General & Cosmetic Dentistry
The office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD serves the neighborhoods of Huntersville, Lake Norman, Davidson and Cornelius.
At the office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD, we focus on restoring missing teeth in ways that preserve function, appearance, and long-term oral health. Missing teeth are rarely an isolated problem — they can change how you chew, how your bite fits together, and even how your jaw ages over time. This page explains how dental bridges work, what options are available, and what you can expect during treatment so you can make an informed choice about restoring your smile.
When a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth often begin to shift toward the empty space. That movement can create misalignment, alter bite forces, and increase wear on teeth that were previously untouched. Over months and years, these subtle shifts can produce new stresses that lead to fractures, gum problems, or difficulty cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
Opposing teeth — those that used to meet the missing tooth — may also drift or extrude, which changes chewing efficiency and can contribute to jaw discomfort. These changes are rarely obvious at first, but they accumulate and can make future restorative work more complicated if not addressed early.
Replacing missing teeth preserves the balance of your bite, protects adjacent teeth, and helps maintain normal chewing and speaking function. A dental bridge restores both the visible appearance of the smile and the underlying mechanics that keep the mouth healthy.
Today’s restorative dentistry combines improved materials with precise techniques to create replacements that look and feel natural. A bridge can be fabricated from tooth-colored ceramics, high-strength zirconia, or porcelain fused to durable substructures to match your existing teeth while delivering lasting performance.
Choosing the right approach depends on the number of teeth involved, the condition of the adjacent teeth, bone levels, and your personal goals. In some cases a removable appliance is appropriate; in others, a fixed bridge or an implant-supported solution will give the best long-term outcome.
Our team evaluates each smile as a whole system, weighing aesthetic outcomes against functional needs. That holistic approach helps ensure that the chosen restoration not only fills a gap but also supports overall oral health for years to come.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is typically anchored either by crowns on adjacent natural teeth or by dental implants that act like artificial roots. The bridge restores chewing surfaces, fills visible gaps, and helps prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting out of position.
Bridges are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing dentition. When properly designed and placed, they distribute bite forces in a way that feels comfortable and preserves chewing efficiency. Modern materials also provide a natural translucency that blends with neighboring teeth.
Because bridges are fixed in the mouth, they require specific care routines to keep the supporting structures healthy. With appropriate home hygiene and routine professional monitoring, a well-made bridge can provide many years of reliable service.
There are several common bridge designs. A traditional fixed bridge uses crown support on the teeth adjacent to the gap; it’s often used when those teeth already need crowns or are strong enough to serve as anchors. A cantilever bridge attaches on only one side of the missing tooth and can be useful where limited support exists on one side only.
Implant-supported bridges rely on two or more dental implants to support the replacement teeth and are an excellent option when adjacent teeth are healthy and should be preserved. Because implants act like roots, they can support longer spans without placing stress on neighboring natural teeth.
Other specialized designs — such as resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges — may be suitable for certain front-tooth replacements where minimal alteration of adjacent teeth is desired. The best choice depends on your dental anatomy, long-term goals, and the overall health of the mouth.
Successful bridge treatment begins with a thorough evaluation. That includes a clinical exam, imaging as needed, and a review of periodontal health and tooth stability. If gum disease or active decay is present, those issues must be addressed before a bridge is fabricated to ensure predictable results.
When a traditional fixed bridge is planned, the adjacent teeth are prepared to receive crowns that will support the pontic (the replacement tooth). For implant-supported bridges, surgical planning evaluates bone volume and position to determine optimal implant placement; bone grafting may be recommended when additional support is needed.
We take time to discuss your expectations, present available options, and outline the sequence of care. Clear communication about timelines and what to expect at each visit helps patients feel comfortable and confident throughout treatment.
Traditional bridge treatment typically takes place over multiple visits. The first appointment usually involves preparing the supporting teeth, taking impressions or digital scans, and placing a temporary bridge to protect prepared surfaces while the final restoration is made.
