Dental Bridges
in New York City & Manhattan, NY

When you lose teeth, it can feel like people only see gaps when you smile or that you can’t eat as well. For many people with missing teeth, this can make them avoid smiling altogether and prevent them from enjoying their favorite foods. If you feel like you try to avoid smiling because you have missing teeth, it’s important to keep in mind that you have options for restoration– and that your dentist can help.

Along with affecting the appearance of your smile, a missing tooth (or multiple missing teeth) can cause movement of neighboring teeth in the mouth, disturbing your bite’s delicate equilibrium. Along with this, it can make it more difficult to effectively clean your mouth and gums if you have gaps or shifted teeth. If you’re suffering from missing teeth, a dental bridge is a fairly quick and excellent option for restoring your smile and your confidence by using the latest technologies and techniques.

A bridge fills the space in your mouth where teeth are missing, essentially “bridging” the gap and restoring health and function to your smile without the need for surgery. Using the teeth on either side of your missing tooth, a bridge holds the replacement tooth in place to prevent further shifting and to maintain the completeness of your smile. Bridges can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks, making them low-hassle and easy to manage. Dr. Inna Chern offers dental bridges in New York City and other restorative options for your smile.

The Dental Bridge Treatment Process and What to Expect

Your First Appointment (60-90 minutes)

Pictures and models will be taken to assess the area. These both help determine the right tooth shape and color selection, as well as help, collaborate with the dental lab. The dental lab will make your dental bridge custom so that it best matches the color and shape of your surrounding natural teeth and have the best cosmetic result.

You’ll discuss your cosmetic desires and material options for the bridge with Dr. Chern. Dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of materials.

The neighboring teeth will be prepared under local anesthesia to act as the “anchors” for your dental bridge so that it can be fixed in place permanently. You won’t feel any discomfort or pain during this step.

A temporary bridge will be placed to protect your teeth and gums while the lab fabricates the permanent bridge framework.

Your Second Appointment (30-45 minutes)

The temporary bridge will be removed and the bridge framework will be tried on to check its function and aesthetics. The specific considerations at this step will vary according to the materials you have chosen for your bridge. For example, if you’ve chosen porcelain, color matching can be evaluated at this step.

A new “pick-up” impression will be taken and the framework will be sent back to the lab for ceramic application.

Your temporary bridge will be replaced and any necessary pictures will be taken.

Your Final Appointment (30-45 minutes)

The final restoration will be placed in your mouth and checked for function and aesthetics.

The finished bridge will be bonded into place to complete your restoration.

Dr. Chern will provide you with a list of instructions for your new dental bridge.

Your Follow-Up Appointment (15 minutes)

We will schedule a follow-up 1-2 weeks after the placement of your new bridge to check how your teeth are feeling and functioning. We may also recommend a bite splint or nightguard to protect your new prosthetic from excessive force.