What Is A Dental Bridge? Bridging The Gap In Restorative Dentistry

Dental bridges are a cornerstone in restorative dentistry, offering a practical solution for replacing missing teeth. As the name suggests, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of dental bridges, their types, how they work, benefits, and considerations for those contemplating this dental solution.

A dental bridge consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (these are called abutment teeth) and a false tooth/teeth in between (these are called pontics). The false teeth can be made from various materials such as gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.

The Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge: An In-Depth Look

Getting a dental bridge is a multi-step process that requires precision, skill, and attention to detail. This procedure is crucial for those seeking to restore their smile after losing one or more teeth. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step involved in getting a dental bridge.

  1. Preparation of Abutment Teeth
  • Initial Examination: The dentist first examines the health of your gums and the strength of the teeth that will support the bridge.
  • Recontouring: The abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the missing tooth space) are prepared by removing a portion of enamel. This shaping is necessary to provide enough room for a crown to be placed over them without affecting the bite.
  • Protecting Nerve Health: Care is taken to minimize the amount of tooth reduction and to protect the health of the tooth’s nerve during this process.
  1. Impressions
  • Creating a Mold: Once the abutment teeth are prepared, a mold or impression of the teeth is made. This impression is crucial as it serves as a precise model for the bridge, pontic (false tooth), and crowns.
  • Details for Customization: The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. The dentist also selects the shade of the bridge to match the color of the existing teeth for a natural appearance.
  1. Temporary Bridge
  • Immediate Protection: A temporary bridge or crown is made and placed over the prepared teeth. This temporary cover protects the exposed teeth and gums and maintains the space where the permanent bridge will be placed.
  • Adjusting to the Temporary Bridge: The temporary bridge also allows you to adjust to the new shape and feel of your teeth while the permanent bridge is being made.
  1. Final Bridge
  • Fitting the Permanent Bridge: Once the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed. The new bridge is then carefully checked and adjusted to ensure a proper fit.
  • Ensuring Comfort and Functionality: Multiple visits may be necessary to check the fit of the framework and bite. This is to ensure that the bridge does not affect your bite and feels comfortable in your mouth.
  • Cementing the Bridge: Once the fit is confirmed, the bridge is cemented into place. This final step ensures that the bridge is securely attached, restoring the full functionality of your teeth.
  1. Post-Procedure Care
  • Adjustment Period: It’s normal to need some time to get used to the feel of a new bridge.
  • Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up visits are necessary to check the bridge and the health of the supporting teeth and gums.
  • Oral Hygiene: Proper care includes brushing, flossing, and using antiseptic mouthwash, as well as regular professional cleanings.

Benefits of Dental Bridges: A Closer Examination

Dental bridges, beyond being a cosmetic solution for missing teeth, offer a range of functional and health benefits. Understanding these advantages can help patients appreciate the full value of opting for a dental bridge. Let’s delve into each benefit in more detail.

  1. Restoring Your Smile: Enhancing Aesthetics
  • Visual Appeal: The most immediate benefit of a dental bridge is the restoration of your smile. A gap from missing teeth can be visually unappealing and may affect self-esteem. A bridge fills these gaps, restoring the natural appearance of your smile.
  • Customization: Bridges are designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly and enhance your overall appearance.
  1. Restoring the Ability to Chew and Speak Properly: Functional Restoration
  • Chewing Efficiency: Missing teeth can significantly impair your ability to chew food properly. Dental bridges restore this functionality, allowing you to eat a wide range of foods comfortably and efficiently.
  • Speech Improvement: Teeth play a crucial role in speech. Missing teeth can affect your pronunciation and clarity. By replacing these gaps, bridges help in restoring normal speech, making it easier to pronounce words correctly.
  1. Maintaining the Shape of Your Face: Structural Benefits
  • Preventing Bone Loss: Tooth loss can lead to bone loss in the jaw, causing changes in facial structure and premature aging. Bridges help maintain the natural shape of your face by supporting the jawbone and preventing bone resorption.
  • Facial Symmetry: By maintaining the integrity of the jaw and supporting structures, dental bridges also help in preserving facial symmetry and preventing the sunken look that often accompanies tooth loss.
  1. Distributing Forces in Your Bite: Oral Health Preservation
  • Balanced Bite: A missing tooth can lead to an uneven distribution of bite forces, which may cause extra strain on other teeth. By filling the gap, bridges help distribute these forces more evenly, reducing the risk of damage to other teeth.
  • Protecting Remaining Teeth: This even distribution of biting forces also helps protect the remaining natural teeth from excessive wear or damage.
  1. Preventing Remaining Teeth from Drifting: Alignment Maintenance
  • Preventing Misalignment: When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may gradually shift towards the gap. This movement can lead to misalignment, affecting your bite and leading to other dental issues.
  • Stability for Adjacent Teeth: By filling the gap, a dental bridge provides stability to the adjacent teeth, keeping them in their proper position and preventing potential alignment issues.

