Fort Worth, TX — Missing Tooth Replacement
Dental Bridges That Restore Your Full Smile
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment. When teeth are lost, they must be replaced to maintain proper function.
Dr. Marshall H. Brown's natural-looking dental bridges restore your smile, your bite, and your confidence — giving you back full function from day one.
- Fixed & Removable Options
- Porcelain & Gold Materials
- 2–3 Visit Process
- Most Insurance Accepted
What Exactly Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge — also called a fixed partial denture — is a device that fills the gap where one or more teeth are absent. It attaches artificial teeth (pontics) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth. The result is a complete, stable, natural-looking smile that functions exactly like your original teeth.
Fixed bridges are bonded permanently into place and can only be removed by a dental professional — making them the most stable and comfortable option for most patients. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out for cleaning and are attached using metal clasps or precision attachments.
Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance. If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your daily functions — from eating to speaking. Missing teeth can and should be replaced, and a fixed bridge is one of the most reliable ways to do it.
- Fills the gap where one or more teeth are missing
- Fixed bridges are permanently cemented — no removal needed
- Restores full chewing function and speech clarity
- Prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Supports proper lip and cheek structure
- Reduces risk of gum disease caused by missing teeth
Your Bridge Options: Fixed Bridge vs. Removable Bridge
A fixed bridge is permanently cemented to the natural teeth on either side of the gap using dental crowns or direct bonding. Once placed, it can only be removed by a dental professional. Fixed bridges offer superior stability, comfort, and function — and feel completely like your own natural teeth from day one. Most patients choose a fixed bridge for its unmatched reliability and long-term performance.
A removable bridge (sometimes called a partial denture) is attached to the adjacent natural teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments, and can be taken out by the patient for cleaning and maintenance. While removable bridges offer less stability than their fixed counterparts, they can be an appropriate solution in certain clinical situations, such as when abutment teeth are not strong enough to support a fixed bridge.
Not sure which type is right for you? Dr. Brown will assess your oral health, the condition of your adjacent teeth, the number of missing teeth, and your budget during your consultation — and recommend the most appropriate solution for your individual situation.
- Fixed: permanently cemented — no removal required
- Fixed: superior stability — feels like natural teeth
- Fixed: full chewing force restored immediately
- Removable: can be removed for easy cleaning
- Removable: less tooth preparation required
- Removable: less stable than a fixed bridge
Why Missing Teeth Must Be Replaced
Tooth loss doesn't have to occur as you age — but if it does, replacement is essential. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Without a full set, unusual stresses are placed on the gums and remaining teeth, causing a cascade of potentially serious problems.
Don't wait. The longer a missing tooth is left unreplaced, the more bone loss and tooth shifting occurs — making future treatment more complex and costly. A bridge placed promptly preserves bone, prevents drift, and maintains your bite.
- Increased Risk of Gum Disease — gaps between teeth trap bacteria and plaque, significantly increasing your risk of periodontal disease
- Teeth Shift & Drift — remaining teeth on either side of a gap gradually shift and tilt into the empty space, causing misalignment, bite problems, and further tooth loss
- Facial Collapse & Ageing — the loss of a back tooth may cause the mouth to sink and the face to look prematurely older as the jawbone in the gap area deteriorates
- Speech Difficulties — missing teeth are used to form many sounds; gaps can cause lisping, slurring, or difficulty pronouncing certain words
- Restored Appearance — a bridge supports your lips and cheeks and restores your natural facial contours
- Full Chewing Function — a bridge restores your ability to chew comfortably and confidently eat the foods you enjoy
How Dr. Brown Attaches Your Dental Bridge
Visit One — Abutment Preparation: Dr. Brown carefully prepares the abutment teeth on either side of the gap by removing a precise portion of enamel and dentin to make room for the bridge crowns. Digital impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to our dental laboratory where your bridge is custom-fabricated with precision to match your bite and surrounding teeth. A temporary bridge is placed the same day to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your appearance while you wait.
Visit Two — Fitting & Adjustment: When your permanent bridge returns from the laboratory, you come in for your fitting appointment. Dr. Brown removes the temporary bridge, cleans the abutment teeth, and carefully seats the permanent bridge — checking the fit, bite alignment, and aesthetics from every angle. Precise adjustments are made until everything is perfect.