Temporary restorations allow you to maintain appearance and function while the laboratory crafts the custom bridge. Some sensitivity and mild soreness around prepared teeth can occur, but these symptoms are generally short-lived and manageable with routine care.
At the final appointment the permanent bridge is tried in, adjusted for fit and bite, and then cemented in place. We confirm the color match, contour, and how the new restoration meets opposing teeth, and provide guidance on home care to maximize the longevity of the bridge.
Implant-supported bridges begin with a surgical phase where implants are placed into the jawbone. This outpatient procedure is performed with attention to comfort and safety; anesthesia and sedation options are discussed beforehand so you can feel relaxed during the procedure.
After implant placement, there is a healing period while the implants integrate with the bone. During this time, you may wear a temporary restoration. Once integration is complete, the final prosthesis is attached and adjusted to achieve optimal function and appearance.
Because implant-supported bridges do not rely on natural teeth for support, they avoid the need to alter healthy adjacent teeth. They also preserve bone by providing stimulation similar to natural tooth roots, which helps maintain facial contours over time.
In summary, dental bridges provide predictable, esthetic, and functional solutions for replacing missing teeth. Whether supported by adjacent crowns or dental implants, a well-designed bridge restores chewing efficiency, prevents unwanted tooth movement, and improves the appearance of your smile. If you would like to learn more about how a bridge could fit into your treatment plan, please contact us for more information.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic restoration that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. It typically replaces the missing tooth (pontic) and is supported either by crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth or by dental implants that act as artificial roots. Bridges restore chewing surfaces, improve appearance, and help prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap.
Modern bridges are custom-made from materials such as tooth-colored ceramics or high-strength zirconia to blend with your natural dentition. They are designed to distribute bite forces comfortably and to match the shape, size, and color of surrounding teeth. With proper care and regular professional monitoring, a well-made bridge can provide reliable long-term function.
Losing a tooth alters the distribution of bite forces and can allow adjacent teeth to shift toward the empty space, which creates misalignment and makes cleaning more difficult. Opposing teeth may also drift or extrude into the space, reducing chewing efficiency and increasing the risk of wear or fracture. Over time these changes can affect the jaw joint, contribute to gum problems, and complicate future restorative work.
Replacing missing teeth helps preserve the alignment and function of the entire dental arch by restoring proper contacts and occlusion. A bridge stabilizes neighboring teeth and maintains normal chewing and speaking mechanics, which supports long-term oral health. Early evaluation and treatment reduce the chance of secondary problems that often require more complex care later.
Common bridge designs include traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Traditional fixed bridges are anchored by crowns on adjacent teeth and are commonly used when those teeth are strong or already need crowns; cantilever bridges anchor on only one side and are selected when support is limited. Resin-bonded bridges use metal or ceramic wings bonded to adjacent teeth and are a conservative option often used for front-tooth replacement.
Implant-supported bridges rely on dental implants for support and are an excellent option when adjacent teeth are healthy and should be preserved. Because implants act like tooth roots, implant-supported bridges can support longer spans and help maintain jawbone volume. The ideal design depends on tooth anatomy, periodontal health, bone availability, and your long-term goals.
Choosing between a traditional crown-supported bridge and an implant-supported bridge requires an assessment of the adjacent teeth, bone volume, periodontal health, and overall medical considerations. If the teeth next to the gap are heavily restored or already require crowns, a traditional bridge may be efficient; if those teeth are healthy, implants can avoid altering natural tooth structure. Bone levels and the presence of systemic conditions that affect healing are important factors when considering implant treatment.
A thorough evaluation typically includes a clinical exam and digital imaging to evaluate bone quantity and tooth condition, which helps determine whether bone grafting or other preparatory procedures are needed. Your functional goals, esthetic preferences, and expected timeline are also discussed so treatment matches your priorities. The chosen option aims to balance durability, preservation of natural tooth structure, and long-term oral health.