Oral Hygiene for Dental Bridges: Ensuring Longevity and Health

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of a dental bridge. Proper care involves a comprehensive routine that includes brushing, flossing, using antiseptic mouthwash, and adhering to regular professional cleanings. Let’s explore each of these components in detail.

  1. Brushing: The Foundation of Oral Care
  • Technique: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush all surfaces of the teeth and bridge. This includes the front, back, and chewing surfaces.
  • Frequency: Brush at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed, to remove plaque and prevent tartar build-up.
  • Toothpaste: Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the teeth and prevent decay, especially around the areas where the bridge meets the natural teeth.
  1. Flossing: Cleaning Beneath the Bridge
  • Special Tools: Utilizing tools like floss threaders or water flossers can be particularly helpful for cleaning under and around a dental bridge.
  • Technique: Carefully thread the floss between the bridge and the gumline, as well as between the natural teeth. Gently move it back and forth to remove plaque and food particles.
  • Frequency: Floss daily to maintain gum health and prevent plaque accumulation in hard-to-reach areas.
  1. Using Antiseptic Mouthwash: Additional Protection
  • Types: Choose an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash to kill bacteria and reduce plaque formation.
  • Usage: Rinse with mouthwash once or twice a day after brushing and flossing to reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss. It also helps in reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
  1. Regular Professional Cleanings: Essential Maintenance
  • Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. These visits are crucial for cleaning areas difficult to reach at home and for monitoring the health of your bridge.
  • Frequency: Typically, professional cleanings are recommended every six months, but your dentist might suggest a different schedule based on your individual needs.
  1. Additional Tips for Maintaining a Dental Bridge
  • Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious with hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge.
  • Stop Smoking: Smoking can negatively impact oral health, increasing the risk of gum disease, which can undermine the stability of your bridge.
  • Monitor for Changes: Pay attention to changes in fit or comfort of the bridge and report any issues to your dentist immediately.

Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile. With a dental bridge, you can regain comfort, confidence, and the ability to enjoy everyday moments again. Our team is here to make the process simple, comfortable, and tailored to you.

Let’s restore your smile together. Schedule your visit today.

Josh Westerberg, Licensed Denturist

Nampa Downtown

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Boise

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Josh Westerberg was born and raised in Caldwell and Nampa, Idaho, and has spent nearly his entire life serving patients throughout the Treasure Valley. His passion for denture care began at just 15 years old while working at his grandfather’s denture clinic, Public Denture, where he quickly developed a love for helping people restore their smiles and confidence.

After graduating from Vallivue High School in 2003, Josh attended Boise State University, earning his degree in Business Management in 2008 — all while continuing to work in the family business. Following graduation, he continued his education in Denturitry, completed his internship, and became a licensed Denturist in 2010 after successfully passing the Idaho State Board Exam.

In 2017, Josh purchased the family business and rebranded it as New Smile. Through years of dedication, sacrifice, and countless hours of hard work, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening  The Denture Company in Nampa — creating a unique office where patients could receive extractions, dentures, implants, and specialty care all under one roof with multiple specialists working together to provide comprehensive treatment. The success of the practice later led to the opening of a second location in Boise.

Over the course of his career, Josh has personally handcrafted more than 20,000 dentures. He takes tremendous pride in his work and genuinely loves what he does. For Josh, dentistry is more than a profession — it’s an opportunity to change lives, restore confidence, and build lasting relationships with patients who often become like family.

Josh believes every patient deserves compassion, honesty, and exceptional care. His mission has always been to create an environment where patients feel comfortable, respected, and truly cared for throughout every step of their smile journey.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife — whom he married in 2003 — and their four amazing children. When he’s not in the office, you’ll likely find him working around the family’s small farm, hunting, fishing, or enjoying the outdoors with his family.

Dr. Brant Burbank

Nampa Downtown

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Dr. Burbank has been an advocate for exceptional dental care since 2015. He completed his doctorate from Creighton University School of Dentistry. While in school he took a special interest in dental materials and was privileged to publish in various dental journals three years in a row. He has enjoyed expanding his dental knowledge into his career and truly loves treating the entire family and has found he has a great talent for treating children. Outside of the office Dr. Burbank is busy playing, laughing, and cheering on his five children. Last winter he was able to share a lifelong passion for skiing and boarding when he brought his oldest daughter to the slopes. Dr. Burbank loves family time and sports so expect to see him at many community events or cheering on his kids from the sidelines at their various activities. Each year Dr. Burbank is able to find more reasons to love Treasure Valley. He is grateful to be of service to everyone who steps in his office.

