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Have you noticed a gap in your smile and wondered if it’s doing more than just affecting how you look in photos? Missing teeth can make chewing harder, shift surrounding teeth, and even change how you speak. That gap might be small, but its impact can grow over time. A dental bridge can help restore your smile and your everyday comfort. If you're looking for real answers and care from the best dentist in Columbus, Ohio, you’re in the right place.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made solution that “bridges” the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It’s made up of artificial teeth called pontics anchored in place by crowns placed on healthy teeth nearby. The result is a smile that looks full and natural and a bite that works the way it should.

Bridges can be fixed (permanent) or removable, but most people choose fixed options for comfort and convenience.

Who Might Need a Dental Bridge?

A bridge might be a great option if you have one or more missing teeth in the same area and the surrounding teeth are healthy enough to support a crown. Patients who aren’t ready for implants or want a quicker solution often find bridges to be a good fit.

We often recommend dental bridges for patients who:

• Want to fill a gap in their smile

• Are having trouble chewing

• Feel self-conscious about missing teeth

• Have teeth shifting out of place

• Aren’t candidates for dental implants

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges do more than improve your smile. They help restore function and prevent other oral health issues from developing. Here are a few ways they help:

• Better chewing and speech

• Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting

• Support jaw alignment

• Protect the shape of your face

They also help reduce stress on your remaining teeth, especially if you’ve been relying on just one side to do all the chewing.

What Is the Procedure Like?

Getting a dental bridge usually takes two appointments. At the first visit, the anchor teeth are shaped to support crowns, and impressions are taken to create the bridge. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth while the permanent one is made.

At the second visit, your dentist checks the fit and bite of the bridge before bonding it into place. You’ll be able to eat normally and smile with confidence again, often within days.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

With proper care, dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, sometimes longer. The key is good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Brushing twice a day, flossing around the bridge, and using tools like floss threaders or water flossers can help keep everything in great shape.

Talk to the Best Dentist in Columbus, Ohio, About Your Dental Bridge Options

If you’ve been putting off a missing tooth, a dental bridge may be just what you need to restore function and feel good about your smile again. We’re happy to answer all your questions and help you decide if a bridge fits your needs.

Schedule a consultation with Turtle Creek Dental Care today. We’ll discuss your options and explain the process so you’ll feel confident about your decision. We're excited to help you smile again!