For a traditional fixed bridge, the process usually begins with preparing the supporting teeth by removing a small amount of enamel so crowns can be placed; impressions or digital scans are then taken to fabricate the final restoration. A temporary bridge is commonly placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain appearance while the permanent bridge is made. Mild sensitivity and soreness after preparation are normal and typically resolve with routine care.
When an implant-supported bridge is planned, treatment begins with surgical placement of implants followed by a healing period while the implants integrate with the bone, and a temporary restoration may be used during this stage. After integration, the final prosthesis is attached and adjusted for fit, occlusion, and esthetics. Throughout the process the office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD provides detailed instructions, monitors healing, and confirms the restoration meets functional and cosmetic goals.
Caring for a dental bridge requires consistent oral hygiene practices to protect the supporting teeth and surrounding gums from decay and periodontal disease. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and use floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque from beneath the pontic and between teeth. Special floss threaders, interdental brushes, or water flossers can make it easier to clean under and around the bridge.
Regular professional cleanings and exams are essential so your dentist can monitor the health of the supporting teeth and the integrity of the restoration. Addressing gum inflammation, decay, or fit issues early helps extend the life of the bridge and prevents complications. If you notice persistent sensitivity, looseness, or changes in bite, contact your dental provider for an evaluation.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies but many well-designed bridges can last a decade or longer with proper care and regular dental maintenance. Factors that influence longevity include the quality of the initial preparation and laboratory work, the material used, the health of the supporting teeth and gums, and consistent oral hygiene. Habits such as grinding or clenching, poor home care, or recurrent decay can shorten a bridge’s useful life.
Periodic professional evaluations allow the dental team to check for wear, marginal integrity, and gum health so any problems are addressed promptly. If a supporting tooth fails or bone changes occur around an implant, the restoration may need repair or replacement to maintain function. Proactive care and timely attention to changes are the best ways to maximize the working life of a bridge.
Yes. Replacing missing teeth with a properly designed bridge often improves chewing efficiency and restores normal contacts that help distribute bite forces evenly. Restoring the dental arch also supports proper tongue and lip positioning, which can reduce lisps or other speech changes caused by gaps. Most patients notice improved comfort and function once the restoration is adjusted for an optimal bite.
During follow-up visits the dentist will check how the new restoration interacts with opposing teeth and make adjustments to refine speech and chewing comfort. Temporary restorations and a short adaptation period are common as the muscles of the mouth learn the new contours. If functional issues persist, further refinements or alternative restorative options can be discussed to better meet your needs.
There are circumstances when a bridge may not be the most appropriate choice, such as when adjacent teeth are healthy and should be preserved or when bone loss makes implant placement impractical without significant grafting. Extensive periodontal disease or active decay must be treated before considering a bridge, and severe bruxism may necessitate alternative approaches or protective night guards. Patient medical conditions that affect healing can also influence the selection of restoration type.
In such cases the dental team will review alternatives including implant-supported restorations, removable partial dentures, or conservative resin-bonded options depending on your anatomy and goals. The decision focuses on preserving as much natural tooth structure and jawbone as possible while delivering a durable, functional result. A comprehensive evaluation helps identify the safest, most predictable plan for each patient.
Treatment planning begins with a thorough clinical examination and appropriate imaging to evaluate tooth condition, gum health, and bone volume so the team can recommend the most suitable restoration. The practice emphasizes a holistic approach that balances esthetic goals with functional needs, discussing advantages and limitations of each option and the sequence of care from preparation to final placement. Clear communication about what to expect during each phase helps patients make informed decisions.
The office tailors the plan to your individual anatomy and long-term oral health objectives, coordinating periodontal therapy, restorative work, and implant planning when necessary. Regular follow-up appointments and preventive care are recommended to monitor the restoration and supporting tissues. This structured, patient-centered process is designed to achieve predictable, long-lasting outcomes that restore appearance and function.
The office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD serves the neighborhoods of Huntersville, Lake Norman, Davidson and Cornelius.