Dental Bridges in Gaithersburg and Clarksburg, MD
Missing a tooth can affect how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. Tong Dental Care provides custom dental bridges to close that gap with a restoration built to match your natural teeth. We offer both conventional and implant-supported bridges and handle the entire process in-house.
Our family-owned practice has two convenient locations with Saturday hours and multiple doctors on staff. If you are also weighing dental crowns or dental implants, our team can walk you through each option.
How Dental Bridges Work
A fixed dental bridge uses a custom structure to span the gap left by a missing tooth. The artificial replacement tooth is called a pontic. To hold the pontic securely, we attach it to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the empty space. When multiple teeth are missing, we can anchor the pontic to dental implants instead.
Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters
Filling the empty space restores your chewing efficiency and speech. Without a replacement, neighboring teeth drift into the gap, altering your bite alignment and leading to jaw discomfort over time.
Restorative Benefits
Fixed bridges are permanently secured and cannot be removed, giving you a stable bite from day one. Modern materials match the shade of your natural teeth, and the stable structure prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment.
Bridges are a strong choice, but dental implants or custom dentures may be a better fit depending on your case. Contact our team to schedule an exam and get a personalized treatment plan.
Gaithersburg: (301) 216-1780 | Clarksburg: (301) 515-5100
Fixed Bridge Options: Traditional vs. Implant-Supported
The right bridge design depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of adjacent teeth, your bite forces, and your long-term goals. We build custom dental bridges for both traditional and implant-anchored cases.
Traditional Bridges
These restorations support replacement teeth by placing custom dental crowns on the adjacent teeth. This requires reshaping some natural enamel to create anchor points, but the result is a completed smile in just a few weeks.
Implant-Supported Bridges
This approach anchors the restoration directly to titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone. It preserves natural tooth structure, prevents bone loss, and is a key step in comprehensive implant planning. The tradeoff is a multi-month healing timeline before the final bridge is placed.
What to Expect: The Bridge Treatment Process
Getting dental bridges is a clear, predictable process. Our team provides gentle sedation options and handles everything in-house, keeping your visits to a minimum.
A traditional custom bridge is completed across three appointments:
- Evaluation and Scanning: We examine your teeth and capture a precise, goop-free 3D model using our iTero digital scanner.
- Preparation: We gently numb the area, shape the anchor teeth, and place a custom temporary bridge to protect your smile.
- Final Delivery: After the lab fabricates your restoration, we remove the temporary, verify the fit, check your bite, and bond the permanent bridge.
For implant-supported restorations, our in-house periodontist handles surgical placement, which adds several months of healing time before the final bridge is seated.
Bridge care requires only a simple daily routine. Brush along the gumline margins, use Superfloss or a water flosser to clean beneath the artificial tooth, and keep regular hygiene visits to preserve the supporting teeth.
Dental Bridges: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental bridge cost?
Bridge costs vary based on the number of replacement teeth, materials, and the condition of the supporting teeth. Traditional bridges generally cost in the thousands, while implant-supported options are higher due to surgical placement and possible bone grafting. We provide a complete written estimate after a thorough examination. Patients without insurance can use our Dental Smile Club membership for 15% off treatments, and we accept CareCredit financing.
Will my dental insurance help pay for a bridge?
Most dental insurance plans classify a fixed bridge as a major restorative service, typically covering up to 50% of the cost after your annual deductible is met. Check your specific plan for waiting periods or annual maximums. Tong Dental Care accepts most major PPO plans, and our administrative team files all claims on your behalf.
How long do dental bridges last?
A high-quality dental bridge commonly lasts between 5 and 15 years, and sometimes longer with excellent care. The lifespan depends on your daily oral hygiene, bite forces, and the health of the anchor teeth. Issues like teeth grinding or poor gum health can shorten the timeline. Implant-supported bridges often offer a more durable long-term outcome because they do not rely on adjacent natural teeth.
How do I clean under a fixed bridge?
Cleaning beneath your bridge is critical for preventing decay in the anchor teeth. Use a floss threader or Superfloss daily to slide beneath the artificial tooth and remove food particles. Brushing along the gumline and using a water flosser also help keep the area clean. Regular professional cleanings at our Gaithersburg office let us monitor the seal of your bridge.
Should I get a bridge, an implant, or a denture?
The right choice depends on your oral health, budget, and how many teeth need replacing. A bridge is a fast, fixed solution. Dental implants offer a permanent option that also protects your jawbone, though the process requires surgery. For multiple missing teeth or full arches, custom dentures provide a more affordable removable option. Our team evaluates your mouth in-house to help you choose the best path.
How many appointments will I need?
A traditional bridge typically requires two visits spaced a few weeks apart. During the first visit, we numb the area with local anesthetic so you feel no pain while we prepare the anchor teeth. We also offer gentle sedation options to keep you relaxed throughout treatment. The second visit is simple: we remove the temporary cover and bond your permanent bridge.
Begin your tong care journey
Restore Your Smile at Tong Dental Care
A dental bridge from Tong Dental Care gives you back a complete, functional smile. Whether you need a traditional or implant-supported restoration, our team handles every step in-house so your treatment stays coordinated and comfortable. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.