Dental Bridges

Missing teeth can affect both the appearance and health of your smile. Dr. John F. Rink offers patients with missing teeth both traditional and implant-supported dental bridges at his Charleston, SC, practice. A dental bridge is an extremely common restorative treatment that uses artificial teeth to fill in gaps and improve your oral health. With proper care, bridges can last for many years.

woman with short hair smiling at the table

Benefits And Risks Bridge vs. Implant

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges offer patients with missing teeth an effective and trusted treatment option. Bridges are custom restorations used to replace up to three consecutive missing teeth in a row. Traditional bridges are anchored by dental crowns on each end of the restoration. This type of bridge is minimally invasive and available with very few restrictions.

Dr. Rink also offers implant-supported bridges. With implant-supported bridges, the restoration is secured by surgically embedded implant posts, providing patients with an unparalleled level of stability. Implant-supported bridges also maintain the structural integrity of the adjacent teeth.

older woman sitting on the couch with her chin on her hand

What Is Dr. Rink’s Approach?

During a consultation, Dr. Rink will review your medical records and conduct a complete exam to help determine the most effective restorative treatment for you, such as deciding between a traditional or implant-supported bridge.

Restorative dentistry incorporates advanced materials, such as porcelain, into your treatment plan to produce incredibly lifelike results.

Our dentist will work carefully to create a dental bridge that addresses your tooth loss, protects your dental health, and creates a beautiful smile.

Before & After Bridges

View Full Gallery

“Dr. Rink is my hero, and Marlene is my drill sergeant. They keep me and my family in the best of dental care. Simply, they are the best. Marlene also loves to pamper her patients with spa touches like neck pillows and heated hand treatments that keep cleaning from being a drudge! Office staff and other hygienists are also TOPS!”

H. Smith

Patient Testimonial

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Both traditional and implant-supported bridges offer patients significant aesthetic and practical benefits, so they can eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Bridges restore the ability to bite and chew properly, while also preventing the surrounding teeth from moving out of position. Additionally, thanks to new dental technology, today’s dental bridges are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Additional benefits include…

Maintenance of alignment
Aesthetically pleasing
Prevention of jawbone atrophy after tooth loss

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Nearly anyone who is missing one to three consecutive teeth is a candidate for a traditional dental bridge. If you are missing more teeth, you may be better suited to a larger restoration, such as a partial or full denture.

Ideal candidates for a traditional bridge will have structurally sound teeth that are free from decay on both sides of the gap, since these will serve as the foundation for the restoration. In order to qualify for an implant-supported bridge, the patient must already have fully integrated dental implants.

What Can I Expect From My Treatment?

If your doctor has deemed you a good candidate for a dental bridge, he will take detailed impressions of your teeth. Technicians at an off-site laboratory will use this information to fabricate your custom bridge, matching it to the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth as closely as possible.

The procedure for an implant-supported bridge is more complex. First, you will need to undergo dental implant surgery and then wait for the healing process to be complete, which can take several months. Once you are fully recovered, Dr. Rink will use abutments (connectors) to attach the custom-made bridge to your implants.

While your custom bridge is being created, you will be provided with a temporary restoration. Once your permanent bridge is completed, you will return to the office to have it placed. Our Charleston, SC, location offers convenient care to patients to help them enjoy a smile with restored strength and visual appeal.

Why Choose Dr. Rink for Dental Bridges?

Dr. Rink provides cutting-edge cosmetic and restorative dentistry to the Charleston community, soaring above the curve when it comes to stunning restorations such as crowns, bridges, implants, porcelain veneers, and more. Our office is a tranquil and soothing sanctuary, offering patients spa-like amenities, including soothing essential oils and warm towels. Dr. Rink strives to set each patient at ease, taking time to understand their goals and concerns and providing a transparent overview of what they can expect from their procedure. Dr. Rink obtained his undergraduate and dental degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, afterward completing a demanding fellowship in Implant Dentistry at The Bowman-Gray School of Medicine. He is on staff at the Medical University of South Carolina's Dental School and is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.