won’t move or shift, they’re a great alternative to partial dentures. And since they do not require invasive surgery, some patients prefer dental bridges as an alternative to dental implants.
Dental bridges are considered to be a permanent treatment, since they can only be removed by a dental professional and they typically last 10-15 years or longer.
In addition, the tooth preparation procedure for your abutment teeth is not reversible. It requires the permanent removal of enamel from one or more of your teeth, so you may want to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not a bridge is right for you.
Yes. Dental bridges, just like all dental prostheses, can become damaged over time, or simply worn down from daily use when chewing, biting, smiling, and speaking. Typically, bridges last between 10-20 years, but the expected lifespan of your bridge may be different depending on the type of bridge, how well you care for your teeth, and a few other factors.
This varies, depending on the type of dental bridge you choose. However, most dental bridges are made from a combination of a metal framework, which supports the teeth and ensures they’re in the proper place, and one or more porcelain crowns and false teeth. Acrylic teeth are sometimes used for dental bridges, but usually they are only used for temporary bridges, since acrylic is much less durable than porcelain and ceramic materials.
The cost of dental bridges is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost of your bridge include your overall oral health, the type of bridge you choose, pre-treatment surgeries (like tooth extraction) and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for a dental bridge is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
However, dental bridges are usually covered, at least in part, by dental insurance when they’re used to restore missing teeth. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.
Dental bridges are non-surgical and can last for several decades with proper care.
