WatchDental Bridges
Closing the gap with a fixed dental bridge
When one tooth, or several in a row, has gone missing, a dental bridge closes that gap permanently without ever coming out. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, is anchored to crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side, literally bridging the space between them. It's a dependable option for patients who prefer to skip surgery or aren't candidates for a dental implant, and it restores chewing while keeping the surrounding teeth from drifting into the open space.
The process unfolds over a couple of visits, shown here step by step. The teeth flanking the gap are gently shaped to receive crowns, an impression captures the site, and a temporary bridge covers the area while a dental lab builds your permanent one. That final bridge is then cemented into place at a follow-up visit and fine-tuned until the bite feels right.
Choose all-ceramic for the most natural look, all-metal for maximum strength, or a blend of both, and a well-cared-for bridge can hold up for years. Cleaning underneath it takes a slightly different technique than flossing a natural tooth, and we're glad to show you how at your visit.
Still weighing how to replace a missing tooth? A consultation is the place to sort it out. We'll walk through whether a bridge, an implant, or another route fits what you need.
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Read the Crowns & Bridges guideVisit Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry
Chicago Office
6215 W Touhy Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
Bourbonnais Office
876 N Convent St
Bourbonnais, IL 60914