Why choose us
Benefits of Bridges
Fill the Gap
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth so your smile looks complete again.
Chew With Confidence
Restoring missing teeth helps you bite and chew more comfortably.
Keep Teeth Aligned
Filling the space helps keep neighboring teeth from drifting out of place.
Implant-Supported Options
We also provide fixed implant-supported bridges for patients who are good candidates.
Flexible Payment Options
We welcome self-pay patients, offer CareCredit financing, and file claims so you can use out-of-network benefits.
A single missing tooth affects more than your smile. The teeth on either side can begin to lean into the open space, the tooth above or below may shift, and chewing on that side can start to feel awkward. A dental bridge fills that gap by anchoring a replacement tooth to the teeth or implants beside it. At Valley Dental Care in Mayfield, we place bridges as part of our restorative care for patients who want a fixed, natural-looking way to close a space in their smile.
A bridge is a fixed restoration, which means you don't take it out at night the way you would a partial denture. In a traditional bridge, the teeth on each side of the gap are shaped and fitted with crowns. Those crowns hold one or more replacement teeth, called pontics, that sit where your natural tooth used to be. The whole piece is bonded in place as a single unit, so it functions as part of your bite.
Bridges help adults who have lost one tooth, or a few teeth in a row, to decay, injury, or extraction. They can also be a good option for patients who have been living with a gap for a while and are now noticing changes in how their teeth fit together. Dr. Gregory Liberatore and Dr. Jonathan Montag will look at the health of the neighboring teeth, your gums, and your bite before recommending whether a bridge is the right fit.
Not every gap calls for the same solution, so we talk through the options with you. A bridge often makes sense when:
- The teeth next to the gap would benefit from crowns anyway, such as teeth with large fillings
- You want a fixed restoration rather than a removable partial denture
- One or several teeth in a row are missing in the same area
- Your gums and supporting bone are healthy enough to support the restoration
If the teeth beside the gap are healthy and untouched, we may discuss a fixed implant-supported bridge instead. This type of bridge attaches to dental implants rather than to your natural teeth, so the neighboring teeth don't need to be reshaped. Because we offer dental implants, crowns, and both complete and partial dentures, we can compare these approaches with you side by side rather than steering you toward a single answer.
If your gums need attention first, we treat that before placing any restoration. A bridge depends on a stable foundation, and our gum disease treatment and scaling and root planing help prepare that foundation when it's needed.
How We Craft Your Bridge
One detail that sets our office apart is our on-site dental lab. Having a lab in our practice means the people shaping your restoration work closely with the dentists who planned it. When we need to adjust a shade, refine a contour, or check how a bridge meets your opposing teeth, that conversation happens down the hall rather than across the country.
We pay close attention to how a bridge looks next to your natural teeth and how it feels when you bite down. Our team uses modern equipment chosen with safety and efficiency in mind, and we keep your comfort in focus from your first visit through your final fitting. If you're also considering other cosmetic work, such as whitening, we can plan the sequence so your bridge matches the smile you're aiming for.
Caring for Your Bridge at Home
A bridge needs daily care to stay healthy. The space under the replacement tooth can trap food and plaque, so we'll show you how to clean beneath it using tools like floss threaders or other aids that fit your bridge. Brushing twice a day and cleaning under the pontic each day help protect the supporting teeth and the gums around them.
Regular dental cleanings and exams are just as important. During those visits, our hygienist cleans areas that are hard to reach at home, and we check the fit of your bridge and the health of the teeth holding it. If you have an implant-supported bridge, we also provide implant maintenance to help keep it in good condition over time.
Payment, Insurance, and Financing
We are an out-of-network office, but we file insurance claims on your behalf so you can use your out-of-network benefits. We also welcome self-pay patients. Before treatment, we'll walk you through your plan so you understand what's involved.
For patients who'd like to spread out the cost, we offer financing through CareCredit. Our front office team is glad to explain how it works and help you decide whether it suits your situation.
Schedule a Bridge Consultation
If a missing tooth has been on your mind, we'd love to help you explore your options. We see patients from Mayfield, Gloversville, Amsterdam, Broadalbin, Northville, Speculator, and nearby communities. Call our office to book a visit with Dr. Liberatore or Dr. Montag, and we'll take the time to find the right way to complete your smile.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Consultation
We examine your teeth and gums and talk through the bridge options that fit your needs.
- 2
Preparing Your Bridge
We prepare the supporting teeth or implants and craft a bridge designed to match your smile.
- 3
Fitting and Follow-Up
We place your bridge, check your bite, and keep it healthy at your regular cleanings and exams.