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Dental Bridges

Eat Comfortably Again

Restore Your Smile With Dental Bridges in Rochester

Your smile will look and feel complete again with restorative treatment designed to fill gaps left by missing teeth. Dr. Ruchlin fits dental bridges in Rochester that anchor to nearby teeth, giving you back a full bite. Made to match your natural teeth, a bridge blends in and fits securely so you can chew and speak normally again.

Custom bridges eliminate gaps in your smile, giving your appearance a complete look. They also stop nearby teeth from drifting into the empty space, so your bite stays aligned. Because bridges restore normal chewing, you can enjoy your favorite foods again. They also help keep your speech clear, since gaps can affect how words form.

a woman wearing glasses
a woman wearing glasses

Understand the Benefits of a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge does more than fill a gap in your smile. It offers several benefits that improve both function and appearance. It's a popular choice for replacing one or more missing teeth.

  • Restored bite - A bridge lets you chew food properly again, since it fills the missing tooth's role in your bite.
  • Prevents shifting - Filling the gap stops nearby teeth from drifting into the space. This helps keep your bite aligned.
  • Clearer speech - Gaps from missing teeth can affect certain sounds. A bridge helps close that gap so words form normally.
  • Natural appearance - A bridge is made to match the color and shape of your other teeth, so it blends into your smile.
Merrick McCartha et al. embracing
Merrick McCartha et al. embracing

Consider Why a Custom Bridge May Be the Right Fit

A bridge differs from other tooth replacements in several ways. Unlike a removable denture, it's fixed in place, so there's nothing to take out during the day. Unlike an implant, it doesn't need a separate surgical step, so your treatment often finishes faster.

Caring for a bridge is similar to caring for natural teeth, though the area under the pontic needs extra attention. A floss threader or water flosser helps clean underneath it, where a toothbrush can't reach.

Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge protects the jaw and bite. A gap left unfilled can let opposing teeth shift, which can strain the jaw and cause headaches.

Both traditional and implant-supported bridges are available at our office, so Dr. Ruchlin can match the treatment to fit your needs. He'll discuss your options and help you determine which is right for you.

If you need dental bridges in Rochester, reach out to our team today.

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

What an amazing office! Dr Ruchlin is incredibly talented at what he does. Decades of professional experience, attention to detail, use of state of the art dental practices/devices and outstanding in-person communication in discussing treatment options, etc. Additionally, the office staff is...

What an amazing office! Dr Ruchlin is incredibly talented at what he does. Decades of professional experience, attention to detail, use of state of the art dental practices/devices and outstanding in-person communication in discussing treatment options, etc. Additionally, the office staff is top notch. It is so easy to make an appointment or engage in any other aspect of interactions (scheduling, billing, etc) that you might find frustrating with other provider's offices. They are doing EVERYTHING right at this dentist practice!!!


Seth S.

I always have very pleasant experiences with Dr Ruchlin office visit, office teams are very helpful as well and I would highly recommend their service to people looking for your dental care. I felt so bad when I was late for 7 minutes please do not be late. They are still kind and took me as...

I always have very pleasant experiences with Dr Ruchlin office visit, office teams are very helpful as well and I would highly recommend their service to people looking for your dental care. I felt so bad when I was late for 7 minutes please do not be late. They are still kind and took me as a new patience. And I Look forward for next visits.


Anna D.

This was my first visit to Dr. Ruchlin's office. From start to finish it was a positive experience. The team - the doctor, hygentist and receptionist were all welcoming and reflected competence. I feel that they genuinely value their patients. They exemplify their tagline: "Your smile is...

This was my first visit to Dr. Ruchlin's office. From start to finish it was a positive experience. The team - the doctor, hygentist and receptionist were all welcoming and reflected competence. I feel that they genuinely value their patients. They exemplify their tagline: "Your smile is important to us."


Virginia M.

