A missing tooth affects far more than the appearance of your smile.
Without intervention, the surrounding teeth begin drifting into the empty space, the opposing tooth over-erupts, bite balance is disrupted, and the jawbone beneath the gap begins to lose density without a tooth root to stimulate it. At Biddeford Saco Dental Associates in Saco, ME, dental bridges offer a reliable, fixed solution for replacing one or more missing teeth that restores chewing function, maintains proper alignment, and completes the smile with a natural-looking result. Our dentists evaluate every patient’s specific clinical situation thoroughly before recommending a bridge design, ensuring the solution chosen genuinely serves the patient’s long-term oral health.
Fixed Dental Bridge Options
discussing the clinical advantages and trade-offs of each approach so every patient makes a At Biddeford Saco Dental Associates, two primary bridge designs are available depending on the health of the surrounding teeth and the bone beneath the gap:
Traditional Dental BridgesÂ
Traditional bridges anchor to the natural teeth on either side of the gap using custom-fabricated crowns on each abutment tooth, supporting one or more pontics that fill the space. Traditional bridges are a reliable, time-tested solution that restores the missing tooth without surgery and can be completed efficiently within a predictable treatment timeline.
Implant-Supported BridgesÂ
Implant-supported bridges anchor to dental implants rather than natural teeth, preserving the adjacent healthy tooth structure entirely and providing the bone-stimulating benefit of osseointegration beneath the bridge. For patients who are suitable implant candidates, implant-supported bridges offer superior long-term bone preservation and eliminate the need to permanently alter healthy neighboring teeth. Our dentists present both options transparently, genuinely informed decision.
Supporting Adjacent Teeth & Bite Stability
When a tooth goes unreplaced, the consequences compound progressively over time. Neighboring teeth drift and tilt toward the empty space, disrupting the alignment of the entire arch. The opposing tooth loses its biting partner and begins to over-erupt. Bite forces redistribute unevenly across the remaining teeth, accelerating wear and increasing fracture risk. A well-designed bridge addresses every dimension of this cascade simultaneously, restoring the missing tooth, maintaining the correct spacing of surrounding teeth, and reestablishing the occlusal relationship needed for a comfortable, stable bite.
Bridge Materials & Design
Every bridge at Biddeford Saco Dental Associates is fabricated from high-quality ceramic materials that replicate the natural translucency, color, and surface texture of the surrounding teeth. Shade matching is performed carefully to ensure the bridge integrates seamlessly with the existing dentition, and every pontic is contoured to maintain healthy contact with the underlying gum tissue without creating areas where plaque accumulates.
Treatment Timeline & Procedure
Bridge treatment at Biddeford Saco Dental Associates typically involves two primary appointments. At the first, the abutment teeth are prepared, digital impressions are taken, and temporary restorations are placed. At the second, the permanent bridge is evaluated for fit, shade, and bite before being permanently cemented. Our dentists explain every step clearly before it begins so patients feel completely informed throughout the process.
Caring For Your Dental Bridge
- Brush twice daily cleaning all surfaces of the bridge including the pontic
- Use a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser to clean beneath the pontic daily
- Attend regular professional cleanings for monitoring and subgingival maintenance
- Wear a nightguard if grinding or clenching is present
Call our Saco, ME office or book online to schedule your bridge consultation at Biddeford Saco Dental Associates today.