Missing teeth make life a little harder—and your smile less you. With dental bridges in Medford, our team at Summit Family Dental Care helps restore what’s missing, making day-to-day eating, talking, and smiling feel natural again. We see the impact a gap in your teeth can have, whether it’s affecting how you enjoy your favorite meal or leaving you self-conscious in photos. That’s why Dr. Ian Erickson and Dr. Nicole Keck-Erickson offer judgment-free, gentle care in a space where families feel welcome from the moment they walk in.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge offers a trusted solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Think of it as exactly what it sounds like—a bridge that spans the gap where your tooth used to be. The bridge is made of artificial teeth, usually porcelain or ceramic, anchored to the teeth next to the gap.
These neighboring teeth, called abutments, provide support so the bridge stays secure. By filling the empty space, a bridge helps hold your bite in place and keeps other teeth from shifting out of position. If you’re noticing changes in your bite or feel like your smile isn’t the same since you lost a tooth, it’s time to consider whether a dental bridge could make the difference.
How the Process Works
Getting a dental bridge at Summit Family Dental Care typically takes two comfortable visits. At your first appointment, Dr. Erickson or Dr. Keck will prepare the supporting teeth on either side of the gap and take impressions for a custom fit. You’ll leave that day with a temporary bridge, so your bite stays protected while your permanent one is crafted.
When your permanent bridge is ready, we’ll check the color and fit, make any small adjustments, and secure it in place. Most people are surprised at how natural their new bridge feels right away. You’ll be able to eat, talk, and smile with confidence, knowing your bridge blends right in.
Benefits That Go Beyond Appearance
A dental bridge does much more than fill a visible gap. Replacing missing teeth protects your long-term oral health, not just your reflection in the mirror. At Summit Family Dental Care, we guide patients through all the advantages:
- Restoring your bite and chewing comfort – Enjoy your favorite foods again without worrying about uneven pressure or discomfort
- Preventing remaining teeth from shifting – Keep your natural teeth in their proper positions and avoid future alignment issues
- Supporting proper speech and pronunciation – Talk clearly without the whistling or slurring that gaps can cause
- Maintaining the natural shape of your face – Preserve your facial structure and prevent the sunken appearance that missing teeth can create
- Giving you a balanced, healthy-looking smile – Feel confident showing off your teeth in photos and conversations
If you’ve been wishing for a return to normal with your eating and speaking, a bridge can be a key step forward.
Are You a Candidate?
Wondering if a dental bridge is the right solution for you? Patients who come in for dental bridges often have one or more missing teeth between healthy ones. Good candidates tend to have strong supporting teeth or dental implants to anchor the bridge.
Sometimes, people choose a bridge after losing a tooth from injury, decay, or age-related wear. Our dentists will check your oral health, discuss your medical and dental history, and help you decide if this option fits your needs. A bridge may be the answer if you’re looking for a fixed, reliable solution to restore your smile.
What Makes Summit Family Dental Care Different
You can get dental bridges from many dentists, but few offer the personalized support our patients receive here. Dr. Ian Erickson and Dr. Nicole Keck-Erickson take time to get to know you, never rushing appointments or pushing treatment you don’t need.
With private treatment rooms and a team that remembers your name (and probably your favorite beverage), you’ll feel at ease every step of the way. We’re part of the Medford community, caring for neighbors like family. If you’re looking for a practice that focuses on comfort and convenience, you’re in the right spot.
Caring for Your Bridge
A dental bridge does its best work when you take good care of it. At Summit Family Dental Care, we help you keep your bridge looking and functioning great with a few easy habits. Brush gently twice a day and floss around the bridge using special floss threaders or small brushes to clean under it.
Schedule regular checkups so we can monitor your bridge’s fit and health, and avoid biting down on ice or very hard foods that could damage it. Our team will show you simple steps and answer your questions at every visit. With a little daily attention, your bridge can stay strong and comfortable year after year.
Your Smile Is Waiting
Missing teeth don’t have to be permanent. At Summit Family Dental Care, we’re here for every step—from your first question to your final, confident grin. If you’re ready to fill the gap and feel like yourself again, we invite you to experience how a personalized approach and local doctors who truly care can make all the difference. Explore our location here, get to know the team here, or reach out to book your visit here.
Let’s bring your smile back—Medford is waiting to see it.