Dr. Jason Hammer

Nampa Downtown

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Dr. Jason B Hammer is a native Idahoan and a dedicated dental professional who has proudly lived and practiced in Nampa for over 20 years. With deep roots in Idaho, he has built his life and career around serving the community he calls home.

Dr. Hammer offers a comprehensive range of dental services, reflecting both his extensive training and commitment to patient care. His services include full mouth reconstruction, oral surgery, orthodontics such as Invisalign, root canal therapy, dental implants, and cosmetic and restorative family dentistry. Known for his gentle approach and attention to detail, he is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. His philosophy centers on making every patient feel comfortable while delivering high-quality, personalized care.

Dr. Hammer’s life reflects a strong balance of professional excellence, family dedication, and community involvement—all driven by his genuine love for helping others and making people smile.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Hammer is a devoted husband and father of six children. Family is at the heart of his life, and he enjoys spending as much time as possible with them. An avid outdoorsman, he is often found exploring Idaho’s mountains, embracing the natural beauty of the region.

When he’s not in the office or outdoors, Dr. Hammer enjoys coaching high school pole vault, sharing his enthusiasm and mentorship with young athletes. He is also actively involved in his church, serving in various capacities and contributing his time and talents to support his faith community.

Dr. Holly House

Nampa Downtown

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Caldwell

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Dr. Holly House joins our team from Kentucky, where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. After graduating, Dr. House chose to further enhance her education by completing a General Practice Residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While in residency, she received advanced training in the management of medically complex patients and broadened her expertise across all areas of dentistry.

Dr. House is passionate about making each patient feel comfortable, heard, and cared for no matter their background or dental history. She takes a comprehensive approach, with the goal of empowering her patients to feel confident in their oral health and their smiles.

Now proud to call Idaho home, Dr. House is honored to care for our community. When she is not with her patients, she loves a good cup of coffee, exploring outdoors, and hanging out with her loved ones – including her tabby cat, Simba. She’s grateful to be here and looks forward to meeting you while helping you feel at ease in the dental chair.

Dr. Klint Keller

Nampa Downtown

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Dr. Klint Keller is a lifelong Nampa resident and skilled general dentist proudly serving patients with over 20 years of clinical experience. Dr. Keller provides comprehensive dental care with a special focus on dental implants, root canal therapy, full mouth rehabilitation, and clear aligner treatment.

After graduating from Nampa High School, Dr. Keller earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in 1998. He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 2002. Following dental school, he returned home to continue serving the community where he was raised.

Dr. Keller has a strong clinical interest in helping patients restore both function and confidence through advanced dental procedures. He particularly enjoys working with patients to help them learn about and receive specialized care. Dental implants replace missing teeth with long-lasting, natural-looking solutions. When needed, Dr. Keller is skilled in providing full mouth rehabilitation, which is comprehensive treatment to rebuild worn, damaged or failing teeth. Root canal therapy focuses on saving teeth with precise, comfortable endodontic care. A healthy smile is also a confident smile and clear aligners such as Invisalign, provide modern orthodontic solutions for teens and adults. Dr. Keller recognizes many have anxiety about dental care and he seeks to provide patients comfort and confidence with his approach and care. His approach focuses on long-term oral health, structural integrity, and esthetics. He strives to help patients achieve smiles that look great and function properly for years to come. Patients appreciate his straightforward communication style and commitment to helping them understand their options before making treatment decisions. From preventive care and cosmetic dentistry to complex restorative cases, his goal is to deliver thoughtful, relationship-based dentistry in a welcoming environment.

Dr. Keller and his wife, Betsy, are raising six children in Nampa. As a lifelong member of the community, he values building long-term relationships with the families he serves. His connection to the area strengthens his dedication to providing high-quality dental care to neighbors, friends, and families. When not helping patients, Dr. Keller is most often found on the basketball court playing, coaching or helping to manage the Mettle Sports Complex. Dr. Keller built the Mettle Sports Complex to be a youth sports facility to enhance the physical, mental and emotional development of Nampa and Canyon County youth. You’ll also see Dr. Keller on the sidelines as an avid high school fan and supporter of youth sports and the arts. He is also actively involved in his local church supporting individuals through compassion and friendship. 

Dr. Zachary Glaus, DDS

Boise

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Dr. Glaus grew up in both Henderson, Nevada, and Tampa Bay, Florida. He attended Brigham Young University in Idaho, where he met his wonderful wife, Taylor. They then moved to New York, where Dr. Glaus attended Touro College of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Glaus and his wife have three boys: Liam, Oliver, and Finn. They enjoy skiing, snowboarding, camping, boating, and swimming.

Dr. Glaus first had an interest in becoming a dentist while visiting his dentist as a child. The care and friendship his dentist showed him helped Dr. Glaus develop a desire to help people.

