Missing a tooth can change how you chew, speak, and smile. At Unique Dental, your care is led by Mai Nguyen, an experienced dentist who designs dental bridges that look natural and feel secure. We use precise planning, quality materials, and clear communication so your treatment restores comfort, function, and confidence.
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is a custom restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Artificial teeth (pontics) fill the space and are supported by crowns on neighboring teeth or by implants. Bridges help maintain your bite, prevent shifting, and restore a complete smile that blends with surrounding enamel.
Who is a candidate?
If you have healthy adjacent teeth and good gum health, you may be a strong candidate for a traditional bridge. During your consultation in Houston, Texas, Mai Nguyen reviews your medical history, bite alignment, and hygiene habits to recommend a conservative plan. We also discuss alternatives, such as partials or implant-supported options when appropriate.
Types of bridges
Traditional: Pontic anchored by crowns on teeth on both sides of the gap—reliable for many situations. Cantilever: Uses one adjacent tooth when space is limited. Maryland: Uses a bonded metal/porcelain wing on the back of adjacent teeth for minimal tooth preparation. Implant-supported: Pontics attached to implants for maximum stability and no preparation of nearby teeth.
What to expect
We begin with photos, shade matching, and digital scans or impressions. The supporting teeth are shaped conservatively to allow room for the crowns. A precise model guides the lab in crafting your bridge. You will wear a smooth temporary while your final restoration is made. At delivery, we verify fit and bite, adjust as needed, and cement the bridge securely for immediate function.
Care and longevity
Brush twice daily and floss around the bridge with a threader or water flosser to keep the gums healthy. Avoid chewing ice or very hard objects. Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings, and call us if you notice looseness or tenderness. With proper care at Unique Dental, many bridges last a decade or longer.
Considering a dental bridge in Houston, Texas? We will explain materials, timelines, and costs in plain language. Discuss your options with our dentist at Unique Dental and restore your smile with a stable, natural-looking solution. Contact us at 281-550-0900 to schedule a consultation.
Dental Bridge FAQs
How long do dental bridges last?
With daily brushing and flossing, professional cleanings, and a well-balanced bite, many bridges last 10 to 12 years or more. Lifespan depends on material choice, chewing forces, and gum health. Mai Nguyen will review habits like clenching and recommend a nightguard if needed to protect your restoration.
Do bridges look natural?
Yes. We record detailed shade information and select materials that mimic enamel’s translucency. The lab shapes and colors each pontic to match nearby teeth. At delivery, Mai Nguyen fine-tunes contour and bite so your bridge blends seamlessly in photos and everyday conversations.
Bridge vs. implant: which is better?
It depends on your goals, bone health, and adjacent teeth. Bridges offer a faster timeline and do not require surgery, while implants protect neighboring teeth and can last longer. In your consultation, we will compare pros, cons, costs, and maintenance so you can choose confidently.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean between the pontic and gumline daily. Angle the stream or floss under the pontic to remove plaque and food. Maintain regular professional cleanings at Unique Dental to keep tissues healthy and the margins of your crowns plaque-free.