The gap that shows up in your smile after losing a tooth does a lot more than shake your confidence. It makes eating harder and, over time, shifts the alignment of your teeth around it, which can cause other oral health issues down the road. If you’ve been living with a missing tooth and wondering what your options are, a dental bridge may be exactly the solution you’ve been looking for.
At Pine Glen Dental Group in Peoria, Illinois, our dentists have been helping patients restore complete, functional smiles for more than two decades. Dr. Lori Rice, who joined the practice in 2002 and purchased it in 2012, leads a team now joined by Dr. Jacey Thelen, D.D.S., a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native who came on board as an associate dentist in 2026. For those exploring dental bridges, Pine Glen offers a gentle, honest approach to help you make a confident decision.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restorative appliance used to bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth, which are called pontics, that are anchored in place by crowns on the natural teeth, known as abutment teeth, on either side of the gap. Once placed, a bridge is cemented permanently and functions much like your natural teeth.
Bridges are one of the most trusted tooth-replacement solutions in dentistry. According to the American Dental Association, dental bridges are a reliable and time-tested option for replacing missing teeth and restoring both function and beauty.
Types of Dental Bridges
Not every bridge is the same, and the right type for you will depend on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of surrounding teeth, and your overall oral health. The most commonly placed types include:
- Traditional bridge: The most common type, it is supported by dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap.
- Cantilever bridge: This type of bridge is used when there is only one adjacent tooth available to anchor the bridge.
- Implant-supported bridge: Anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, it offers the most stability and bone preservation. Our dentists handle the restorative side of these cases, working alongside a trusted oral surgeon who places the implant itself.
Each type has its own advantages, and Dr. Rice or Dr. Thelen will thoroughly discuss which approach makes the most sense for your individual needs.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Not every missing tooth situation calls for the same solution, and the right choice depends on factors unique to you. Understanding what a bridge can and cannot do is the best place to start.
When a Bridge Makes Sense
A dental bridge is often an excellent choice for patients with one or more missing teeth and healthy, stable teeth on either side of the gap. It’s a well-established, non-surgical option that can typically be completed in just two appointments. For patients who aren’t candidates for implants, or who prefer a less invasive option, a bridge delivers reliable, long-lasting results.
Bridges are also a strong aesthetic choice. Since the pontic is custom-crafted to match the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth, the result looks and feels completely natural. Paired with cosmetic dentistry options, patients often find their entire smile looks refreshed.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Bridge
There are a few factors worth thinking through before committing to a bridge. The adjacent abutment teeth will need to be reshaped to accommodate the supporting crowns and caps, which means permanently altering healthy tooth structure. Additionally, a traditional bridge doesn’t address bone loss in the jaw the way an implant does. For those who have bone loss or anyone seeking the most permanent solution available, implants may be worth exploring as an alternative.
Your age, overall health, bone density, and budget are all relevant factors. The good news is that a thorough evaluation at Pine Glen Dental Group will give you a clear picture of all your options with absolutely no pressure, just honest guidance.
Choose Pine Glen Dental Group for Your Smile Restoration
Dr. Lori Rice graduated summa cum laude from Southern Adventist University before earning her dental degree at the top of her class from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, and is a member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the Peoria Chapter of the Seattle Study Club. Dr. Jacey Thelen, D.D.S., a Peoria-area native, earned her degree at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry and joined Pine Glen Dental Group as an associate dentist in 2026, bringing a special interest in restorative dentistry to the practice. Together, Pine Glen Dental Group holds a BBB A+ rating, a 4.7-star Google rating, and has been named a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2018 through 2024.
If you’re ready to explore whether a dental bridge is the right fit for your smile, schedule your appointment with Pine Glen Dental Group today. Our dentists are here to help you fix that gap and restore your smile with confidence.