At Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH, we take the time to evaluate your teeth, listen to your goals and concerns, and recommend a bridge that fits your needs and preferences. We offer several types of dental bridges, including implant-supported restorations for patients who already have implants in place. Our team explains your options in plain language so you can make a confident decision about replacing missing teeth.
Schedule Your Bridge ConsultationWhy Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters
A gap in your smile is more than a cosmetic concern. When a tooth is lost, the teeth around it can slowly drift out of place, the opposing tooth may move into the empty space, and the bite can become uneven. Over time, these changes can lead to chewing difficulty, jaw strain, and a higher risk of decay and gum problems. Replacing the tooth promptly helps protect the health of your whole mouth. Patients who replace missing teeth often notice several benefits.
- A restored smile. A bridge fills the gap with teeth matched to the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Comfortable chewing. Replacing missing teeth helps you eat a wider variety of foods with ease.
- Clearer speech. Missing teeth can affect how certain sounds are formed, and a bridge helps bring back natural speech.
- A balanced bite. A bridge helps distribute biting forces evenly across your teeth.
- Stable neighboring teeth. Filling the gap helps keep nearby teeth from shifting out of position.
- Renewed confidence. Many patients feel more comfortable smiling, talking, and eating in public once the gap is gone.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
Every mouth is different, and so is every treatment plan. We offer several types of bridges so we can match the solution to your teeth, your goals, and your long term oral health. Here is a closer look at the options.
Traditional Dental Bridges
The traditional bridge is the most common type. It uses the two teeth on either side of the gap as abutments to support one or more prosthetic teeth. To make this possible, the abutment teeth are shaped so crowns can be placed over them to hold the bridge securely. The result is a fairly stable restoration. It is important to know that the abutment teeth carry a higher risk of decay or fracture over time, since they have been reshaped to support the bridge.
Implant Supported Bridges
An implant supported bridge is an excellent option because it does not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants, placed by a qualified specialist we coordinate with, act as the anchors, which means the surrounding natural teeth stay untouched. We then design and place the custom bridge that attaches to the implants. Implant supported bridges are long lasting, durable, and aesthetic. You can learn more on our implant restorations page.
Cantilever Bridges
If only one tooth next to the gap is available for support, a cantilever bridge may be used. This type is anchored by a single crown. Because it places added stress on the supporting tooth, a cantilever bridge is typically used only when no other option is available.
Maryland Bridges
A Maryland bridge does not require crowns on the neighboring teeth. Instead, a metal or ceramic support structure is bonded to the back of the abutment teeth. This preserves more of the natural tooth structure, although a Maryland bridge is generally not as strong or durable as other bridge types.
What to Expect When You Receive a Dental Bridge
Getting a dental bridge involves careful planning to ensure your restoration fits comfortably and functions properly. The process may vary depending on the type of bridge you need. Here is what you can generally expect when receiving a traditional dental bridge or an implant-supported restoration.
01
Consultation and Evaluation
We examine your teeth, gums, and bite, take digital images as needed, and talk with you about your goals and concerns. We explain which types of bridge may be a good fit.
02
Planning Your Treatment
We review your options, discuss timing and costs, and answer your questions. If any gum or decay concerns need attention first, we address them before moving forward.
03
Preparing the Foundation
For a traditional bridge, we numb the area with a local anesthetic and gently reshape the abutment teeth so crowns can be placed over them. For an implant supported bridge, a specialist we coordinate with places the implants, which are then allowed to heal.
04
Impressions and a Temporary Bridge
Impressions of your teeth and bite are used to design a bridge that matches the shape, size, and shade of your natural teeth. When needed, a temporary restoration protects the area and keeps your smile looking complete while your permanent bridge is made.
05
Fitting and Bonding Your Final Bridge
When your custom bridge is ready, we check the fit, comfort, and bite, make adjustments, and attach it securely in place.
