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Restore Your Smile with Durable, Natural-Looking Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can affect your confidence, bite function, and long-term oral health. At Straight River Family Dental in Owatonna, we offer expertly crafted dental bridges to restore missing teeth and give you a complete, healthy smile. Whether you're replacing a single tooth or several in a row, our team provides personalized treatment that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Dental bridges are fixed restorations that fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They are typically anchored to the neighboring teeth or dental implants, providing stability, function, and esthetics.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic designed to "bridge" the gap where one or more teeth are missing. A traditional bridge consists of:
- Pontic (false tooth): Replaces the missing tooth
- Abutment teeth: Natural teeth or implants on either side that support the bridge
- Crowns: Placed on abutment teeth to anchor the bridge in place
Modern dental bridges can be made from porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or a combination of materials for durability and a lifelike appearance.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer both functional and cosmetic benefits, including:
- Restoring chewing and speaking ability
- Preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of place
- Maintaining facial structure
- Providing a permanent, fixed alternative to partial dentures
- Enhancing smile aesthetics and confidence
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
At Straight River Family Dental, we offer several types of dental bridges depending on your oral health needs and goals:
- Traditional bridges: Supported by dental crowns on adjacent teeth
- Cantilever bridges: Anchored on one side only, used when only one adjacent tooth is available
- Maryland bonded bridges: Uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth
- Implant-supported bridges: Attached to dental implants instead of natural teeth for superior stability
You can learn more about how bridges complement our dental implant restorations or full and partial dentures.
Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Most patients missing one to three consecutive teeth are good candidates for dental bridges. You may be a strong candidate if:
- Your surrounding teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge
- You want a fixed, non-removable option
- You prefer not to undergo surgery (in cases without implants)
For patients missing multiple teeth or with bone loss, we may recommend a combination of bridges and bone grafting to ensure long-term success.
Our Dental Bridge Process
Our experienced dentists—Dr. Kurt Erickson, Dr. Seth Huiras, and Dr. Zach Lindquist—follow a thorough yet comfortable process to ensure optimal results:
- Initial Consultation: We evaluate your smile, take digital scans, and review treatment options.
- Tooth Preparation: If using natural teeth as abutments, we reshape them and take impressions.
- Bridge Fabrication: A dental lab creates your custom bridge based on the digital model.
- Fitting & Cementation: We ensure a perfect fit and securely bond the bridge in place.
Our advanced digital scanning and 3D CT technology allow for precise impressions and efficient, minimally invasive care.
Why Choose Straight River Family Dental?
Choosing the right provider is crucial when it comes to restorative treatments. Here's what sets our team apart:
- Experienced Restorative Dentists: Decades of combined experience in advanced prosthodontics
- Cutting-Edge Diagnostics: Including 3D imaging and digital scanning
- Locally Rooted Care: Serving Owatonna and surrounding communities since 2023
- Comprehensive Services: From dental crowns to cosmetic veneers, all under one roof
Our patient-first approach is why many locals trust us with their family's restorative and general dental needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental bridges can last 10–15 years or longer.
Do dental bridges look natural?
Yes. We use tooth-colored materials like porcelain and zirconia that match your surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance.
Are bridges better than partial dentures?
Bridges are a fixed solution, meaning they don’t need to be removed daily like partial dentures. They’re often more comfortable and natural-feeling for many patients.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, once your bridge is placed and you've adjusted, you'll be able to eat comfortably and normally again.
Do bridges require special cleaning?
We recommend using a floss threader or water flosser to clean underneath the bridge. Our team will guide you on proper maintenance during your visit.
Ready to Replace Missing Teeth?
At Straight River Family Dental, we're committed to helping you achieve a confident, functional smile. If you're ready to explore your options for dental bridges in Owatonna, schedule your appointment today. Call (507) 451-3090 to request an appointment or contact us online now.