Dental Bridgesin Hayden, ID
If you’re missing a tooth, you’re not just missing part of your smile—you’re also missing support for everyday function. A dental bridge is a fixed restoration designed to “bridge” the gap where a tooth used to be, using neighboring teeth or dental implants to support a natural-looking replacement tooth. Beyond appearance, bridges help you chew more comfortably, speak clearly, and protect your bite from shifting over time. At Cornerstone Dental Center in Hayden, ID, Dr. Don Tatalovich helps patients choose the most appropriate tooth-replacement option based on their goals, comfort, and long-term oral health. With the right plan, replacing a missing tooth can feel straightforward and empowering.
Why Choose Dental Bridges at Cornerstone Dental Center?
When you’re deciding how to replace a missing tooth, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by options. Dr. Tatalovich simplifies the process by walking you through fixed vs. removable solutions and helping you understand what makes the most sense for your mouth. Dental bridges are often a great choice when you want a stable, non-removable option—especially if you’re missing one to three teeth and want to restore your smile quickly and predictably. At Cornerstone Dental Center, your bridge is planned with a comprehensive view of your oral health, so your final result looks natural, functions comfortably, and supports your long-term goals. You deserve a solution you can feel confident about.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Restore your smile and confidence
A bridge fills the visible gap from a missing tooth, helping you smile without feeling self-conscious. Because it’s fixed in place, it looks natural and feels more like “your teeth” than a removable option.
Improve chewing and speech
Missing teeth can make it harder to chew efficiently or pronounce certain words clearly. A bridge restores the structure your mouth needs, so you can eat more comfortably and speak with confidence again.
Support long-term oral health
When a space is left open, neighboring teeth can shift, and your bite can change over time. A bridge helps stabilize that area and protects the balance of your smile, which can reduce future dental problems.
What to Expect From Dental Bridges
Personalized Exam and Planning
Your first visit is all about understanding your needs and mapping out the best solution. Dr. Tatalovich will evaluate the gap you want to fill, the health of the teeth next to it, and—if implants are being considered—the available bone in the area. This is also where you’ll talk through your goals, whether they’re focused on function, appearance, or both. You’ll leave with clear options and a plan that feels tailored to you, not “one-size-fits-all.”
Preparing Teeth and Creating Your Temporary Bridge
If a traditional bridge is the right fit, the teeth on either side of the missing space are carefully reshaped to support crowns—these crowns will hold the replacement tooth between them. Next, impressions or digital scans are taken so your custom bridge can be designed for a comfortable bite and natural look. Before you leave, you’ll receive a durable temporary bridge to protect the area and keep you smiling while the permanent bridge is being crafted. You’ll be able to function normally, with guidance on how to care for it.
Final Delivery and Ongoing Maintenance
At your delivery appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and your permanent bridge is bonded or cemented into place. Dr. Tatalovich will check the fit, bite, and appearance carefully to make sure everything feels right. From there, maintenance is simple but important: brushing, flossing (often with special floss threaders), and water flossing help keep the bridge and surrounding gums healthy. You’ll also want routine checkups so we can monitor the area and prevent decay or gum issues. With good care, your bridge can stay strong and comfortable for years.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
A well-made dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer, especially when it’s properly cared for. Longevity depends on factors like daily oral hygiene, the health of the supporting teeth or implants, and keeping up with regular dental visits. Because a traditional bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support, protecting those teeth from decay and gum disease is essential. With consistent care and professional monitoring, many patients enjoy their bridges for decades.
Most patients report that getting a dental bridge is much more comfortable than they expected. The teeth are prepared using local anesthesia, so you remain numb during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience mild sensitivity or soreness for a few days, which usually resolves quickly. Dr. Tatalovich and the team take a gentle approach and will make sure you’re comfortable at every stage, from preparation through final placement.
Caring for a dental bridge is similar to caring for natural teeth, but with a few important additions. You’ll still brush twice daily, but flossing requires special tools like floss threaders or a water flosser to clean underneath the replacement tooth. This step is critical for preventing plaque buildup and protecting the supporting teeth and gums. During your visits, our team will show you exactly how to clean your bridge effectively at home.
The right choice depends on your oral health, bone availability, timeline, and personal preferences. Dental implants are often ideal when sufficient bone is present and surgery is appropriate. Dental bridges, however, are an excellent option when implants aren’t recommended, when adjacent teeth already need crowns, or when you prefer a non-surgical solution. Dr. Tatalovich will walk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Yes, dental bridges can replace one or several missing teeth in a row. The determining factor is whether there is adequate support from neighboring teeth or implants. In some cases, implant-supported bridges may be recommended for larger gaps. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate the entire area—not just the missing teeth—to ensure the bridge is stable, functional, and built to last.
Modern dental bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Each bridge is custom-crafted to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth, and it’s carefully adjusted for a comfortable bite. Once in place, many patients forget they even have a bridge because it feels secure and functions like natural teeth. Our goal is for your bridge to look natural, feel comfortable, and restore confidence when you smile.
