Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile—they can affect your ability to chew, speak clearly, and feel confident in daily life. At Jonathan Hunt DDS, we provide custom dental bridges designed to restore function, enhance appearance, and prevent long-term oral health issues caused by gaps in your smile. With modern materials and precise craftsmanship, your bridge can look natural, feel comfortable, and blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
We proudly serve patients throughout High Point, NC, with personalized restorative solutions that support strong, healthy, and beautiful smiles.
What Is A Dental Bridge & How It Works
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth (called a pontic) to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the space. These supporting teeth—called abutments—hold the bridge securely in place. Bridges not only restore the appearance of your smile but also help:
- Alignment support: Maintains proper alignment of your remaining teeth.
- Chewing function: Improves your ability to chew comfortably.
- Speech clarity: Prevents bite issues that may affect speech.
- Facial structure: Supports jaw health and facial shape.
Because bridges are fixed in place, they provide stability and function similarly to natural teeth.
Types Of Dental Bridges Available
At our practice, we offer several types of bridges to meet your unique needs. Dr. Hunt will evaluate your oral health, the location of your missing tooth, and your goals before recommending the best option.
These are the most common types and are supported by dental crowns placed on the teeth next to the gap. They are strong and ideal for patients with healthy adjacent teeth.
Used when there is only one adjacent tooth available for support. These are less common but effective in specific cases.
A conservative option using metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. This approach requires less preparation but is typically best for front teeth.
Instead of relying on natural teeth, this bridge connects to dental implants, offering the highest level of stability and durability. It is an excellent choice when multiple teeth are missing in a row.
Preparing Adjacent Teeth For A Bridge
For most bridges, the supporting teeth must be prepared to ensure a proper fit and long-lasting result. During this process, Dr. Hunt will:
- Enamel shaping: Remove a small portion of enamel from the adjacent teeth.
- Tooth contouring: Shape the teeth to accommodate the crowns anchoring the bridge.
- Digital impressions: Take digital scans for precise design and fabrication.
Our advanced imaging and scanning technology allows for highly accurate measurements, helping your bridge fit comfortably and blend naturally with your smile.
Patients typically receive a temporary bridge to protect their prepared teeth while the permanent one is being crafted.
Bridge Placement & Fitting Process
Once your custom dental bridge is ready, you will return to our office for placement. During this visit, Dr. Hunt will:
- Temporary removal: Take off the temporary bridge.
- Positioning: Carefully place and adjust the permanent bridge.
- Bite evaluation: Ensure your bite is comfortable and properly aligned.
- Permanent bonding: Secure the bridge in place for long-term function.
Comfort, alignment, and natural appearance are top priorities. Most patients adjust quickly, and the bridge soon feels like a natural part of their smile.
Cleaning & Long-Term Maintenance Tips
Proper care is essential for maintaining the longevity of your dental bridge and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. We recommend:
- Daily brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day.
- Under-bridge flossing: Clean beneath and around the bridge using threaders or interdental brushes.
- Antibacterial rinse: Use mouthwash if recommended.
- Routine care: Attend regular cleanings and exams at our office.
- Avoid hard foods: Steer clear of extremely hard foods that may damage the bridge.
With good oral hygiene and consistent dental care, a dental bridge can last many years—even a decade or longer.
Restore Your Smile With A Custom Bridge At Jonathan Hunt DDS
A dental bridge is more than a replacement tooth—it is a long-lasting solution that restores comfort, confidence, and function. At Jonathan Hunt DDS, we use high-quality materials, advanced technology, and personalized care to create bridges that look natural and support your overall oral health.
If you are missing one or more teeth, our High Point, NC team is here to help you explore your options and choose the treatment that fits your needs. Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward a complete, healthy smile.