Visit Three (if needed) — Permanent Cementation: Once you and Dr. Brown are fully satisfied with the fit and appearance, the bridge is permanently cemented into place. For some patients this happens at visit two — for others a third visit ensures everything is exactly right before final cementation. You leave our Fort Worth office with a complete, stable, natural-looking smile and clear aftercare instructions.
What Your Bridge Is Made Of — And How to Care for It
Dr. Brown will recommend the most appropriate material based on your specific tooth location, bite, and aesthetic preferences. Options include all-porcelain (the most natural-looking, ideal for visible front-tooth bridges), porcelain-on-gold (combining the aesthetic of porcelain with the strength of a gold alloy base — best for back teeth under heavy chewing forces), gold alloy (extremely durable and biocompatible with less tooth preparation needed), and non-precious alloy (a cost-effective metal base often used with a porcelain overlay).
Remember: your bridge's longevity depends on the health of the abutment teeth that support it. Excellent daily oral hygiene is the single most important factor in making your bridge last 10–15 years or longer.
- Brush twice daily — use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean all surfaces of the bridge, pontic, and surrounding teeth morning and night
- Floss under the pontic — use a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser daily to clean beneath the false tooth and around both abutment crown margins
- Avoid hard & sticky foods — hard foods (ice, nuts, hard candy) can crack the bridge; sticky foods (caramel, toffee) can dislodge it
- Keep regular checkups — attend routine dental checkups every 6 months so Dr. Brown can inspect your bridge and abutment teeth
- Use antibacterial mouthwash — a daily rinse helps reduce plaque bacteria around your bridge margins and keeps your gums healthy
- Report any changes — contact us immediately if your bridge feels loose, changes in bite, or you notice sensitivity around the abutment teeth
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge — also called a fixed partial denture — is a prosthetic device that fills the gap where one or more teeth are missing. It attaches artificial replacement teeth (pontics) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth) using dental crowns or bonding. Fixed bridges are permanently cemented and can only be removed by a dental professional.
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
The bridge attachment procedure typically takes two or three appointments at our Fort Worth office. At the first appointment, Dr. Brown prepares the abutment teeth, takes digital impressions, and places a temporary bridge. When the permanent bridge is ready from the laboratory, you return for fitting, adjustment, and cementation — sometimes in one visit, sometimes two.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper care — including daily brushing, flossing under the pontic, and regular dental checkups — a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. The longevity of your bridge depends heavily on maintaining the health of the abutment teeth that support it. Good oral hygiene is the single most important factor.
What is the difference between a fixed and removable bridge?
A fixed bridge is permanently cemented to the abutment teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. It offers superior stability and feels completely like natural teeth. A removable bridge can be taken out for cleaning by the patient and is attached with metal clasps or precision attachments. Most patients find fixed bridges more comfortable, stable, and natural-feeling in daily life.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
No. All bridge procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, so you feel no pain during your appointments. Some mild sensitivity around the prepared abutment teeth is normal for a few days afterward and resolves on its own. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the entire process is.
Does dental insurance cover bridges?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for dental bridges when deemed medically necessary. Coverage amounts and co-pays vary by plan. Our administrative team will verify your specific benefits before treatment and provide you with a transparent cost estimate. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing for any remaining balance.
Is a bridge better than a dental implant?
Both dental bridges and implants are excellent solutions for replacing missing teeth. Bridges are typically faster, less invasive, and often more cost-effective — ideal when the adjacent abutment teeth already need crowns, or when bone loss makes implants more complex. Dental implants are the gold standard for permanent tooth replacement as they replace the root structure, preserve jawbone, and don't involve adjacent teeth; they last a lifetime with proper care. During your consultation, Dr. Brown will explain which option is most appropriate for your specific oral health situation and discuss the pros and cons of each with you in detail.
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Fill the Gap. Restore Your Smile Today.
Book a bridge consultation with Dr. Brown at our Fort Worth office. He will assess your oral health and recommend the most appropriate solution for your situation. Call (817) 920-0882 — new patients welcome.