816 East Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, North Carolina 28054
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What Is A Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are pretty common in the United States and have been used on patients for decades. Typically, if you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can fill the gap with one or more artificial (false) teeth. The most common causes of missing teeth are tooth decay, gum disease and injury (think sports and other accidents). Some people may have even been born with missing teeth due to a congenital condition. No matter how the teeth are lost, in order to receive a dental bridge, you must have two healthy teeth (or dental implants) on either side of the missing tooth space.

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You may be asking: why is it so important to fill that empty space?  Teeth best perform their duties when working together. If a tooth or teeth are missing, nearby teeth can move into the empty space, or sometimes the teeth in your opposite jaw can move up or down toward the space. This movement can cause the following issues:

  • Bite problems
  • Chewing difficulties
  • Pain from the extra stress on your teeth and jaw
  • Self-consciousness about the way you look or your smile

A dental bridge includes the following components:

  • Abutment (or anchor) teeth: The dentist places two crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. These anchoring teeth can be your natural teeth or dental implants.
  • Pontics: This false tooth (or teeth) fills in the gap and attaches to the crowns.

There are four main types of bridges typically performed during treatment. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these are:

  • Traditional fixed bridge: This bridge is the most common. It has two or more crowns and a filler tooth or teeth that are all connected. The crowns keep the bridge in place. Traditional bridges are made of metal, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramics.
  • Cantilever bridge: In this bridge type, the pontic connects to only one abutment tooth. This can sometimes be an option for people who have teeth on only one side of the gap.
  • Maryland dental bridge (resin-bonded bridge): You may have this type of bridge if you have missing front teeth. It’s made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramic teeth, supported by a framework. Wings on each side of the bridge bond to your existing teeth.
  • Implant supported bridge: This bridge is similar to a “traditional fixed bridge” but instead of being cemented in place to teeth, it is held in place by implants.

You may be wondering if dental bridges are the best option for missing teeth.Some people choose partial dentures, which are removable false teeth. These can help, but they require more maintenance on the patient’s part as you must take them out daily to clean them. Another option is a dental implant, which is surgically placed in the jaw. The caring doctors here at Gaston Dental Associates can help you figure out what the best option is for your health and budget. If you are considering a dental bridge, partial dentures, or a dental implant, give us a call today at (704) 396-6616, or click here and fill out the appointment request form. We can’t wait to meet you!

What our patients say

  • I went to the dentist I had cracked a tooth they got me in the very next day to do... read more

    Richard Lingerfelt Avatar Richard L.
    July 15, 2025

    The staff is very friendly and helpful. The dentists and others are very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions... read more

    Lisa Locklear Avatar Lisa L.
    April 29, 2025

    My cleaning on April 23rd was an awesome visit. Thr check-in, hygienist and dentist had wonderful attitudes. The service was... read more

    Keizah Shouse Avatar Keizah S.
    April 29, 2025

    Wonderful experience from my check- up at Gaston Dental! Every person was very respectful of my comfort and time. Kudo’s... read more

    daryl hutchins Avatar daryl h.
    April 29, 2025
  • Great staff and the dentist was punctual along with very knowledgeable with her work and explaining everything to me, it... read more

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    Joni McClain Avatar Joni M.
    June 29, 2025

    I am very skeptical of dentists but I am very excited about Gaston Dental. They are very gentle and patient.... read more

    Thomas Hunter Avatar Thomas H.
    June 29, 2025

    I enjoy my visits to Gaston Dental Associates. The hygienists are excellent at their job, helpful and informative about ways... read more

    April Dawn Avatar April D.
    January 29, 2025

    I had a great experience at Gaston Dental Associates today! Everybody was very welcoming and made me feel so... read more

    Linda Wood Avatar Linda W.
    January 1, 1970
  • Great dentist! He's very caring and really listens. The staff is amazing as well. They make you feel comfortable and... read more

    Deana West Avatar Deana W.
    June 29, 2025

    My First Appointment at Gaston Dental was Fantastic! The Dental Assistants were friendly and professional as well as the... read more

    Diana Cunningham Avatar Diana C.
    August 29, 2024

    We love this dentist! All my kids go here & they are ALWAYS so kind and polite. This past time... read more

    Alejandra Whitman Avatar Alejandra W.
    March 29, 2025

    There's a bunch of care and expertise here. My teeth were in bad shape until I came here. They made... read more

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    April White Avatar April W.
    January 1, 1970
  • Outstanding Service and Caring Staff at Gaston Dental! I can't say enough good things about Gaston Dental! From the moment I... read more

    Ginger Barnett Avatar Ginger B.
    January 29, 2025

    I has the best experience today everyone was very nice and helpful and understanding to my needs I forgot to ask... read more

    Jessica Maruri Avatar Jessica M.
    January 1, 1970

    My visit at Gaston Dental Associates was absolutely amazing today. They were so thoughtful in making sure that I was... read more

    Bworthy Avatar Bworthy
    March 29, 2025

    Gaston Dental Associates is a great place for Dental care. I have nothing negative to say. I would refer... read more

    Dana Bates Avatar Dana B.
    January 1, 1970
  • Friendly atmosphere well kept and clean and making sure no one is contaminated with any virus the staff was polite... read more

    Lydia Vincenty Avatar Lydia V.
    January 1, 1970

    Very nice staff. They are very clean and professional. They also clean people's teeth nicely.

    Ashley Lippman Avatar Ashley L.
    April 29, 2025

    Everyone was very kind, informative and eager to help. I had a great first experience with my hygienist and my... read more

    Maggie Amrhein Avatar Maggie A.
    March 1, 2025

    Me and my children have been coming here for 17 years. Staff has changed around but there are still... read more

    Lauren P Avatar Lauren P.
    January 1, 1970

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