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Fill gaps in your smile with fixed Dental Bridges

Dental bridges
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.

Fixed dental bridges are secure (non-removable) replacements for natural teeth. While at Abel, Phan, & Associates, we work closely with patients in Potomac Falls and Sterling, Virginia, and the surrounding area to preserve their natural teeth. A tooth that is irrevocably damaged by decay or trauma can be replaced in a way that feels and looks natural. Unlike prosthetic dental devices (like conventional dentures), bridges are cemented to existing, neighboring teeth. These teeth “anchor” the replacement tooth (or pontic) in place. 

Restore your smile and quality of life … with a bridge

A traditional bridge may be in order when you are missing a tooth or several teeth. It’s necessary to consult with Drs Anna Abel and Chuong Phan about tooth replacement promptly following extractions. Gaps in your smile cause otherwise healthy teeth to shift, hastening a “bad bite.” Bone loss in the jaw also begins quickly and can cause devastating functional and aesthetic problems by altering facial appearance, chewing efficiency, and speech clarity.

Like a bridge over a road or body of water spans two points, the dental bridge spans the space (or spaces) between teeth. The teeth that are adjacent to the missing space(s) support and stabilize the replacement tooth. These anchor or abutment teeth must be crowned. All dental crowns require that the natural tooth structure be filed down or reduced. So, that way, the crowns fit correctly over the natural teeth. Impressions or models of the abutments are made, which are used to guide the fabrication of your permanent bridge. The bridge itself is placed as a single piece to the natural teeth. This piece is made up of crowns and at least one pontic or replacement tooth. As our dental lab makes the bridge, a temporary bridge is placed to fill in the gaps and protect the prepared site. You return to our office when the permanent bridge is ready to be affixed to the anchoring teeth. 

With proper care, bridges can last a lifetime. We are happy to provide guidance on appropriate tools and techniques to clean thoroughly underneath the bridge. During a consultation at Abel, Phan, & Associates, DDS, in Potomac Falls, VA, we can discuss other options such as bridges supported by implants placed in the jaw. Call us at (571) 450-9848 to schedule your appointment. 

Dr. Chuong Phan

Dr. phan

Dr. Anna Abel

Dr. Abel


Husband and wife duo Drs. Chuong Phan and Anna Abel lead the Abel, Phan, and Associates dental team.

Dr. Phan is a Howard University College of Dentistry graduate and has practiced for over 20 years. His favorite clinical procedures are orthodontic and endodontic treatments, including root canal therapy. He has been trained in many prestigious institutes. Dr. Abel graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has over 20 years of experience. Her favorite procedures are cosmetic services like veneers, implants, and oral surgery. She has trained with top-level organizations.

Both doctors are regular volunteers at Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, providing care to low-income patients, for which they have received many honors. They have also volunteered to help disadvantaged communities, especially children, through many foreign missions.