People with missing teeth don’t merely have an appearance problem — gaps in your smile may lead to the shifting of teeth, creating problems with your bite (underbite, overbite, crossbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. To place a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be strong enough to hold the restoration, including sufficient jawbone density and gum tissue. Our team will assess your gums and jaw during your consultation to help you select the best type of bridge (cantilever, traditional, Maryland bonded, or resin bonded) and material (ceramic, porcelain, metal, and porcelain fused to metal). After your supporting teeth have been prepared, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth so your bridge can be created. A temporary bridge or restoration can be placed while your custom one is crafted. Once your restoration is ready, your mouth will be numbed with local anesthesia. Other anesthesia or sedation options may be used if you have anxiety or trouble with a gag reflex so you will be calm during the placement. Your dental bridge will either be cemented in place or attached to implants, depending on the support you and our team chose at your consultation. After your bridge is in place, you should notice an improvement in your teeth’s function and appearance. Our doctors will show you how to care for your restoration, including the ways to keep it clean and if you need to avoid any foods. It’s important to frequently clean your bridge and mouth since cavities can develop under the restoration. With proper care, your bridge can last for many years.