Whenever you drive across a bridge, you’re being supported by the same principles that support a dental bridge. Crowned teeth on either side of a space are called abutments. They support an artificial tooth, called a pontic. While a bridge lasts for many years, sometimes the strain of supporting one or more missing teeth can cause the abutments themselves to weaken and may lead to more missing teeth.
A Better Bridge
In many cases, dental implants offer a better alternative, eliminating most of the load-bearing strain you see in traditional bridge abutments. When carefully placed in the bone, an implant mimics the root of a tooth. They bear the load that the natural teeth used to hold, sparing the neighboring teeth from excessive forces. In some cases, two implants may be used to build a bridge.
Our doctors know how to bring the puzzle pieces together to fit any scenario regardless of the scope of your treatment.
Porcelain Bridges FAQs
Crowns and porcelain bridges are both common dental treatments, but they serve different purposes. A crown is a cap that covers a single tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance after damage or decay. A porcelain bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent teeth with crowns on either side.
While crowns focus on repairing individual teeth, porcelain bridges restore the function and appearance of multiple teeth at once to help you chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials, depending on your needs and budget. One of the most common materials is porcelain, which closely mimics the color and appearance of natural teeth. Another common material is metal alloys, which are very strong and durable, but but they don’t look like natural teeth.
Your dentist will help you choose the best material based on the location of the bridge, your bite, and your cosmetic preferences!
Dental bridges are considered a long-term solution for missing teeth, but they are not permanent like natural teeth. With proper oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding excessive force on the bridge, they can last 10–15 years or even longer. Over time, however, the supporting teeth or the bridge itself may need repair or replacement.
Porcelain dental bridges are usually fixed in place, so they cannot be removed at home. If a part of the bridge, like a porcelain crown, chips, cracks, or becomes loose, your dentist can carefully remove and repair or replace the affected section. Full replacement may be needed in some cases, but minor repairs are usually possible to restore function and appearance.
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