Dental Bridges
A missing tooth affects more than your smile — it can change the way you chew, speak, and even how your remaining teeth shift over time. At Auslander Dental, Dr. Bruce Auslander has spent more than 20 years helping patients in Gambrills, Crofton, Odenton, and Bowie restore their smiles with custom dental bridges. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several in a row, a bridge can be a fast, fixed, and natural-looking solution — often completed in fewer visits than an implant. Read on to learn how bridges work, what to expect during treatment, and whether a bridge or another option is the right fit for you.
If you feel your smile is adversely affecting your everyday life because of missing teeth, rest assured there are several dental solutions to fill in the blanks. One of these options is a bridge. Porcelain, the material of a bridge, is amazing in its ability to replicate both the aesthetics and function of original teeth. Porcelain can provide the longevity, durability, and visible result you desire. We also offer other periodontal services.
A fixed dental bridge is a prosthesis attached to adjacent natural teeth. In other words, the remaining natural teeth are used as anchors for replacement teeth. Fixed bridges are historically the best alternative for people missing a tooth or two because the installation is quite simple and the finished product pleasing to the eye. The porcelain can be sculpted to replicate the look of natural tooth enamel and its solid, strong base is able to withstand most traditional tooth functions. The glass-like whiteness and translucence allow light to penetrate and scatter, as it does with organic teeth. Bridges also fit quite easily within the established bite pattern.
The maintenance of a bridge is less intensive than most would expect. Treat your bridge in the same manner as you would typical teeth, with routine brushing and flossing. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to evaluate your bridge shortly after it is placed, so the dentist can evaluate how your mouth is reacting to the treatment. To setup your appointment, Call our office!
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) restoration that literally “bridges” the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It’s made up of two or more crowns — anchored to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap — with a false tooth, called a pontic, held securely in between. Once placed, a bridge looks and functions like your natural teeth, letting you chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Bridges can be crafted from porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-ceramic materials, each chosen to blend seamlessly with the color and shape of your surrounding teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
| Bridge Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Traditional Fixed Bridge | One or more missing teeth with healthy adjacent teeth |
| Cantilever Bridge | A gap with a healthy tooth on only one side |
| Maryland Bonded Bridge | Front teeth, minimal alteration of adjacent teeth |
| Implant-Supported Bridge | Multiple missing teeth in a row, no strain on natural teeth |
Dental Bridge vs. Implant vs. Partial Denture
| Dental Bridge | Dental Implant | Partial Denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed or removable? | Fixed | Fixed | Removable |
| Typical timeline | 2-3 visits, often a few weeks | Several months (includes healing time) | A few weeks |
| Affects adjacent teeth? | Yes — adjacent teeth are prepared for crowns | No — implant stands independently | Minimal (clasps onto adjacent teeth) |
| Prevents bone loss? | No | Yes | No |
| Good for | Single or multiple missing teeth, faster timeline | Long-term tooth root replacement | Multiple missing teeth, budget-conscious option |
Not sure which option fits your situation? Dr. Auslander will walk you through the pros and cons of each during your consultation. Schedule a consultation to find out which solution is right for you.
The Dental Bridge Procedure: What to Expect
- Consultation & Exam — Dr. Auslander evaluates your gap, the health of adjacent teeth, and your bite to confirm a bridge is the right fit.
- Tooth Preparation — The teeth on either side of the gap are gently reshaped to support the crowns that will anchor your bridge.
- Impressions & Temporary Bridge — We take an impression to design your custom bridge and fit you with a temporary while your permanent restoration is crafted.
- Placement & Fit Check — Once your bridge returns from the lab, Dr. Auslander checks the fit, bite, and appearance before permanently cementing it in place.
Most patients complete treatment in two to three visits, with minimal downtime between appointments.
Why Choose Dr. Auslander For Your Dental Bridge?
- 20+ years serving patients in Gambrills, Crofton, Odenton, and Bowie
- Specializes in crowns and bridges, alongside senior dental care and Invisalign
- Custom-matched materials for a natural, seamless appearance
- A patient-centered, unhurried approach — questions are always welcome
- Full range of restorative options under one roof, from bridges to implants to full mouth restoration
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10-15 years or longer. To protect your investment:
- Brush twice daily and use a floss threader or water flosser to clean beneath the pontic
- Avoid biting down on very hard foods (ice, hard candy) that can damage the restoration
- Keep up with regular cleanings and exams so we can monitor the bridge and surrounding teeth
- Let us know right away if you notice looseness, discomfort, or damage
Scheduling Your Dental Bridge Consultation Is Simple
Ready to talk about restoring your smile? Reach out by phone or request an appointment online, and our team will help find a time that works for you.
- Contact Us — Call 301-517-7335 or request an appointment online.
- Get Evaluated — Dr. Auslander examines your gap and discusses your best options.
- Restore Your Smile — Move forward with a custom-fitted bridge designed just for you.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
Most patients complete treatment in two to three visits over a few weeks, which is typically faster than the timeline for a dental implant.
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
The area is numbed before your teeth are prepared, so the procedure itself is not painful. Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward.
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care and regular checkups, a dental bridge can last 10-15 years or longer.
Is a bridge or an implant better for my missing tooth?
It depends on the health of your adjacent teeth, your bone health, budget, and timeline. Dr. Auslander will review your options and recommend the best fit during your consultation.
Will my insurance cover a dental bridge?
Many insurance plans cover a portion of bridge treatment. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain your expected out-of-pocket cost before you begin.
How do I clean a dental bridge?
Brush twice daily and clean underneath the pontic with a floss threader or water flosser to prevent decay and gum irritation around the bridge.