Dental Bridges in Lilburn, GA
Missing teeth can affect your confidence, your bite, and your long-term oral health. At Serene Smiles Dentistry in Lilburn, we design custom dental bridges that fill gaps naturally, restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably, and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place. If you are missing one or more teeth and want a fixed, non-surgical solution, a bridge may be the right fit for you.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge consists of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns cemented onto the adjacent teeth (abutments). Once placed, a bridge is permanent, non-removable, and designed to look and function just like your natural teeth.
Bridges are one of the most time-tested solutions in restorative dentistry and remain an excellent choice for patients who want a fixed, natural-feeling replacement without surgery.
Types of Dental Bridges
Depending on your situation, Dr. Gessling may recommend one of several bridge types:
- Traditional bridge - The most common type; a pontic held in place by crowns on both adjacent teeth. Ideal when healthy teeth exist on both sides of the gap.
- Cantilever bridge - Anchored on only one side; used when there is only one adjacent tooth available for support.
- Implant-supported bridge - Anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth; ideal for replacing multiple adjacent missing teeth without affecting healthy teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Replacing missing teeth with a bridge offers several important benefits:
- Restore chewing and speaking ability - Gaps make it harder to eat certain foods and can affect speech clarity.
- Prevent teeth from shifting - Adjacent teeth tend to drift into empty spaces over time, causing bite problems and crowding.
- Maintain facial structure - Missing teeth can cause the face to appear sunken over time.
- Fixed and stable - Unlike partial dentures, bridges are cemented in place and do not move or require removal.
- Natural appearance - Custom-crafted porcelain bridges match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a bridge typically requires two visits to our Lilburn office:
First Visit: Preparation
The anchor teeth are reshaped to accommodate the supporting crowns. Digital impressions are taken and sent to the lab. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while your permanent restoration is crafted.
Second Visit: Placement
Once your custom bridge arrives (typically 1 to 2 weeks), we remove the temporary, check the fit, color, and bite alignment, and cement the permanent bridge into place. Minor adjustments ensure a comfortable, natural feel.
Bridges vs. Implants: Which Is Right for You?
Both bridges and implants are excellent solutions for missing teeth, but they serve different situations:
- Choose a bridge if: The adjacent teeth already need crowns, you prefer to avoid surgery, or you want a faster treatment timeline.
- Choose an implant if: You want to preserve adjacent teeth, you are missing multiple non-adjacent teeth, or you want the longest-lasting option with bone preservation.
During your consultation, Dr. Gessling will explain both options and help you decide based on your oral health, goals, and budget.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, and the complexity of the case. Most PPO dental insurance plans cover dental bridges when medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits and provide a detailed estimate before treatment begins.
We also offer CareCredit and Cherry financing for patients who need help managing out-of-pocket costs.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. To maximize the lifespan of your bridge:
- Brush twice daily, paying attention to where the bridge meets the gum line
- Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean beneath the pontic
- Visit our office for regular checkups and professional cleanings
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a bridge can last 10 to 15 years or more. Some bridges last even longer with excellent care.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the appointment. Some mild sensitivity is normal for a few days after each visit but resolves quickly.
Yes. Once your bridge is cemented and you have adjusted to it (usually a few days), you can eat normally. Avoid very sticky or hard foods that could damage the restoration.
Use a floss threader, super floss, or a water flosser to clean beneath the pontic (the false tooth) where food can accumulate. Our hygiene team will demonstrate the best technique for your specific bridge.
Over time, adjacent teeth will shift into the gap, your bite can change, bone loss may occur in the area, and chewing can become more difficult. Replacing missing teeth helps maintain your oral health and prevents these complications.
Most PPO dental plans provide coverage for bridges. Coverage varies by plan, and our team will verify your benefits before treatment. We also offer CareCredit and Cherry financing.
Complete Your Smile with a Custom Bridge
Do not let a gap in your smile hold you back. Call our Lilburn office at 770-921-7047 to schedule a bridge consultation. Dr. Gessling will evaluate your options and help you choose the best path forward for your oral health and your confidence.