If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge in Oconomowoc may be an excellent way to restore your smile and improve your ability to chew and speak comfortably. At Summit Dental Excellence, Dr. Lehman, Dr. Malak, and our dental team provide customized tooth replacement options designed to look natural and complement your existing smile.
A dental bridge literally “bridges” the space created by one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge typically consists of a replacement tooth, called a pontic, supported by dental crowns placed on the neighboring teeth, known as abutment teeth. The result is a fixed restoration that fills the gap and restores the appearance and function of your smile.
Modern dental bridges are designed using durable, tooth-colored materials that can closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Replacing a missing tooth is about more than improving the appearance of your smile. A gap left untreated can affect the way your remaining teeth function and may allow neighboring teeth to shift or tilt into the open space.
Depending on the location of the missing tooth and your individual circumstances, tooth loss can contribute to:
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Changes in your bite
- Shifting or movement of surrounding teeth
- Increased areas where plaque and food can accumulate
- Changes in the appearance of your smile
- Additional stress on remaining teeth
Replacing a missing tooth can help restore your smile while supporting better oral function and maintaining a more balanced bite.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, and the best option depends on the location of the missing tooth, the health of your surrounding teeth and gums, and your overall treatment goals.
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is supported by crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. These supporting teeth are carefully prepared so the crowns and replacement tooth can be securely fitted into place.
Traditional bridges are a common option when the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to provide reliable support for the restoration.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants rather than natural teeth as the foundation for the restoration. The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and provide a stable foundation for a bridge replacing multiple adjacent missing teeth.
Because the bridge is supported by implants, healthy neighboring teeth do not necessarily need to be reshaped to support the restoration. Implant-supported bridges can be an excellent option for patients who are missing several teeth in a row.
Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge is supported by an abutment on only one side of the missing tooth rather than by teeth on both sides. This type of bridge may be appropriate in select situations, depending on the location of the missing tooth and the forces placed on the restoration.
Because back teeth experience significant chewing forces, cantilever bridges are generally not preferred in areas subjected to heavy biting pressure. Your dentist will determine whether this approach is appropriate based on your individual bite and oral health.
Restoring Your Smile With a Dental Bridge
Every patient’s smile and oral health are different. During your consultation at Summit Dental Excellence, we will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and the area surrounding the missing tooth before recommending a treatment option.
Whether a traditional bridge, implant-supported bridge, or another tooth replacement solution is appropriate, our goal is to provide a restoration that looks natural, functions comfortably, and fits your long-term oral health needs.
If you are considering dental bridges in Oconomowoc, contact Summit Dental Excellence to schedule a consultation and learn more about your tooth replacement options.
