A missing tooth changes more than your appearance— it shifts how you bite, how your remaining teeth align, and over time, how your face looks. A dental bridge is one of dentistry's most effective solutions: a fixed, non-removable restoration that replaces a missing tooth with results that look, feel, and function like the real thing. At Elevated Dentistry, Dr. Bottorff approaches every bridge with the same precision and artistry he brings to all of his restorative and aesthetic work— because whether a bridge is in the back of your mouth or front and center, it deserves to be done exceptionally well.
More Than a Functional Fix
For anterior bridges— those that replace front teeth— the aesthetic stakes are high. These restorations are visible every time you smile, speak, or laugh, and they need to integrate seamlessly with the teeth around them. Dr. Bottorff's approach to anterior bridge work is meticulous: precise shade matching, careful attention to shape and proportion, and collaboration with some of the best dental labs in the country to ensure the final result is genuinely beautiful.
For posterior bridges, function and fit are the priority— and Dr. Bottorff's use of digital impressions and advanced imaging means the margins are precise and the bite is right. Whether your bridge is cosmetic, functional, or both— the level of care is the same.
What a Bridge Can Do
- Restore Function Regain your full ability to eat, chew, and speak with ease and confidence.
- Prevent Shifting Filling the gap keeps your remaining teeth from drifting out of position over time.
- Preserve Facial Structure A bridge supports the surrounding teeth and tissue, maintaining the natural volume and shape of your face.
- Natural Appearance Custom-crafted to match your existing teeth in color, shape, and size for a result that blends seamlessly.
Types of Dental Bridges
Every bridge case is different, and Dr. Bottorff will recommend the type that best suits your anatomy, your adjacent teeth, and your goals.
- Traditional Bridge The most common type— anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap with custom crowns. A fixed, reliable solution for most single-tooth replacements, and the foundation of exceptional bridge work when done with precision.
- Implant-Supported Bridge Attached to dental implants rather than natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are exceptionally stable, preserve jawbone health, and don't require altering adjacent teeth.
- Maryland Bridge A conservative option that attaches to the backs of adjacent teeth with a minimal framework— no crowns required and no enamel removed. Well-suited for certain clinical situations, particularly in the anterior.
- Cantilever Bridge Used when natural teeth are present on only one side of the gap. The prosthetic tooth is supported by a single crown on the adjacent tooth.
The Craft Behind the Result
A great bridge starts long before placement. Dr. Bottorff uses digital impressions with the iTero scanner to capture precise measurements, works with carefully selected labs whose craftsmanship meets the standard this practice is known for, and takes the time to ensure fit, occlusion, and aesthetics are exactly right before anything is permanently cemented. The result is a restoration that doesn't just fill a gap— it completes your smile.
What to Expect
Getting a dental bridge typically involves two appointments. At your first visit, Dr. Bottorff will prepare the abutment teeth, take precise digital impressions, and place a temporary restoration. Once your custom bridge is fabricated, you'll return for your placement appointment— with careful adjustments to ensure the fit, bite, and appearance are exactly right before anything is permanently cemented.
Ready to restore your smile? Call 434-218-4765 or book your appointment online— Dr. Bottorff will walk you through your options at your visit.