Smiling man

Dental Bridges

Several consecutive missing teeth can not only make you feel self-conscious but also impact your ability to eat and speak.

A dental bridge can fill in the gap caused by missing teeth to give you a functional and beautiful smile again. 

South Point Family Dental serving Charlotte and Belmont, NC, can restore your oral health and function with a custom dental bridge.

The Two Types Of Dental Bridges

Traditional Bridge

Also known as a fixed bridge, a traditional dental bridge consists of dental crowns placed on two abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap in your smile. These abutment teeth support artificial teeth placed between them, called pontics.

Our crowns and pontics are custom-crafted with zirconia to look like natural teeth and blend in seamlessly with your smile. 

Implant-Supported Bridge

Your bridge can also be supported by dental implants, which act as artificial tooth roots to support the pontics. Since implant-supported bridges replace the entire tooth structure, they are the most comprehensive form of restoration.

We coordinate with oral surgeons we trust to place your dental implants.

Tooth Loss Is Common But Bridges Offer a Solution

178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth
Many patients feel embarrassed about tooth loss, but it is more common than you may think, affecting about 178 million Americans. Our dentists regularly treat patients with this problem, showing them the care and understanding they deserve. Instead of struggling alone, reach out to our Belmont team for a solution.

Reasons Why Tooth Loss Occurs

Our team is trained to recognize and treat the causes of tooth loss, like:

Oral Health Issues

Gum disease and tooth decay can easily lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Oral health issues like these can be caused by poor oral hygiene, genetics, health issues, and even certain medications. With periodontal treatment and regular cleanings, we can improve your oral health and help you maintain your results.

Dental Trauma

Dental trauma and injuries can cause damage that leaves the tooth unable to be saved, even with prompt dental care. A damaged tooth may fall out on its own or may require an extraction. Our dentists offer extractions, as well as treatment for trauma caused by TMJ, giving you a team you can trust.

Get Your Smile Back

With Dental Care on Your Timeline

At South Point Family Dental serving Charlotte and Belmont, NC, we understand that dental issues can be overwhelming. Not to mention, it can be hard to find enough time in your busy week to seek care. Fortunately, our dentistry practice offers flexible appointments from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm as well as Saturday appointments, with three dentists to treat your needs.

Combined, Dr. Gary McCord, and Dr. Ashley Starr have decades of dental care experience. That gives them the knowledge to personalize your treatment, answer your questions, and alleviate any dental fears you may have.

There's no time like the present to seek treatment. Call or contact us to request an initial consultation on your own schedule.

(704) 825-5111

Filler

Making Stressful Care Easier for Belmont Patients

1

Greg Erickson

Belmont, NC

2023

Google logo

This place fixed my dental issues when I relocated to this area in 2016. They will take good care of you. This practice will attend to your dental health and will make sure that you are comfortable. All of the staff members have a smile and they want you to leave on a happy feeling!

View on Google
1

Rose Reaper

Belmont, NC

2023

Google logo

Everyone there is super friendly and communicative! You always know what's going on and what the plan is. I especially love my doctor, Dr. Ashley Starr. I feel super cared for and in control when I do procedures and check-ups with her and the dental assistants.

View on Google

See How Dental Bridges Are Placed 

With traditional bridges, the anchoring teeth are reshaped to allow the crowns to fit properly. The crowns act as support for the pontic which fills in the gap caused by missing teeth. Together, the crowns and pontic form your custom dental bridge.
illustration of a traditional bridge

Traditional Dental Bridges

Look Subtle, But Offer Substantial Changes


A traditional bridge is a trusted treatment to restore missing teeth. Our dentists craft traditional bridges so lifelike that no one will know you once had a gap in your smile. Our Belmont dentistry practice uses high-quality zirconia for restorations. We shade-match it to ensure that your dental bridge blends in seamlessly and looks natural. While traditional bridges can be a great option for many patients, they don't offer the comprehensive benefits of an implant-supported restoration. 

Implants Replace the Entire Tooth The Bone-Saving Benefits of Dental Implants

Illustration of an implant-supported bridge

Even a single missing tooth can cause the jawbone to begin to atrophy, as the bone requires stimulation from the tooth roots. Dental implants prevent this recession.

Implants are the only proven dental treatment that can stop or prevent jaw bone deterioration, saving you from needing bone grafting later. And, because they will be discreetly covered by your lifelike restoration, no one will even know that you have an implant at all.

Our dentists can explain all about the health benefits of implants during your visit, as well as the cosmetic and functional advantages.

The Anatomy of an Implant

Implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed directly into the jaw. The implants fuse to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration and act as prosthetic tooth roots, providing the jaw with the stimulation it needs.

Find the Right Restoration

For Your Unique Needs

At our Belmont, NC, practice, we offer several different tooth restoration options to suit your specific smile.

Don't know where to start? No need to stress. Our caring dentists will explain the specific benefits of traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges during your appointment.

Because we offer a wide range of dental care, we can also guide you through other options, like crowns and dentures, so that you can leave our office with a solution. We even offer supplemental care, like periodontal treatment, so that your smile is healthy, beautiful, and functional.

