Dental Bridges in Portland, ME
Close the gap left by missing teeth with a fixed bridge designed and built by specialist prosthodontists.
A Reliable Way to Replace Missing Teeth
A gap from a missing tooth does more than change the way your smile looks. Over time, surrounding teeth can drift into the empty space, altering your bite and making chewing less efficient. A dental bridge spans that gap with a natural-looking prosthetic tooth anchored to the teeth on either side — or, in some cases, to dental implants — restoring both appearance and function in a single fixed restoration.
At Prosthodontics Associates, P.A., our prosthodontists design each bridge with careful attention to how it will interact with your bite, your gum tissue, and the supporting teeth. The replacement tooth — called a pontic — is custom-fabricated to match the shade and contour of your natural teeth. This meticulous, specialist-driven approach has been a defining feature of our Portland practice for over 50 years.
Bridge or Implant — Choosing the Right Fit
Patients with a missing tooth often wonder whether a bridge or an implant is the better solution. The answer depends on several factors: the condition of the adjacent teeth, the health of the jawbone, the number of missing teeth, and your personal priorities around treatment time and cost.
A bridge may be especially practical when the teeth next to the gap already have crowns or large fillings, since those teeth will need to be reshaped to serve as anchors. When adjacent teeth are healthy and unrestored, an implant can often preserve their structure while also stimulating the jawbone. Our prosthodontists routinely evaluate both options and can walk you through the trade-offs specific to your case during a consultation.
- Bridges can be completed in fewer visits than implants in many cases
- Implants help preserve jawbone and do not require altering adjacent teeth
- Bridge anchors may benefit teeth that already need crowns
- Your prosthodontist can recommend the option best suited to your oral health
How a Dental Bridge Is Made
From preparation to placement, each step is guided by prosthodontic expertise and specialist craftsmanship.
Clinical Assessment
Your prosthodontist examines the gap, evaluates the health of the adjacent anchor teeth, and reviews digital X-rays to confirm that a bridge is the right restoration. Alternative options like implants are discussed if they may serve you better.
Tooth Preparation and Impressions
The anchor teeth are carefully shaped to accommodate the bridge framework. Precise impressions are taken, and a temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while your permanent bridge is crafted.
Custom Fabrication
The bridge — including the pontic and crowns for the anchor teeth — is built using the material selected for your case. The prosthodontist reviews the restoration before your fitting appointment to verify shade, fit, and contour.
Placement and Adjustment
The permanent bridge is tried in, evaluated for bite accuracy and aesthetics, and adjusted as needed. Once the fit is confirmed, the bridge is permanently cemented. You will receive care instructions to help maintain the restoration and supporting teeth.
Advantages of a Prosthodontist-Designed Bridge
Specialized Bite Analysis
Prosthodontists are trained to evaluate how restorations interact with your full bite, reducing the risk of uneven forces that can stress anchor teeth or cause discomfort.
Seamless Aesthetics
Shade matching, gum contour, and tooth shape are refined with precision, producing a bridge that blends with your natural smile.
Durable Construction
Material selection is based on the specific demands of the bridge location — balancing strength for chewing with a natural appearance for visible teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can a dental bridge last?
- With consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, many dental bridges remain functional for ten years or more. Longevity depends on factors like the health of the supporting teeth or implants, the materials used, and habits such as teeth grinding. Your prosthodontist can recommend strategies — including night guards — to help extend the life of your bridge.
- Should I get a bridge or a dental implant?
- Both options can effectively replace missing teeth, but they work differently. A bridge uses adjacent teeth as anchors, which requires those teeth to be reshaped. An implant is a standalone post placed into the jawbone, preserving neighboring teeth and helping maintain bone density. Implants may be preferred when adjacent teeth are healthy and intact, while a bridge can be a good choice when those teeth already have crowns or large restorations. Your prosthodontist will help you weigh the clinical and practical factors for your situation.
- Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
- Most patients find they can return to a normal diet once the bridge is fully placed and adjusted. During the first few days, softer foods are generally recommended while you adjust to the new restoration. A well-fitted bridge from a prosthodontist is designed to handle everyday chewing forces and integrate comfortably with your bite.
- How do I clean under a dental bridge?
- Because the pontic (the replacement tooth) sits above the gumline, standard floss cannot pass between it and the gum tissue. Floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser can effectively clean this area and help prevent plaque buildup. Your prosthodontist or hygienist will demonstrate the best technique for your specific bridge design during your follow-up visit.
- How many appointments does a dental bridge require?
- A traditional bridge typically requires two to three visits. The first appointment involves preparing the anchor teeth and taking impressions. A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is fabricated. At the final visit, the bridge is fitted, adjusted, and cemented.
Explore Your Tooth Replacement Options
Our prosthodontists can help you determine whether a bridge, implant, or another restoration is the best path forward. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.