Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional bridge, which is literally a bridge of teeth, offers a fast, affordable solution for many people.

A typical bridge design features one to three false teeth (called pontics) attached to dental crowns at either end of the bridge. The dental crowns secure the bridge in your mouth by slipping over natural teeth (called the abutment teeth) that have had some enamel removed to make room for the crowns.

Traditional bridges are a time-tested method for replacing missing teeth, and the entire process can be completed in just two visits to our Charlotte office.

During the first appointment, each anchor tooth will be shaped and an impression taken of the area so that our trusted lab can create the bridge, which typically takes a few weeks. We'll also provide a temporary bridge that you will wear until you return to have the permanent bridge placed at a second appointment.

Same-Day Bridge

Same-day dental bridges are similar to traditional bridges, except instead of using an outside lab to fabricate your bridge, we can create the bridge while you wait using our sophisticated CEREC technology.

After shaping your support teeth for the bridge, our dentist will scan your mouth to create a 3D image of the treatment area. This highly precise image will allow the dentist to create a custom bridge for your mouth and then upload the design into our precision milling machine to be created.

This streamlined process is highly precise and creates a durable, lifelike bridge that fits comfortably. Patients appreciate having all their dental work done in one visit, and not having to worry about wearing a temporary bridge.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Like traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges feature pontics attached to abutments - but instead of being supported by natural teeth, the abutments are held in place by posts, called dental implants. The posts are inserted into the jaw, and once new bone growth secures the implants in place (which typically takes a few months) a bridge can be attached.

Implant-supported bridges are appreciated by patients who want to promote a lifetime of oral health. Implants help maintain a strong jaw and do not require any alteration to your natural teeth, which is necessary with traditional bridges.

The process of getting implant-supported bridges does take longer since patients wait for new bone to naturally grow around the implant. Dental implants also typically cost more, at least initially. However, over time costs may be more comparable to traditional bridges when you consider the durability of implants. With proper care, the implants themselves can last for decades, or even a lifetime. In many cases, only the bridge itself will need to be repaired due to the normal wear and tear of daily life.