A missing tooth does far more damage than most people realize. Beyond the visible gap in your smile a missing tooth sets off a chain of consequences that affect your bite, your remaining teeth, your jawbone, and ultimately your overall oral health. At OraCore Dental – Odenton we restore missing teeth with custom dental bridges that fill the gap permanently, look completely natural, and bring your smile back to full function.
Address:
1215 Annapolis Rd, Ste 208, Odenton, MD 21113
need dental services ?
Call: (410) 551-4600
opening hours
Mon - Thurs: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between two remaining natural teeth or implants. The bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth called pontics that are anchored in place by dental crowns placed over the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These anchor teeth are called abutment teeth.
Once cemented in place a dental bridge is permanently fixed and does not need to be removed for cleaning like a partial denture. It restores the full appearance and function of the missing tooth or teeth and prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty space.
At OraCore Dental – Odenton we provide custom dental bridges for patients throughout Odenton and the surrounding Anne Arundel County communities who are dealing with the functional and cosmetic challenges of one or more missing teeth.
A dental bridge may be the right solution for you if you are experiencing any of the following:
Patients in Odenton come to OraCore Dental for dental bridges to address:
At OraCore Dental – Odenton we provide several types of dental bridges depending on your specific clinical situation and needs.
Traditional Dental Bridge The most common type of dental bridge consisting of one or more pontics anchored by dental crowns on the teeth immediately adjacent to the gap. Traditional bridges are strong, durable, and suitable for most patients with healthy abutment teeth on both sides of the missing tooth space.
Cantilever Bridge A cantilever bridge is used when there is only one healthy tooth adjacent to the gap rather than teeth on both sides. The pontic is anchored by a crown on just one side. This type of bridge is less common and is typically used in areas of the mouth that experience lower biting forces.
Maryland Bridge Also called a resin bonded bridge a Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth rather than full crowns. This is a more conservative option that preserves more of the natural tooth structure of the abutment teeth and is often used to replace missing front teeth.
Implant Supported Bridge An implant supported bridge uses dental implants rather than natural teeth as the anchor points. This is the strongest and most stable type of bridge and is an excellent option for patients who are missing multiple teeth in a row or who do not want to place crowns on healthy adjacent teeth.
At OraCore Dental – Odenton our dental bridge treatment includes:
It is tempting to ignore a missing tooth especially if it is not in a visible area of your smile or if it is not causing immediate pain. But the consequences of leaving a gap untreated are significant and worsen with every passing month.
The teeth adjacent to the gap will begin to tilt and drift into the empty space within weeks of a tooth being lost. As they shift your bite alignment changes creating uneven wear patterns, jaw pain, and an increased risk of cracking or fracturing the drifting teeth. The tooth in the opposing arch will begin to over-erupt into the space because it no longer has an opposing tooth to bite against. The jawbone in the area of the missing tooth will begin to resorb because it no longer receives the stimulation it needs from a tooth root.
All of these consequences compound over time and make tooth replacement increasingly complex and expensive the longer you wait. Getting a dental bridge at OraCore Dental – Odenton promptly after tooth loss is always the wisest investment in your long term oral health.
Getting a custom dental bridge at OraCore Dental – Odenton is typically completed over two appointments.
Step 1 – Consultation and Examination We perform a comprehensive exam including X-rays to assess the condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap and confirm that a dental bridge is the right solution for your situation. We discuss your options, timeline, and costs during this appointment.
Step 2 – Abutment Tooth Preparation We prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by reshaping them to accommodate the crowns that will anchor the bridge. Local anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort throughout this step. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the type of bridge being placed.
Step 3 – Impressions We take precise impressions of the prepared teeth and the gap which are sent to a professional dental laboratory where your custom bridge is fabricated to fit your mouth precisely.
Step 4 – Temporary Bridge While your permanent bridge is being made we place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and maintain the space so you are never without teeth during the fabrication period.
Step 5 – Try In and Approval When your custom bridge arrives from the laboratory we have you try it in before permanent cementation to verify the fit, appearance, and bite. Any final adjustments are made at this stage.
Step 6 – Permanent Cementation Once you are satisfied with the result your bridge is permanently cemented into place. We make final adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable and the bridge looks completely natural.
Step 7 – Follow Up We schedule a follow up appointment to check on your bridge and ensure everything is functioning well. We also provide detailed guidance on how to clean around your bridge to maintain its longevity.
OraCore Dental – Odenton provides dental bridge services for:
At OraCore Dental – Odenton we understand that replacing a missing tooth is about more than aesthetics. It is about restoring function, protecting your remaining teeth, and preserving your long term oral health. Our team brings clinical precision and genuine patient care to every bridge case we treat.
The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on the number of teeth being replaced, the type of bridge, and the materials used. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of a dental bridge. Our team will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation and help you understand your coverage and payment options
With proper care and regular maintenance dental bridges typically last between 10 and 15 years or longer. The longevity of your bridge depends on the health of the supporting teeth, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth. Regular checkups at OraCore Dental - Odenton allow us to monitor your bridge and address any issues before they compromise its longevity.
Because a bridge spans a gap the area underneath the pontic requires special cleaning to prevent decay and gum disease in the supporting teeth. We recommend using a floss threader or water flosser to clean beneath the bridge daily in addition to your regular brushing and flossing routine. Our team will demonstrate the proper technique during your delivery appointment.
Yes. Your bridge is custom fabricated to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding natural teeth so the result is virtually indistinguishable from your own teeth.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia so you will not experience pain during treatment. Some sensitivity in the abutment teeth in the days following preparation is normal and temporary. Most patients find the experience very manageable.
A dental implant replaces the root of the missing tooth with a titanium post that integrates with the jawbone providing the most natural and permanent tooth replacement available. A dental bridge does not replace the root and requires the preparation of adjacent teeth to serve as anchors. Implants preserve the jawbone and do not involve the surrounding teeth making them the superior long term option. However bridges are less expensive and do not require surgery making them a strong choice for patients who are not candidates for implants or who prefer a non surgical solution.
Call us today at (410) 551-4600 or book your appointment online. We serve patients in Odenton, MD and the surrounding communities of Anne Arundel County.
Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved.