06
Follow Up and Care Instructions
We make sure everything feels comfortable and show you how to clean around and under your new bridge.
Caring for Your Bridge So It Lasts
A bridge is a long term investment in your smile, and good habits help it last as long as possible. The most important step is keeping the supporting teeth and gums healthy. Because food and plaque can collect under a bridge, cleaning there takes a little extra attention. Here is what we recommend.
- Brush twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Clean under the bridge daily using floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and other very hard foods that could damage the bridge
- Wear a custom night guard if you clench or grind your teeth
- Keep regular cleanings and exams so we can check the bridge and the supporting teeth
- Ask about Guided Biofilm Therapy, a gentle hygiene approach that helps keep the area around restorations clean
Although a bridge is permanent in the sense that it is attached and cannot be removed at home, most bridges will need to be replaced at some point because of normal wear or breakage. Good care helps you get as many years from your bridge as possible.
Planning for the Cost of a Dental Bridge
Many patients want to understand costs before they begin, and we are happy to walk through them. Dental plans often cover part of the cost of a bridge as a restorative service, although coverage levels and waiting periods vary from plan to plan. Our team will review your benefits, explain your options, and provide a clear estimate before treatment begins. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, we are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Take the Next Step Toward a Complete Smile
You do not have to live with the gap left by a missing tooth. A dental bridge can restore your bite, protect your remaining teeth, and bring back a smile you are proud to share. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to review your options and create a plan that fits your life. Schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap in your smile. It uses supports called abutments, which may be natural teeth or dental implants, to hold prosthetic teeth firmly in place. Bridges restore your bite, help you chew and speak comfortably, and keep nearby teeth from shifting. Our team will help you choose the type of bridge that fits your teeth and your goals.
The main types are traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant supported bridges. A traditional bridge uses crowns on the teeth next to the gap, while a cantilever bridge is supported on only one side. A Maryland bridge is bonded to the back of neighboring teeth and avoids crowns, and an implant supported bridge uses dental implants instead of natural teeth for support. The right choice depends on the health and position of your teeth, your bone, and your preferences.
Getting a dental bridge should not be painful. We use a local anesthetic to numb the area when we prepare the supporting teeth for a traditional bridge. For an implant supported bridge, the specialist who places the implants uses anesthesia to keep you comfortable, and our restoration visits are gentle. Some mild sensitivity or soreness afterward is normal and usually fades within a few days. If you feel ongoing discomfort, let our team know so we can help.
Dental bridges are permanent in the sense that they are attached to the supporting teeth or implants and cannot be removed at home. However, most bridges will eventually need to be replaced because of normal wear or breakage. Good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and avoiding hard foods all help extend the life of a bridge. We will check your bridge at your routine visits and let you know if anything needs attention.
It is generally recommended to replace a tooth after an extraction, unless it is a wisdom tooth. Replacing the tooth helps prevent nearby teeth from shifting and protects your bite and jawbone. That replacement does not always have to be a bridge, since a single tooth dental implant may be an option, and a partial denture may suit patients who are missing several teeth. We will talk through the choices that make the most sense for you.
In general, we recommend dental implants over traditional and Maryland bridges because implants replace the root of the missing tooth, not just the visible part, and they help prevent bone loss in the jaw. Implants are also stronger, last longer, and do not affect neighboring teeth. An implant is placed by a specialist we work with, and we design and place the final crown or bridge. That said, every patient is unique, and for some patients a traditional bridge is a better fit based on their health, timeline, or budget. We will help you weigh your options honestly.
Traditional and Maryland bridges generally cost less up front than dental implants. Implants tend to be stronger and longer lasting, and they do not require reshaping healthy neighboring teeth, so some patients find them a better long term value. The best choice depends on your oral health and goals, and our team will explain the costs of each option before you decide.
Many dental plans cover a portion of the cost of a bridge, though coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier. Our team can verify your benefits and explain your estimated costs before treatment begins. You can learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
