Dental Bridge in Allentown, PA

If You’re Looking for a dental bridge in Allentown, PA, Call Strassman Dental.

If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge is a proven, long-lasting solution to restore your smile, your bite, and your confidence. At Strassman Dental, Dr. Drew Carey and our Allentown dental team provide custom-crafted dental bridges that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Whether you are missing a single tooth or several in a row, we will help you find the right tooth replacement solution — and walk you through every step of the process so you feel fully informed and comfortable before treatment begins. Call (610) 398-8110 to schedule your consultation.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that literally "bridges" the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two dental crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap — called abutment teeth — with one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, suspended in between. The result is a seamless, natural-looking restoration anchored firmly in place.

Pontics can be made from porcelain, ceramic, gold, alloys, or a combination of materials. For most patients, tooth-colored porcelain is the preferred choice for its natural appearance and durability. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or dental implants.

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Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters

  • Leaving a gap in your smile does more than affect your appearance — it creates a chain of oral health problems over time:
    • Teeth shifting — neighboring teeth drift into the empty space, causing misalignment and bite problems
    • Bone loss — the jawbone beneath a missing tooth begins to deteriorate without a tooth root to stimulate it
    • TMJ disorder — an uneven bite places excess stress on the jaw joint, leading to pain and dysfunction
    • Speech difficulty — missing teeth affect how you form certain sounds
    • Increased decay risk — shifted and crowded teeth are harder to clean, increasing risk of cavities and gum disease
    • Facial sagging — over time, bone and tissue loss can cause the face to take on a sunken, aged appearance
    A dental bridge in Allentown addresses all of these concerns by restoring the tooth quickly and permanently.

    • Types of Dental Bridges Available in Allentown, PA

    Traditional Dental Bridge

    ‍The most common type. Two dental crowns are placed on the abutment teeth on either side of the gap, with one or more pontics between them. Requires reshaping of the abutment teeth to accommodate the crowns.

    Implant-Supported Bridge

    ‍Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, the bridge is anchored by dental implants on either end. This option preserves the jawbone, does not require altering healthy adjacent teeth, and provides the most stable, long-lasting result. Ideal for patients replacing multiple consecutive missing teeth.

    Cantilever Bridge

    ‍Used when there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap. Less common and typically recommended only for specific clinical situations. Dr. Carey will let you know if this is appropriate for your case.

    Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant

    Dental Bridge:

    • Procedure: Non-surgical
    • Timeline: 2–3 weeks
    • Adjacent teeth: Requires reshaping
    • Bone preservation: Does not prevent bone loss
    • Longevity: 10–15 years with care
    • Cost: More affordable upfront

    Dental Implant:

    • Procedure: Surgical implant placement
    • Timeline: Several months
    • Adjacent teeth: No impact on adjacent teeth
    • Bone preservation: Stimulates and preserves jawbone
    • Longevity: 20+ years, often lifetime
    • Cost: Higher initial investment

    Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant

    Dental Bridge:

    • Procedure: Non-surgical
    • Timeline: 2–3 weeks
    • Adjacent teeth: Requires reshaping
    • Bone preservation: Does not prevent bone loss
    • Longevity: 10–15 years with care
    • Cost: More affordable upfront

    Dental Implant:

    • Procedure: Surgical implant placement
    • Timeline: Several months
    • Adjacent teeth: No impact on adjacent teeth
    • Bone preservation: Stimulates and preserves jawbone
    • Longevity: 20+ years, often lifetime
    • Cost: Higher initial investment

    The Dental Bridge Process at Our Allentown Office

    Getting a dental bridge at Strassman Dental typically involves two to three appointments:

    Appointment 1 — Preparation and impressions

    ‍While the area is numbed, Dr. Carey prepares the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns. Highly accurate impressions are taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your custom bridge is fabricated. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the area while you wait.

    Appointment 2 — Fitting and placement

    ‍Your permanent bridge is carefully checked for fit, color, and bite alignment, then adjusted as needed and cemented into place. In some cases, Dr. Carey may temporarily cement the bridge first to allow your teeth and tissues time to adjust before permanently securing it.

    Ongoing careWith proper brushing, flossing — including under the bridge using a floss threader or water flosser — and regular dental cleanings and exams, a well-maintained dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer.

    Dental Bridges FAQ

    How long does a dental bridge last?

    Typically, you expect a fixed bridge to last years differing on the condition and general health of the teeth and rest of your mouth. The quality of your general oral hygiene and long-term habits will play a large factor as well.

    What does a dental bridge look like?

    If you’re getting a dental bridge, they look very natural and function like your natural teeth. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth will be reshaped and fitted with a crown. You’ll also have an artificial tooth made based on impressions of your natural teeth. That way, your replacement tooth looks like your natural teeth as much as possible. When your artificial teeth are ready, then it's cemented permanently with dental cement to the natural teeth on both sides.

    How do I take care of a dental bridge?

    In general, you should care for your permanent dental bridge the way you care for your other teeth, practicing good daily oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups. Outside of that you should limit eating foods that are hard on teeth, specially chewing on ice. To increase the longevity of your permanent dental bridge, we encourage you to floss daily and use a water pick in addition to routine brushing. Let us show you how to floss around your bridge to keep it healthy.

    Call Strassman Dental in Allentown, PA today at (610) 398-8110

    and ask us how our Allentown cosmetic dental solutions can brighten your smile and your day!

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