Bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a cemented, non-removable prosthesis held in place by the adjacent teeth, which are prepared for crowns, onlays, or resin bondings. A bridge restores the ability to chew properly and keeps neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth.
Why Choose Bridges
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Restores your ability to chew and speak comfortably by closing the gap left by a missing tooth.
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Keeps neighboring teeth from drifting out of position, which helps your bite stay properly aligned.
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Stays fixed in place rather than coming in and out, so there's nothing to remove or soak overnight.
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Blends in with your surrounding teeth for a natural-looking smile.
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Helps support your facial structure by filling in the space a missing tooth leaves behind.
What to Expect
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Consultation & Exam
We look at the gap and the teeth on either side of it, take any needed x-rays, and talk through whether a bridge is the right fit for you.
- 2
Preparing the Anchor Teeth
The teeth next to the gap are reshaped so crowns can fit over them, since these teeth will support the bridge on either side.
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Impressions & Temporary Bridge
We take an impression of the prepared teeth to guide the lab in making your custom bridge, and fit you with a temporary bridge in the meantime.
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Placing the Permanent Bridge
Once your bridge is ready, we check the fit and bite, make any small adjustments, and cement it securely in place.
Paying for Your Care
Cost varies based on your specific treatment plan, and we're happy to walk through your options before you commit to anything. We work with most major insurance plans and offer payment arrangements to help make care manageable.
See Financial & Insurance Information →Aftercare & Maintenance
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Clean underneath the pontic (the replacement tooth) daily using a floss threader or water flosser, since regular floss can't get under it on its own.
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Brush morning and night, paying extra attention to the gumline of the teeth supporting the bridge.
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Avoid biting down on very hard or sticky foods, which can put extra strain on the bridge or the teeth anchoring it.
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Keep up with regular cleanings and checkups so we can keep an eye on the bridge and the health of the teeth around it.
Why Choose Waterford Dental Associates
Decades of Experience
Dr. Vincent Cianciulli and Dr. Jacqueline Rossi bring decades of combined clinical experience to every appointment.
Comprehensive Family Care
From preventive checkups to specialized treatment, your whole family's care can stay in one convenient Waterford location.
Individualized Treatment Planning
There's no one-size-fits-all approach here — every treatment plan is built around you.
A Comfortable Visit
A friendly atmosphere and a long-tenured team who know our patients well, visit after visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental bridge last?
With regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, a bridge can last many years. How long it lasts depends a lot on how well you care for the teeth supporting it, since those teeth still need to stay healthy underneath the crowns.
What's the difference between a bridge and a dental implant?
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth on either side of the gap, so it doesn't require surgery. A dental implant instead replaces the tooth root directly in the jawbone, which is a separate procedure with its own requirements.
We can go over both options with you and help you decide which one makes more sense for your situation.
Will a bridge feel like my own teeth?
It's normal to notice the bridge for the first few days as you get used to it. Most patients find that it feels natural once they adjust, and it functions much like the tooth it's replacing when it comes to chewing and speaking.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
We numb the area with local anesthesia before preparing the adjacent teeth, so the procedure itself shouldn't be painful. You may notice some mild sensitivity for a few days afterward while you adjust to the temporary bridge.
Ready to Schedule Your Visit?
Book online in minutes, or give us a call — we're happy to help.