No matter your needs, Charlotte-area dentists Dr. McCord and Dr. Starr are determined to create a tailored treatment plan. If you're ready to begin, contact South Point Family Dentistry or call

(704) 825-5111

Why We're Belmont's Choice For Exceptional Dental Care

"Best dentist office EVER!! Drs. Gary McCord, Macken & Rodda are ALL EXCELLENT dentists. Additionally, the staff in this office are all AMAZING! From the hygienists to the office staff, these folks are the best around. I wouldn’t switch no matter what!" LZ Moore

Signs a Dental Bridge Is Right For You

While a dental bridge is a great option to replace missing teeth, it is not right for everyone. While we can tell you for certain if you're a candidate during your consultation, you're typically a good fit if:

You Have Three or Fewer Missing Teeth

Both fixed bridges and implant-supported bridges are an excellent option to replace one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. If you have more than four consecutive missing teeth or several areas of missing teeth, dentures may be a better option for you.

You Don't Have TMJ Problems

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, problems can lead patients to grind, break, or wear down both natural teeth and restorations. It's best to get any TMJ issues treated before undergoing any kind of restoration. Luckily, we offer oral appliance therapy.

You Have Healthy Surrounding Teeth

Our dentists will need to shave the teeth surrounding your bridge, or abutment teeth, so they can secure your traditional bridge. If those teeth are severely decayed, broken, or unhealthy, you may not be a candidate for a traditional bridge — but an implant-supported one may still be possible.

You Have Healthy Gums and Bone

Implant-supported bridges need to fuse with your gum and jawbone in order to remain in place. If you have gum disease or bone loss, then you may need supplemental treatment. We feature periodontal care, so that your entire smile will be healthy by the end of your treatment.

Not a Candidate?
We Offer Dentures

/

Patients with more substantial treatment needs can find natural-looking results with dentures. Dentures can be full or partial depending on your needs. Dentures can also be implant-supported for maximum stability and bone-saving benefits. Our friendly Belmont, NC, team is happy to explain more about dentures candidacy and options during your next visit.

Dental Bridge Treatment

The timeline for dental bridge placement varies due to each patient's unique dental needs. However, you should expect multiple appointments before treatment is complete.

With proper care, cleaning, and regular dental exams, your dental bridge can last for up to 10 years or more.
With proper care, cleaning, and regular dental exams, your dental bridge can last for up to 10 years or more.

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth and discuss your oral health history and goals to determine if a dental bridge is the right treatment for you. Some patients may require preparatory treatments such as extractions or periodontal treatment before their dental bridge can be placed, and if that's the case for you, we'll explain why.

Optional Oral Surgery

Not all patients require oral surgery, but for those who do, the timeline looks a bit different. Extractions may require a few weeks of healing time. Finally, if you and your dentist decide that an implant-supported dental bridge is the best option for you, you will need implant placement surgery as well as six to nine months of healing time to allow the implants to fuse to the jawbone.

Tooth Preparation

Fixed bridges require the abutment teeth be reshaped to allow the crowns to fit properly on the tooth structure. This also ensures that your bridge will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you are completely comfortable during treatment.

Impressions

Next, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth. These impressions are sent to our trusted lab which will craft your custom dental bridge. Turn around time is about two to three weeks, but your dentist will place a temporary bridge while you wait.

Permanent Bridge

When your permanent bridge arrives at our Belmont, NC, dentistry practice, you will have an appointment to have it placed. Your dentist will ensure that your dental bridge fits and functions properly before he or she permanently bonds it into place. 

Financing Available

At our Belmont dentistry practice, we want all patients to have access to proper care. We accept most insurance plans to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. For those without insurance or who need help with costs insurance might not cover, we accept Sunbit or CareCredit® financing. 

"They treated me like family." Creating a Comfortable Atmosphere for Belmont, NC

1

Karen Hatcher

Belmont, NC

2022

Google logo

Thanks so much to the entire team at South Point Family Dentistry. My mom's experience has been nothing short of amazing! The competence exhibited together with the compassion shown was wonderful. I will forever be grateful!

View on Google
1

Terrence Sanders

Belmont, NC

2022

Google logo

I received outstanding customer service from South Point Dentistry. The staff treated me like family. Everyone from the front desk staff, the dental hygienist and the dentist were very kind. My dental hygienist was Joy yesterday and my teeth look and feel great. I will be sticking with this dental practice.

View on Google
South Point Family Dentistry logo

South Point Family Dentistry

Drs. Gary McCord, Ashley Starr, Matthew Rodda, and Andrew Price are highly trained dentists who combine advanced training and compassionate care to help patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. They are affiliated with prestigious organizations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • North Carolina Dental Society
  • Academy of General Dentistry

We work with most insurance plans and offer financing. To visit our office, request an appointment online or call us at (704) 825-5111.

Contact Us Today

By checking the box below, I consent to receive SMS text messages to the number above from South Point Dentistry. Msg & data rates may apply.
Reply STOP to opt out.

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite