233 Dodge St. Kaukauna, WI 54130
Closing the Gap a Missing Tooth Leaves Behind
A missing tooth rarely stays a simple, isolated problem. Over time, neighboring teeth can shift into the open space, your bite can become uneven, and chewing on that side of your mouth may start to feel awkward or strained. A dental bridge addresses these issues directly by literally bridging the gap, using the teeth on either side of the missing tooth as anchors to support a custom fabricated replacement that sits securely in place.
At Kaukauna Family Dentistry, we design bridges that restore both function and appearance, matching the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth so the result feels like a natural part of your smile. Patients throughout Kaukauna, Combined Locks, Little Chute, and Appleton trust our team to recommend a bridge when it is the right long-term fit for their specific situation.
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What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration made up of one or more replacement teeth, called pontics, held in place by crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. Unlike a removable partial denture, a bridge is permanently cemented into place, functioning much like your natural teeth once it is set. This makes bridges a stable, long-term solution for patients who prefer a fixed restoration over one they need to take out and clean separately.
Bridges have long been one of the most common ways to replace one or more missing teeth in a row, particularly for patients who are not candidates for dental implants or who prefer a solution that does not involve a surgical procedure.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Restores your ability to bite and chew comfortably on both sides of your mouth
- Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting into the space left by a missing tooth
- Helps maintain the natural shape of your face and bite alignment
- Custom shaded and shaped to blend naturally with your existing teeth
- Fixed in place, unlike a removable partial, so there is nothing to take in and out
- Typically completed without the need for a surgical procedure
From Preparation to a Restored Smile
Getting a dental bridge typically takes place over two visits, allowing time for your custom restoration to be fabricated precisely.
01
Evaluation and treatment planning
We examine the gap, the health of the surrounding teeth, and your bite to confirm a bridge is the right solution and plan the restoration accordingly.
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02
Preparing the abutment teeth
Your dentist carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth, leaving healthy tooth structure intact wherever possible.
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03
Taking an impression or digital scan
A precise impression or digital scan captures the shape of your prepared teeth and the gap, which is sent to a dental lab to fabricate your custom bridge.
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04
Placing a temporary bridge
While your permanent bridge is being made, a temporary restoration protects the prepared teeth and helps you eat and speak comfortably.
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05
Fitting your permanent bridge
Once your custom bridge is ready, we check the fit, shade, and bite before permanently cementing it into place.
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Final adjustments
We confirm your bite feels even and comfortable, making any small adjustments so the bridge functions naturally with your remaining teeth.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge works well for many patients missing one or more teeth in a row. You may be a good candidate if you have:
- One or more missing teeth with healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap
- A preference for a fixed restoration rather than a removable one
- Healthy abutment teeth strong enough to support the crowns anchoring the bridge
- A desire to avoid or delay a surgical procedure like implant placement
- Good overall gum health, since the surrounding teeth and gums need to support the restoration long term
For patients missing many teeth or without strong abutment teeth to rely on, our team may recommend an alternative like a dental implant or partial denture instead, which we will discuss honestly during your consultation.
Restore Your Smile With a Custom Dental Bridge
If a missing tooth is affecting your bite, your smile, or your confidence, a dental bridge may be the fixed, natural-looking solution you need. Patients throughout Kaukauna, Combined Locks, Wrightstown, and Sherwood trust our team to design bridges that fit comfortably and last for years.
Schedule Your Consultation