Welcome to Sage Hills Dental in Cody, WY
Dental Bridges at Sage Hills Dental
At Sage Hills Dental, we want our patients in Cody, WY, and surrounding areas to have healthy, happy smiles. One of the restorative options we recommend most often is dental bridges. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental bridges are a reliable and long-lasting way to restore your smile and oral function.
What are dental bridges?
A dental bridge is a permanent restorative solution that replaces one missing teeth or more. As the name implies, they “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent teeth or implants. Dental bridges have two main parts:
- Pontic: The artificial tooth or teeth that fill the gap.
- Abutments: the supports that attach to the surrounding teeth or implants.
Dental bridges restore function by making it easier to chew, speak, and smile. They also help maintain the shape of your face and prevent the other teeth from shifting.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Improved Function
Better Aesthetics
Preserved Tooth Alignment
Long-Lasting
Prevents Bone Loss
Ensure the longevity of your smile with our thorough dental exams. Our team is dedicated to detecting and preventing issues early.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridge
Traditional bridges are the most common and are used when there are natural teeth on both sides of the gap. These bridges have one or more pontics supported by crowns on the adjacent teeth (abutments).
Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one tooth next to the missing tooth or teeth. Less common but suitable for specific cases where a single abutment is enough.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
The Maryland bridge has a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back of the nearby teeth. Also called a resin-bonded bridge, it is considered a more conservative choice since it doesn’t require putting crowns on the surrounding teeth.
Implant-supported bridge
Implant-supported bridge This type of bridge is supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth. Good for patients with several consecutive missing teeth, as it provides more stability and helps preserve the jawbone.
Testimonials
As someone who has always been anxious about dental visits, Dr. Gardner's patient-centered approach and gentle demeanor instantly put me at ease...
EXCELLENT Based on 60 reviews Katie Meyer2024-10-23 Sage Hills Dentist office is very awesome with my kids they are kind and sweet and understanding. Tiffany2024-10-17 My son had an awesome first-time experience at the dentist. He cannot stop talking about his “first time at the dentist!”. The staff was friendly and helpful and Dr. Gardner took the time to interact with my son. The waiting room is kid-friendly which is always very helpful! Would definitely recommend if you’re looking to establish dental care. Terra Sanders2024-10-17 Was understanding enough to give me options involving the procedure to get a filling done. And be able to make the filling easier. Michael Peterson2024-09-27 Very professional and got things done in a very timely manner. Highly recommend Todd Richardson2024-08-22 Very friendly staff, very professional and accommodating. jessica bendell2024-08-22 Great with my autistic son. My son wont let anyone near him but my son felt comfortable and let them work or exam his teeth Great scheduling too gets you in right away of needed i recommend this dentist to everyone Dakota Hansen2024-08-21 Excellent service and amazing people. I’ve been going to this place since I was a kid, and it has been amazing nearly every time. Keep up the good work! VERNEL GAIL2024-08-14 I’m 54. I haven’t been to a dentist in over 25 years because of Fear of the dentist. I had the best experience that I could ever have At Sage Hills dental. I would definitely recommend. A+++++++ April Pruett2024-08-13 Everyone was super nice and friendly! My son and I had a great experience! Beth Brown2024-08-06 Amazing service as always! The team is so welcoming, make you feel comfortable and know what they're doing!

The Dental Bridge Process
The process for getting a bridge takes multiple appointments over two or more visits. Here’s what to expect when availing of dental bridges from us at Sage Hills Dental:
- Initial Consultation : During your first visit, we will evaluate your oral health, discuss your needs, and determine if dental bridges are right for you. Diagnostic images such as X-rays or intraoral scans may be taken to create a treatment plan.
- Abutment teeth preparation : For traditional and cantilever bridges, the adjacent teeth need to be reshaped to make room for the crowns. A small amount of enamel is removed, and impressions are taken to design your custom bridge. For Maryland bridges and implant-supported bridges, preparation varies but is less invasive.
- Temporary Bridge : A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth and restore function while your permanent bridge is being fabricated.
- Bridge Placement : Once your custom bridge is ready, we’ll make sure it fits and matches the surrounding teeth in color and shape. The bridge will be cemented or attached to the implants, depending on the type.
- Follow-up and Care : We’ll provide you with instructions on how to care for your bridge after the procedure. Make sure you attend regular checkups, which will keep your bridge looking great for years to come.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridges
To get the most out of your bridge, practice good oral hygiene. Here are helpful tips to follow:
- Clean Your Teeth: Floss or use an interdental cleaner to clean under the bridge and between your teeth.
- Watch What You Eat: Avoid chewing hard foods that may damage the bridge.
- Regular Dentist Visits: Dentist visits don’t stop after you get dental bridges done. Make sure you schedule dental appointments for checkups and cleaning.