A missing tooth doesn't just affect your smile — it sets off a chain reaction. Adjacent teeth shift toward the gap, your bite changes, chewing becomes less efficient, and the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate. A dental bridge addresses all of these concerns by anchoring a replacement tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
At Newpoint Family Dental in Unionville, CT, we craft custom bridges that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, a bridge is cemented in place — you brush and floss it much like your own teeth, and it doesn't come in and out.
How a Dental Bridge Works
A traditional bridge consists of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) anchored by crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap. These anchor teeth (abutments) are prepared and fitted with precision crowns that support the pontic. The entire unit is cemented permanently, restoring your smile and your bite in one seamless restoration.
We also offer implant-supported bridges for patients missing multiple adjacent teeth. Instead of relying on natural teeth as anchors, the bridge is secured by dental implants — providing even greater stability and preserving more natural tooth structure.
The Bridge Process
The process typically takes two visits. At the first, we prepare the abutment teeth, take precise digital impressions, and place a temporary bridge. Your custom bridge is fabricated to match your surrounding teeth in shade, shape, and contour. At the second visit, we fit, adjust, and permanently cement the finished restoration.
Bridge vs. Implant — Which Is Right for You?
Both are excellent solutions, and the right choice depends on your specific situation. Bridges are faster (no surgical healing time), typically cost less, and work well when the adjacent teeth already need crowns. Implants preserve more natural tooth structure and protect the jawbone where the tooth is missing. We'll help you weigh the pros and cons honestly so you make the decision that's right for you.
Patients throughout Farmington Valley choose Newpoint for bridge work because we combine precision craftsmanship with honest guidance — no pressure, just the information you need to decide.