Types of Dental Bridges Offered

Our doctors—Dr. Kurt Erickson, Dr. Seth Huiras, and Dr. Zach Lindquist—will evaluate your needs and recommend the best bridge option based on your oral health and anatomy. Available types include:

1. Traditional Bridge – A common option that uses dental crowns on neighboring teeth to hold the prosthetic tooth in place.
   
2. Implant-Supported Bridge – Secured with dental implants instead of natural teeth, offering added stability.
   
3. Cantilever Bridge – Ideal when only one adjacent tooth is available for support.
   
4. Maryland Bridge – Uses bonded metal or porcelain "wings" for a conservative approach, often recommended for front teeth.

Each bridge is fabricated with precision and care to blend with your existing smile and support long-term oral health.

Advantages of Choosing Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer significant restorative and cosmetic benefits, including:

• Restoring full chewing ability and bite balance
• Preventing teeth from shifting into empty spaces
• Maintaining facial structure and symmetry
• Delivering fast results compared to other permanent options
• Providing an alternative for patients not suited for implants

Bridges are often paired with dental crowns, and in some cases, supported by bone grafting for maximum long-term stability.

Your Bridge Procedure: What to Expect

Treatment usually takes place over two or more visits:

1. Initial Exam and Impressions – Using our digital scanners and intraoral cameras, we capture high-resolution images and models of your teeth.
   
2. Tooth Preparation – If necessary, adjacent teeth are reshaped for crown placement, or implants are planned.
   
3. Temporary Bridge – A temporary device is fitted to protect your teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is crafted.
   
4. Final Placement – Your custom bridge is bonded or secured in place, and adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit.

You’ll be able to return to your routine with minimal downtime and enjoy long-lasting improvements in your bite and appearance.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Dental bridges may be right for you if you:

• Are missing one or more adjacent teeth
• Have strong surrounding teeth or existing implants
• Prefer a fixed solution over removable dentures
• Want to restore chewing function and smile aesthetics quickly

For patients considering multiple options, we also offer partial dentures and implant consultations to help you make an informed choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

How long do dental bridges last?
Most bridges last 5 to 15 years with proper oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings.

Will the bridge match my natural teeth?
Yes. We customize each bridge to match the shape, color, and contour of your existing teeth for a seamless look.

Does the procedure hurt?
The process is typically pain-free, and we use local anesthetic to ensure comfort. You may feel slight sensitivity afterward, which quickly fades.

Can I eat normally with a bridge?
After an initial adjustment period, most patients return to eating their favorite foods. We do recommend avoiding overly sticky or hard foods for optimal longevity.

What’s the best way to care for my bridge?
Maintain excellent home care with brushing, flossing (using a bridge threader), and regular exams. We'll show you how to clean around and under the bridge properly during your visit.

How do bridges compare to implants or dentures?
Bridges are often more affordable and require less healing time than implants. They are fixed in place—unlike dentures—and ideal for patients with healthy adjacent teeth. Visit our restorative dentistry page to explore all your options.

Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation Today

Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life. Our experienced team at Fountain Lake Family Dental provides trusted, personalized solutions to restore your smile with dental bridges that look and feel natural.

Call us today at (507) 373-3323 or request your appointment online.