Dental Bridges

When you have a missing tooth, your smile changes in appearance, as well as how you bite and speak. It also destroys your confidence level in every social and professional interaction. Beyond that, there’s a grave concern for leaving that gap in your smile untreated. The surrounding teeth begin to drift, bone loss accelerates, and what started as one missing tooth can become a much larger problem over time.

At Pine Glen Dental Group, we understand how important it is to restore not only the look of your smile but also its full function. Dr. Lori Rice has been providing exceptional crowns and restorative care to the Peoria community since 2002, and today she’s 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. With more than two decades of experience and a perfectionist’s eye for detail, Dr. Rice crafts dental bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and stand the test of time.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic restoration designed to literally bridge the gap left behind by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that are anchored in place by crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the space. Once cemented, a dental bridge functions just like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with full confidence.

Dental bridges are one of the most time-tested solutions in restorative dentistry. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth loss remains a sensitive indicator of overall dental health, making reliable replacement options, such as bridges, more important than ever. Unlike removable dentures, a traditional bridge is permanently fixed, which means you don’t have to remove it at night or worry about slippage during meals.

Types of Dental Bridges We Offer

There are several bridge options available depending on the location of your missing tooth, the condition of your surrounding teeth, and your overall oral health goals. During your consultation, Dr. Rice or Dr. Thelen will carefully evaluate your specific situation and recommend the approach that gives you the best long-term outcome.

Traditional Dental Bridges

The most common type, a traditional bridge, uses dental crowns on the two teeth adjacent to the gap, called abutment teeth, to support the pontic in between. This option is ideal when you have strong, healthy teeth on both sides of your missing tooth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

For patients who are candidates for dental implants, an implant-supported bridge offers an even more stable foundation. Rather than relying on natural teeth for support, the bridge is anchored to implant restorations that are surgically placed into the jawbone by a trusted oral surgeon. Once the implants have healed and integrated with the bone, our dentists design and fit the restorative bridge. This option helps preserve bone density while providing unmatched stability.

Cantilever Bridges

In cases where only one adjacent tooth is available, typically toward the back of the mouth, a cantilever bridge may be used. This type of bridge is less common and carefully evaluated based on bite forces and individual oral anatomy.

Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters

Leaving a gap in your smile unaddressed has consequences that go well beyond simple aesthetics. The neighboring teeth will gradually tilt into the open space, and the opposing teeth may begin to overerupt, filling the empty area. This shifting can throw off your bite alignment and increase your risk of jaw discomfort, uneven wear, and additional tooth loss.

A dental bridge stops this cascade of complications. It holds your surrounding teeth in place, restores proper chewing function, and supports the natural contours of your face. For patients who are also exploring removable denture options or seeking alternatives to a full arch replacement, a bridge can be an excellent middle ground that preserves more of your natural tooth structure.

What to Expect During the Bridge Process

Getting a dental bridge at Pine Glen Dental Group typically involves two appointments. During the first visit, Dr. Rice or Dr. Thelen will prepare the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns. Precise digital impressions are taken to ensure a custom fit, and a temporary bridge is placed while your permanent restoration is crafted. At your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and your custom bridge is checked for fit, bite, and appearance before being permanently cemented.

Our dentists take a meticulous approach to every restoration they place. Patients don’t just leave with a functional tooth replacement. They leave with a result that looks and feels entirely natural.

Choose Pine Glen Dental Group for Your Dental Bridge in Peoria, IL

When you’re choosing where to restore your smile, experience and attention to detail matter. Dr. Lori Rice graduated at the top of her class from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and has spent more than two decades perfecting her craft right here in Peoria. She’s joined by Dr. Jacey Thelen, D.D.S., a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native who brings a special interest in restorative dentistry to the practice. Pine Glen Dental Group holds a BBB A+ rating, a 4.7-star Google rating, and has been recognized as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2018 through 2024, which is a testament to the trust our patients place in us.

Built on the philosophy of the Golden Rule, our practice is committed to treating every patient the way we would want to be treated. If you’re ready to restore your smile with a dental bridge, we’d love to help. Schedule your appointment with our team today and let us show you the way to a full and confident smile.