Dental Bridges

At the Fort Worth practice of J.Patrick Wharry, DDS, we approach tooth replacement with practical planning and a focus on long-term oral health. Replacing a missing tooth is rarely just a cosmetic decision — it affects chewing, jaw comfort, and the integrity of surrounding teeth. This page outlines how dental bridges work, which types are best for particular situations, and what to expect from the first exam through routine care so you can make an informed choice that fits your needs and lifestyle.

How a single missing tooth changes the whole mouth

A gap in your teeth creates immediate functional challenges: chewing can become less efficient, and forces shift to neighboring teeth. Over time these adjacent teeth may migrate toward the empty space, creating misalignment that makes cleaning more difficult and raises the chance of decay or periodontal problems. Small changes in tooth position can gradually alter the way upper and lower teeth come together, affecting comfort and function.

The jawbone beneath a missing tooth also responds biologically to the loss of a root by remodeling and shrinking in volume. This bone loss can subtly change facial contours and complicate future restorative choices. Additionally, the tooth that previously met the missing one may start to drift or over-erupt, upsetting the bite and sometimes causing sensitivity or jaw pain.

Addressing a gap with an appropriate replacement helps restore predictable bite mechanics, protects neighboring teeth from unwanted movement, and preserves bone and soft tissue health where possible. A well-planned restoration supports easier hygiene, more efficient chewing, and a more balanced oral environment overall.

How bridges compare to other tooth-replacement solutions

Dental bridges are a fixed restoration designed to fill one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth or implants. They offer a non-removable option that restores appearance and function without the daily handling required by removable partials. Compared with single-tooth implants, traditional bridges can be completed on a shorter timeline in appropriate cases and avoid the need for surgical implant placement.

Material improvements have made bridges more lifelike and durable. Modern high-strength ceramics and zirconia provide natural color, translucency, and resistance to wear, allowing clinicians to match restorations closely to existing teeth. That said, bridges and implants each have trade-offs. Implants preserve bone by replacing the root and do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, while traditional bridges may be preferable when adjacent teeth already need crowns or when implants are contraindicated.

The right solution depends on oral health, bone availability, the condition of supporting teeth, and your goals for long-term function and appearance. During evaluation we review these factors and recommend an approach that balances durability, esthetics, and the preservation of healthy tooth structure.

Selecting the right bridge design for your situation

There are several bridge designs, and each serves different clinical needs. A conventional fixed bridge uses crowns placed on teeth adjacent to the gap to support replacement teeth (pontics). This design provides a stable, non-removable restoration when the abutment teeth are strong and healthy or already require crowns for other reasons.

Implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of natural teeth as the anchors. Because implants act like tooth roots, they support the restoration without altering intact neighboring teeth. This option is often recommended when adjacent teeth are healthy or when replacing multiple missing teeth across a span where a natural-tooth-supported bridge wouldn’t provide adequate strength.

Other specialized options include cantilever bridges (anchored on only one side) and resin-bonded bridges (sometimes called Maryland bridges) that require minimal preparation of neighboring teeth. These designs can be useful in select cases — for instance, when conserving enamel is a priority — but they have limitations in load-bearing situations. Your clinician will consider space, bite dynamics, and tissue health before selecting the most appropriate configuration.

What to expect during the evaluation and treatment process

Treatment begins with a thorough clinical exam and imaging to evaluate bone levels, neighboring teeth, and how your bite functions. We discuss your priorities for appearance and chewing and explain why one bridge type may be better suited to your mouth than another. If implants are a possibility, three-dimensional imaging helps plan precise placement and predict outcomes.

For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared by shaping them to receive crowns. Impressions are taken to capture tooth contours and bite relationships, and a temporary restoration protects prepared teeth while the final bridge is fabricated. Temporaries help maintain position, function, and esthetics during this interim phase.

If an implant-supported bridge is the chosen route, implant placement is a minor surgical procedure performed with local anesthesia and optional sedation. After the implants are placed, a healing period allows the implants to integrate with the bone. During healing, temporary teeth can often be provided so you retain a natural appearance and reasonable function until the permanent restoration is ready.

When the final restoration is delivered, we carefully verify fit, occlusion, and shade to ensure a comfortable, natural result. Small adjustments are normal in the initial follow-up visits as the bridge settles into the bite. Throughout the process we prioritize predictable outcomes, tissue health, and a restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile.

Daily habits and professional care that keep bridges performing well

Long-term success depends on consistent home care and regular professional checkups. Although the materials used in a bridge cannot decay, the natural teeth that support the restoration are still vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Brushing twice daily and using interdental aids — such as floss threaders, interdental brushes, or water flossers — to clean beneath and around pontics is essential for preventing plaque buildup at the margins.

Routine dental visits allow us to monitor the health of the supporting teeth and gum tissue, check the condition of the restoration, and catch wear or loosening early. If you notice sensitivity, changes in how your bite feels, or any mobility, prompt evaluation helps prevent minor issues from becoming more serious problems.

We also discuss protective measures when appropriate, such as nightguards for patients who clench or grind. With careful daily hygiene and periodic professional maintenance, a bridge can remain a reliable part of your smile for many years. We will provide personalized cleaning instructions and a maintenance schedule tailored to your restoration and oral health needs.

At J.Patrick Wharry, DDS, our goal is to help you choose a tooth-replacement option that preserves oral health while restoring function and confidence. If you’d like to learn whether a dental bridge is the right solution for your smile, please contact us for more information and to schedule an evaluation.