Why Filling the Gap Matters
Leaving a gap in your smile is about more than the way it looks. When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth start drifting sideways into the open space, the tooth above or below can over-erupt, and your bite slowly becomes less stable. Chewing gets harder, and a lot of people develop jaw discomfort over time. A bridge stops that drift and gives you back full function the day it goes in.
Your Bridge Options
A traditional bridge uses the two teeth on either side of your gap as anchors — crowns go on those anchor teeth and a natural-looking artificial tooth (or two, called a pontic) sits between them. A cantilever bridge rests on just one anchor tooth, used in specific situations. A Maryland bridge uses small wings bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth — a more conservative option often chosen for front teeth with lighter bite forces. And if you’d rather not alter your natural teeth at all, an implant-supported bridge rests on dental implants and is often the strongest long-term path — you’ll hear the pros and cons of each in plain English before making a call.
What to Expect
Your traditional bridge is done in two visits. At the first, Dr. Karamcheti gently prepares the anchor teeth, takes a digital impression, and places a comfortable temporary bridge while the lab crafts your permanent one. At the second visit, you’ll try it for fit and appearance before it’s bonded into place. Most of our Charlottesville neighbors settle in quickly and stop thinking about the bridge within a week.
Caring for Your Bridge
Good home care is what gets you the full lifespan. On top of brushing and flossing the anchor teeth, you need to clean under the pontic where it meets your gums — a floss threader, an interdental brush, or a water flosser makes it easy. Your hygienist will walk you through the technique at your cleaning visits until it feels like second nature. A well-cared-for bridge can easily last 10 to 15 years, and often longer.