Rebuild Your Smile with Natural-Looking, Fixed Tooth Replacement
Missing one or more teeth can affect not just your appearance but also how you chew, speak, and maintain long-term oral health. At Mesquite Dental, we offer custom-crafted dental bridges in Tucson to help restore your smile’s appearance and function with a comfortable, fixed solution. Whether tooth loss is recent or long-standing, our team—led by Dr. Karley Schneider—will help you find the best restorative option for your needs.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. It works by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Bridges are ideal for patients who:
- Are missing one to three consecutive teeth
- Have healthy surrounding teeth or dental implants for support
- Want a fixed (non-removable) restoration
- Prefer not to wear removable partial dentures
There are different types of bridges—traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported—each suited to unique clinical and aesthetic needs. At Mesquite Dental, we’ll guide you through the best choice for your situation.
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial exam and prep: We begin with a thorough evaluation and digital impressions of your mouth. If you’re receiving a traditional bridge, the adjacent teeth are reshaped to accommodate dental crowns.
- Temporary placement: While your custom bridge is being fabricated by a trusted lab, we’ll place a temporary to protect your teeth and maintain your bite.
- Final fitting and bonding: At your second visit, your permanent bridge is placed, adjusted for fit, and cemented securely into place.
If you’re receiving an implant-supported bridge, additional healing time may be required after implant placement before the bridge is attached.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer both aesthetic and functional improvements:
- Restore your ability to chew and speak clearly
- Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Maintain the shape of your face and jaw structure
- Provide a permanent, natural-looking replacement
- Deliver long-term reliability when properly maintained
Bridges can be made from a variety of durable materials, including porcelain and zirconia, which blend beautifully with your existing teeth.
Explore more options on our Restorative Dentistry page, which includes dental crowns, root canals, and full or partial dentures.
Caring for Your Bridge
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to keep your bridge functioning for many years. Here's how to care for it:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss underneath and around the bridge using floss threaders or water flossers
- Attend biannual dental cleanings and exams
- Avoid chewing excessively hard foods or using your teeth as tools
If you're prone to nighttime grinding, we may recommend a custom occlusal guard to protect your bridge and surrounding teeth.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth in the same area
- Have strong, healthy teeth or implants on either side of the gap
- Are not interested in a removable appliance
- Do not currently have active gum disease or untreated decay
If the surrounding teeth are compromised, we may first recommend treatments like dental crowns or even a bone graft if you're considering an implant-supported option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long do dental bridges last?
With good oral hygiene and routine care, a bridge can last 10–15 years or longer. Avoiding habits like chewing ice or clenching teeth can help extend its life.
Are dental bridges removable?
No. Unlike partial dentures, dental bridges are fixed prosthetics that are bonded or attached to surrounding teeth or implants.
Will a bridge look natural?
Yes. At Mesquite Dental, we design bridges using tooth-colored materials to ensure they match your existing teeth in color, shape, and size.
Is getting a bridge painful?
The procedure is generally well tolerated. We use local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during treatment, and most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Is a bridge better than an implant?
It depends on your oral health, jawbone condition, and preferences. Bridges may be ideal for patients who want a faster solution or who aren't candidates for dental implants. We offer both options and can walk you through a detailed consultation.
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in Tucson
If you're looking for a long-lasting solution to missing teeth, dental bridges at Mesquite Dental provide strength, stability, and aesthetics in one treatment. Located on E Camp Lowell Dr, we welcome patients from across Tucson, Glenn Heights, Creekside, and Catalina Foothills.
Call (520) 380-0132 or request your appointment online today to find out if a dental bridge is right for your smile.