Dr. Ruchlin has been my dentist for many years, and he is very skilled at his profession. He and his entire group do an excellent job. Dr. Ruchlin's office has the latest updated equipment, plus a skilled group of assistants and hygentists. I highly recommend Dr. Ruchlin's practice to anyone...

Dr. Ruchlin has been my dentist for many years, and he is very skilled at his profession. He and his entire group do an excellent job. Dr. Ruchlin's office has the latest updated equipment, plus a skilled group of assistants and hygentists. I highly recommend Dr. Ruchlin's practice to anyone looking for an excellent, gentle, and knowledgeable dentist.


Mary C

I love this dentist's office! Everyone is so nice!!! Roxanne is a fantastic dental hygienist. She is funny, very nice, competent, and has excellent taste in music!!!

Peg B

They were amazing! The staff was warm & welcoming & Dr Ruchlin was so nice & explained everything going on with my crown to me. He was just wonderful!! He even took the time to call me in the evening to check on me after my procedure! I can't say enough about how wonderful he &...

They were amazing! The staff was warm & welcoming & Dr Ruchlin was so nice & explained everything going on with my crown to me. He was just wonderful!! He even took the time to call me in the evening to check on me after my procedure! I can't say enough about how wonderful he & his staff are!


Lyndsey J

Best dentist ever. Not only is the Dr. Ruchlin skilled, he spends time keeping up on the latest techniques and innovations. I recommend him to anyone who avoids the dentist due to concerns about anything from pain to aptitude. He has a gentle touch and is highly skilled.

James M

Dr. Ruchlin and his office staff are wonderful. In addition to excellent dental care, they are always friendly, accommodating with scheduling and always on time. My whole family has been going there for years and we have had excellent care for all ages.

Natalia P

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

Q What is a dental bridge? 

A

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It uses a false tooth, called a pontic, anchored to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. Unlike a removable denture, a bridge is cemented in place and isn't taken out for cleaning.

Q When might a dental bridge be needed? 

A

A dental bridge might be needed when one or more teeth are missing and the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to hold crowns. It's often recommended soon after a tooth is lost, since waiting can let nearby teeth shift out of position.

Q What is the process for getting a dental bridge? 

A

Getting a dental bridge takes two visits. At the first, the teeth next to the gap are shaped to hold crowns, and a mold or digital scan captures the fit. A temporary bridge protects the area while the custom bridge is made in a lab. At the second visit, the finished bridge is cemented in place.

Q What are dental bridges made from? 

A
Dental bridges are commonly made from porcelain or zirconia, since these materials closely match the color of natural teeth. Metal alloys are sometimes used underneath for extra durability, especially for bridges replacing back teeth that handle more chewing force. Some bridges combine metal and porcelain for both durability and a natural look.

Q Does getting a dental bridge hurt? 

A

Getting a dental bridge is usually not painful, since a local anesthetic numbs the teeth being shaped for crowns. Some mild soreness or sensitivity to hot and cold is common for a few days afterward. Over-the-counter pain relief typically eases any discomfort during this short recovery period, and most people return to normal eating quickly.

Q What is the difference between a dental bridge and a partial denture? 

A

A dental bridge is fixed in place and isn't removed, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto the remaining teeth. Bridges tend to feel more like natural teeth since they're cemented in place, while dentures can be taken out for cleaning each night. Bridges also don't rely on clasps for retention.

Q Can a dental bridge be anchored by a dental implant? 

A

A dental bridge can be anchored by a dental implant instead of natural teeth on either side of the gap. This design, called an implant-supported bridge, works well when the surrounding teeth are healthy and shouldn't be altered to hold crowns. It also helps preserve the jawbone near the missing tooth.

Q How long do dental bridges typically last? 

A

A dental bridge typically lasts at least five to seven years, though many last longer with good care. How long it lasts depends on the materials used and how well a person brushes and flosses around it. Regular dental visits help catch small problems, like a loose crown, before they affect the whole bridge.