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​Bridges
Restore your smile and bite with dental bridges, a lasting solution for missing teeth. Whether you’re struggling with gaps, difficulty chewing, or shifting teeth, Dr. Simkins offers custom bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Let’s bring back your confidence with a bridge designed just for you.
​Replace Your Missing Teeth
& Complete Your Smile
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the adjacent natural teeth or implants. These fixed prosthetics restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence while preventing surrounding teeth from shifting out of place. Dr. Simkins designs bridges that look and feel completely natural, ensuring both function and aesthetics. Whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, injury, or gum disease, a bridge can seamlessly complete your smile.
​Benefits of Dental Bridges
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Restores the ability to chew and speak comfortably
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Fills gaps to create a complete, natural-looking smile
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Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of place
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Maintains proper bite alignment and jaw function
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Preserves facial structure by supporting the surrounding teeth
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Provides a fixed, non-removable solution for missing teeth
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Offers a quicker and more affordable alternative to dental implants
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Custom-designed to blend seamlessly with natural teeth
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Long-lasting with proper care and maintenance
​Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is the most common type of bridge and is used when you have natural teeth on both sides of a missing tooth. To create this bridge, we prepare the neighboring teeth by reshaping them to fit crowns. These crowns act as anchors, supporting the artificial tooth (pontic) in between. The entire bridge is custom-designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color, restoring both function and aesthetics.
​Cantilever Dental Bridge
A cantilever dental bridge is used when there is only one natural tooth available next to the missing space. Instead of being supported by teeth on both sides, this bridge is anchored by a single crown placed on one neighboring tooth. While this option can restore a missing tooth, it is typically recommended for areas with less biting pressure, such as front teeth, because placing too much force on a single supporting tooth can lead to stress or damage.
​Types of Dental Bridges
​Maryland Dental Bridge
A Maryland dental bridge is a more conservative option that replaces a missing tooth without the need for crowns on neighboring teeth. Instead, this bridge uses thin metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth to hold the artificial tooth in place. Since no significant tooth structure is removed, this is a great minimally invasive option. However, Maryland bridges are best suited for front teeth as they may not withstand heavy chewing forces.
​Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is the most durable and long-lasting option for patients missing multiple teeth in a row. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, this bridge is secured using dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone. The implants act as artificial tooth roots, providing a strong, stable foundation for the bridge. This option helps preserve bone density, prevents facial sagging, and offers unmatched strength for chewing and speaking.
​The Dental Bridge Process
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Your dental bridge procedure typically takes two visits. During your first session, we will prepare the supporting teeth by gently reshaping them to accommodate crowns (for a traditional or cantilever bridge). For a Maryland bridge, minimal preparation is needed, as the bridge is bonded to the backs of your adjacent teeth. If you’re getting an implant-supported bridge, the first step involves surgically placing the implants, which will need time to heal.
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At your second visit, we will carefully fit and bond the bridge into place and check for comfort and bite alignment. We will then make any necessary adjustments to ensure a secure, natural feel. Once your bridge is in place, you’ll receive detailed care instructions to maintain its longevity. With proper care, your dental bridge can restore your smile for years to come.
​Dental Bridge FAQs
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
With proper care, dental bridges can last between 10 to 15 years or longer. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help maintain their longevity.
Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?
Yes! Dr. Simkins custom-designs each bridge to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. The materials used, such as porcelain or zirconia, mimic real teeth for a natural look.
Will a Dental Bridge Affect
My Speech or Eating?
Initially, you may need a few days to adjust to the bridge, but once you do, chewing and speaking will feel completely natural.
Can a Bridge Be Replaced If
It Wears Out?
Yes! When a bridge shows signs of wear or damage, we can replace it with a new custom bridge to maintain your smile’s health and appearance.
​Why You Should Choose Us
Advanced Dentistry and Periodontics of Antioch is a dental practice that puts your health and comfort first. Led by Dr. Simkins and Dr. Reyes, we provide one-on-one, personalized care using the latest technology and advanced techniques for cosmetic dental care. Every treatment plan is tailored to your needs—never rushed, never cookie-cutter. Schedule a consultation today, and let Dr. Simkins and Dr. Reyes help you achieve the smile you deserve.