155 E. 55th St., Suite 301, New York, NY 10022
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155 E. 55th St.
Suite 301
New York, NY 10022
Existing Patients: (646) 440-3101
New Patients: (646) 419-8726
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At Chroma Dental, we help patients restore both the look and function of their smiles after tooth loss. Missing teeth can affect more than appearance — they change how you chew, speak, and maintain oral health. This page explains why those changes matter, how modern dental bridges are designed, and what to expect when choosing a bridge as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Below you’ll find clear, practical information about the types of bridges available, how we prepare and place them, and how to protect your investment with proper care. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision that fits your health goals and lifestyle.
When a tooth is lost, the consequences ripple through the mouth. Adjacent teeth can drift into the empty space, altering your bite and changing the way forces are distributed during chewing. These shifts increase the risk of uneven wear, sensitivity, and cavities because teeth that are out of position are harder to clean effectively.
Loss of a tooth in one arch can also affect the opposing teeth. When a tooth no longer has an opposing contact, it can overerupt into the space, which further disturbs bite relationships and may create new areas of stress or discomfort. Over time, these changes can accelerate wear on remaining teeth and contribute to jaw joint (TMJ) issues.
Bone and soft-tissue support also change after tooth loss. Without stimulation from a tooth root or implant, the underlying bone tends to resorb, gradually altering facial contours and the fit of adjacent restorations. Restoring missing teeth helps preserve oral function and supports the structural health of the jaw and smile.
Today’s dentistry offers several reliable approaches to replace missing teeth, each with distinct advantages. Fixed dental bridges restore one or more teeth by spanning a gap with artificial teeth (pontics) supported by natural tooth crowns or dental implants. Removable partial dentures remain an option for some patients, but fixed solutions generally provide improved function and comfort.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants to anchor replacement teeth and avoid altering healthy neighboring teeth. When implants are not feasible due to anatomy or medical considerations, a traditional fixed bridge can be an excellent solution, using adjacent crowned teeth for support. A cantilever bridge supports a pontic from only one side, and a resin-bonded (Maryland) bridge uses a bonded framework attached to neighboring teeth—each design addresses different clinical scenarios.
The right choice depends on several factors: the number and position of missing teeth, the condition of surrounding teeth and bone, long-term goals for durability and maintenance, and overall oral health. A careful exam and discussion help determine which option best aligns with your needs.
A successful bridge begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation. We use clinical exams and digital imaging to assess the health of the remaining teeth, bone volume, and bite relationships. Digital records allow precise planning for the size, shape, and position of the replacement teeth and help us anticipate long-term function and esthetics.
For traditional bridges, the adjacent abutment teeth are prepared to receive crowns that will support the pontics. For implant-supported bridges, implant placement is planned to optimize load distribution and preserve surrounding bone. Modern materials—such as high-strength ceramics and zirconia—offer both durability and lifelike esthetics, so bridges can blend naturally with neighboring teeth.
Laboratory communication is a crucial part of the process. Shade matching, contour design, and occlusal adjustments are handled with care to ensure a comfortable fit and a natural appearance. When appropriate, provisional restorations are used so you can test the look and function of the replacement while final work is completed.
Before a bridge is fabricated, your mouth must be in a stable, healthy condition. Any active gum disease or untreated decay must be managed first, because inflammation and infection undermine the long-term success of fixed restorations. Periodontal therapy and restorative care are common preliminary steps.
If supporting teeth lack adequate bone, or if implants are part of the plan, additional procedures such as bone grafting or ridge augmentation might be recommended. These procedures are intended to create a strong foundation for lasting restorations. We discuss the reasons for any preparatory work and the expected timeline so you can plan accordingly.
Patient preferences and lifestyle also factor into treatment planning. We consider bite forces, oral hygiene habits, and esthetic goals when recommending a bridge type. A clear, individualized treatment plan helps set realistic expectations and guides the steps from preparation through final placement.
The treatment sequence varies by bridge type but typically involves several visits. For a traditional fixed bridge, visits include tooth preparation, impressions, and a try-in and cementation of the final restoration. Implant-supported bridges require surgical placement of implants, a healing period for osseointegration, and then attachment of the final bridge. Temporary restorations are often used to protect prepared sites and maintain function while the permanent work is completed.
Mild to moderate soreness and increased sensitivity are common after preparation or implant surgery and typically resolve as tissues heal. We provide clear post-procedure guidance on comfort measures, eating recommendations, and oral hygiene to support recovery. Follow-up appointments allow us to check fit, bite, and tissue health and make precise adjustments if needed.
Long-term success depends on regular professional care and daily home hygiene. Fixed bridges require diligent cleaning around the abutment teeth and beneath pontics; specialized flossing tools or interdental brushes can be helpful. With proper maintenance and routine dental visits, bridges can restore reliable function and esthetics for many years.
Restoring missing teeth with a well-planned dental bridge can protect your oral health, reestablish comfortable function, and renew confidence in your smile. If you’d like to learn more about which bridge option may suit your needs, please contact us for more information.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Chroma Dental, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Chroma Dental, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