Dr. Russell Powell, DDS

Caldwell West

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Dr. Russell Powell was born and raised in Boise. He values and deeply appreciates the strong sense of community that shaped his early life. After graduating from Boise High School, he attended Boise State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Human Biology. Dentistry caught Dr. Powell’s attention through positive role models who were dental professionals. The more he learned about the field – especially the opportunity to help patients, the more he saw himself building a fulfilling career where he would be able to serve others while also providing for a family.

Dr. Powell attended Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. During his time in dental school, he realized that becoming a general dentist offered the ideal balance of providing a wide variety of treatments, the opportunity to learn new skills, and build long-term relationships with patients. Dr. Powell was honored to be formally recognized by faculty for excellence in both general dentistry and prosthodontics. Dr. Powell is driven to provide high-quality care to every patient, every day.

Upon receiving his DDS in 2016, Dr. Powell returned to Idaho and began his career in private practice in Caldwell. The practice has grown and evolved significantly over the years, but it remains exactly where he desires to be – providing care locally and being connected to the community.

Dr. Powell is committed to continuing education and skill development. He has received specialized training in modern implant dentistry to offer patients the most up-to-date options for replacing missing teeth. This is just one example of him advancing his knowledge and skills to best serve his patients.

Dr. Powell values working alongside coworkers who are genuinely good people, forming years-long relationships with patients, restoring healthy teeth through a variety of treatments, and helping replace teeth that are missing for any reason. He especially enjoys caring for patients who have dental anxiety by helping them feel comfortable and confident during their appointment. This gentle approach is one of those most rewarding for Dr. Powell.

Dr Powell feels blessed to be a husband and father. He and his wife, Kristen, have three children, who keep life lively and fun. Dr. Powell’s hobbies include photography, camping, adventure motorcycle riding, playing guitar, running and weight training. As a family they enjoy traveling to see natural wonders and experience other cultures. On the weekends you will find him working in the yard, and smoking or grilling meat. Dr. Powell values giving back through occasional free dentistry clinics, active service in his church, and past service as a full-time missionary in Mexico.

Dr. Ryan Olson

Nampa Downtown

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Boise

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Dr. Ryan Olson received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2008 from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond Virginia. He completed his undergraduate studies at BYU-Idaho and Idaho State University. After graduating from dental school, he completed a 1-year residency in general dentistry at Ft. Jackson South Carolina. There he became proficient in multiple disciplines of dentistry including wisdom teeth extraction, implant restorations, root canal therapy, crown and bridge treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and periodontal surgery.
In the summer of 2013, he and his family moved from Fort Hood, TX after serving our men and women in the US Army. Working on many young soldiers has turned Dr. Olson into an expert in wisdom teeth extraction. This experience also gave him a wealth of experience in a wide variety of dental care needs.
 When not working, Dr. Olson loves spending time with his wife and 7 children. He is very happy to be providing quality dental care for adults and children in Boise and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Melany Mallet

Nampa Downtown

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Dr. Melany Mallett was raised in a small town in Eastern Oregon. She fell in love with dentistry while working as a dental assistant in high school. Following high school, she attended the Oregon Institute of Technology and received a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. After working in Idaho as a dental hygienist for three years, Dr. Mel decided, along with the support of her husband and family, to advance her education. She attended Oregon Health & Science University and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree.
Providing comfortable, quality dentistry in a pleasant atmosphere is a priority for Dr. Mel. One of her favorite things is interacting with patients. She enjoys working with all age groups and receives great satisfaction in helping patients improve their overall oral health. Dr. Mel is a member of the American Dental Association. She and her husband, Gavin, have one young son and two fur babies (dogs). Her free time is usually spent outdoors with friends and family. She also enjoys snowboarding and curling up with a good book.

Insurances Accepted

Dental insurance can be confusing, but our team is here to help.  If you are unsure about your dental insurance coverage, please contact our office and let our team help you.

Below you will find a list of our most popular insurances! If you don’t see yours, it doesn’t mean we don’t take it! Call  our office to if we accept your plan.

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At The Denture Company, we believe cost should never stand in the way of restoring your smile. Our goal is to make paying for your care straightforward, transparent, and manageable so our community can move forward with confidence.

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We offer flexible financing through trusted providers to help make treatment more accessible. These options allow you to break the cost of care into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.

Financing options may include Cherry, Sunbit, and CareCredit.

Not all locations may offer every option. If you have questions, our team will help you find the best solution for your needs.

Flexible Financing Options

  • Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

  • Treatment plans designed around your budget.

  • Flexible payment plans for a wide range of needs.

  • Focused on making high-quality care accessible.

We’ve built our model to reduce unnecessary costs so more patients can get the care they need without overpaying.

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