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Dental Bridges

Missing teeth can cause feelings of embarrassment and impact your ability to eat and speak properly. A dental bridge can restore the function and appearance of your smile by replacing up to three consecutive missing teeth. Dr. N. Summer Lerch in New Haven, CT, can help you smile confidently again with a custom-made dental bridge.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative dentistry treatment that replaces up to three consecutive missing teeth. Our New Haven, CT, dental office offers both traditional bridges and bridges supported by implants:

Traditional Bridge

A traditional bridge consists of two dental crowns, that are placed over natural teeth, which support the prosthetic teeth in the middle. These prosthetic teeth, also known as pontics, fill the gap caused by a missing tooth or teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

If you don't want to crown healthy teeth or you worry about jawbone atrophy, your bridge can be supported by dental implants. Implants provide a strong foundation for a bridge and can prevent the jawbone atrophy that occurs after tooth loss.

When cared for properly, dental bridges can last for about 10 to 15 years and dental implants can last a lifetime.

Combining Experience and Technology
for Beautiful Smiles
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Dr. Lerch is the first female board-accredited cosmetic dentist in New England and the fourth in the world. Combining her dentistry experience with state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Lerch can help you obtain the smile of your dreams.

At the Center for Esthetic Dentistry in New Haven, CT, we offer a full range of dentistry options, providing a one-stop shop for all your dental needs. Whether you need a bridge, crown, or implants, we can help. You can rest assured that when you leave our practice, you will have a beautiful and functional smile you can be confident to share with the world. Call us or fill out our contact form to start your journey today.

(203) 624-5256

Team

Happy New Haven Patients Read Our 5-Star Reviews

1

Vlada S.

2021

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What a wonderful dental practice! I’ve never received such amazing and personal care at a dentist office and/or most other medical offices. This team works well together and is happy to let you know as many details as you’re interested in knowing about what’s going on in your mouth. Everyone is on the ball, responsive, and just a pleasure to chat with! I rarely post reviews and found myself asking where I can do so for this office due to the high level of service I received.

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1

KATHLEEN M.

2022

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I sat up in the chair again yesterday and cried tears of joy for the amazing work Dr. Lerch did on my two front teeth. One was cracked; one was chipped. They look better than they ever did, and all the work was covered by insurance. She is an artist, and visiting this cozy and loving practice is always a great experience.

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Dental Bridge Placement

Though your treatment may vary based on your unique dental needs, the general timeline for a dental bridge involves several steps:
You can rest assured that when you leave  our practice, you will have a beautiful and functional smile you can be confident to share with the world.
You can rest assured that when you leave  our practice, you will have a beautiful and functional smile you can be confident to share with the world.

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation at our New Haven practice, your dentist will examine your mouth and discuss your oral health history and dental goals to determine if a dental bridge is right for you. If you require preparatory treatments or you're receiving implants, these procedures will have to be completed first so you have time to heal before we place your bridge.

Tooth Preparation

If you're receiving a traditional bridge, the abutment teeth will be reshaped to allow the crowns to fit properly over the natural tooth structure.

Impressions

Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth using iTero® scanning technology. These 3D impressions will be sent to our trusted lab, where they will craft your custom dental bridge over the course of about three weeks. We'll provide you with a temporary bridge while you wait for your permanent bridge to be created.

Bridge Placement 

When your permanent bridge is ready, you will have another appointment for placement. Your dentist will ensure proper comfort, function, and fit before she permanently cements the bridge into place. 

Take a Closer Look At Dental Bridge Placement

A traditional dental bridge uses two of your natural teeth as support. The abutment teeth are reshaped to allow the crowns to fit over the tooth structure. The crowned abutment teeth provide support for the pontics, which fill in the gap caused by missing teeth. The crowns and pontics form your custom bridge, restoring the function and appearance of your smile. 

Affordable Care To Fit Your Dental Needs

Our New Haven, CT, dental practice accepts most insurance plans to help cover the cost of dental bridge treatment. We do not want financial barriers to prevent patients from receiving the dental care they need, so we accept CareCredit® financing to cover out-of-pocket costs and to help those without insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which materials are used to make dental bridges?

Our dental lab uses zirconia and IPS e.max® to make the crowns and pontics that comprise dental bridges because these materials are more durable than others, like porcelain. Your bite force may wear down or chip porcelain, so we use stronger materials that can withstand a greater force. Zirconia and IPS e.max are also pearlescent and shade-matched to your natural teeth for a lifelike appearance.

How many teeth can a bridge replace?

A dental bridge replaces up to three consecutive missing teeth. If you have more, or if you have several areas of tooth loss, dentures or partial dentures may be a better solution. Our dental practice provides high-quality dentures supported by dental implants for optimal stability and bone preservation benefits.

Does bridge placement hurt?

Our dentist serving New Haven, CT, will administer local anesthesia before treatment begins to ensure you are comfortable throughout your procedure.

More Happy Patients

1

Jacqueline R.

2018

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Dr. Lerch and her team are very professional and sweet. They made me feel so comfortable and welcomed from the moment I first walked in. My individualized plan was carefully designed to meet my needs and exceeded my expectations. I’m glad I did my research and came to the right place!

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1

Kareem W.

2021

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Definitely one of my best dentist experiences. Dr. Dung is very knowledgeable and made sure that I was comfortable throughout the entire process. She also taught me a lot about taking care of my oral health and broke down the applicable anatomy. Highly suggest this office for anyone looking for a new dentist.

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Center for Esthetic Dentistry
Nancy Summer Lerch, DDS, FAGD, AAACD

Dr. N. Summer Lerch is the first female board-accredited cosmetic dentist in all of New England and the fourth in the world. She and her team are committed to creating and maintaining beautiful smiles for our patients. Dr. Lerch is proud to be affiliated with:

  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (Accredited)
  • Connecticut State Dental Association
  • New Haven Association
  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Clear Aligners

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your specific smile needs. Please request an appointment by contacting us online or by calling (203) 624-5256. We look forward to meeting you

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