What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a type of tooth replacement that literally “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth. At our Wilmington, DE dental office, we use bridges to help restore your smile by using the healthy teeth on either side of the gap—called abutment teeth—as anchors to hold an artificial tooth (called a pontic) in place. To prepare for a bridge, the dentist reshapes the neighboring teeth and covers them with crowns, which are connected to the replacement tooth in the middle.

While dental bridges are a proven and effective way to restore your smile, they do have some limitations. Since the neighboring teeth must be filed down to support the bridge, you lose healthy tooth structure. Also, because a bridge sits above the gums without replacing the tooth root, it doesn’t stimulate the jawbone the way a dental implant does—which can eventually lead to bone loss beneath the missing tooth.

Fixed and Removable Options

With dental bridges, you can choose a secure or removable option. Depending on your lifestyle, you may want the option to take out your dental bridge for comfort when you sleep and eat. However, many of our patients find that fixed dental bridges are more comfortable, looking and feeling just like natural teeth. These patients enjoy the fact that they can maintain their oral care routine without any changes.

We can create your tooth replacements right here in Wilmington. You won’t have to wait for months to get your new smile. Instead, we’ll get you back to eating your favorite foods and showing off your dazzling, healthy smile in no time!

Choosing A Dental Implant Instead

Choosing a dental implant over a dental bridge usually comes down to preserving long-term oral health, avoiding damage to neighboring teeth, and achieving a more permanent, natural-feeling solution.

  • Preservation of Healthy Teeth: A traditional bridge requires the teeth on either side of the gap to be shaved down to support crowns. An implant stands on its own, so your surrounding natural teeth remain untouched and strong.
  • Bone Health: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone where the missing tooth was, preventing bone loss. Bridges don’t offer this benefit; over time, the bone under the missing tooth can shrink, affecting your appearance and oral health.
  • Longevity: Implants can last decades (sometimes a lifetime) with proper care, while bridges generally last around 10–15 years before needing replacement or repair.
  • Natural Look and Feel: An implant looks and feels almost exactly like a natural tooth. It also restores full chewing strength without worrying about slipping or shifting.
  • Ease of Cleaning: You can brush and floss around a dental implant just like a natural tooth. Bridges require special flossing tools to clean underneath the fake tooth (pontic), making hygiene a little trickier.

If you want the option that best protects your long-term oral health, looks natural, and lasts the longest, a dental implant is usually the better choice.

A Sturdier Jaw with Better Tooth Replacements

When you have the best tooth replacements for your smile, your entire face will benefit. What we mean by this is that your jaw and your cheeks rely on your teeth. A set of solid, sturdy teeth will keep your jaw in place, which, in turn, keeps your cheeks from sagging.

With dentures, dental implants, or dental bridges that fit your smile, you will look years or even decades younger. Additionally, when you look younger, you’ll start to feel younger. Not only will you be able to eat your favorite foods again, but you’ll gain the confidence to laugh and smile without hesitation.

With your newfound confidence, you can create new bonds, reestablish old friendships, and grow closer to your family. As your dental team, we care about these aspects of your life just as much as we care about your smile because we know how much a smile can affect our lives. Your caring, experienced, passionate dentist is right here in Wilmington, ready to help.

Replace Missing Teeth in Wilmington, Delaware

You might be nervous about losing teeth or upset about your missing teeth. But, dental bridges are a comfortable and natural-looking tooth replacement option. With dental bridges, you can gain back your confidence and live life to its fullest once again.

To learn more about dental bridges and other tooth replacement options, come see our team in Wilmington. Give us a call at (302) 994-0979 to schedule your consultation with restorative dentist Dr. Goodling.