Missing teeth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. Tooth loss may make chewing more difficult, change the way your bite fits together and allow neighboring teeth to shift into the open space. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental bridges may be a reliable way to restore your smile with a fixed replacement.
Replace missing teeth with a fixed restoration designed to restore your bite, function and confidence.
At Jared French, DMD, we provide custom dental bridges in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to help patients replace missing teeth, improve everyday function and support long-term oral health.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restorative treatment used to replace one or more missing teeth. It includes one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that fill the space left by tooth loss. Depending on your needs, the bridge may be supported by dental crowns placed on neighboring teeth or by dental implants.
Unlike a removable partial denture, a dental bridge stays fixed in place. It is designed to restore chewing function, improve the appearance of your smile and help prevent nearby teeth from drifting into the open space.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
Dental bridges are custom-designed to fit your bite and blend with your surrounding teeth. With a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns. These crowns act as anchors and support the replacement tooth or teeth between them.
In some cases, dental implants may be used to support a bridge instead of natural teeth. Our dentist will evaluate your oral health, the number and location of missing teeth, and the condition of the surrounding teeth to determine which type of bridge may be appropriate.
The treatment process may require more than one visit. During your first appointment, our dentist may prepare the supporting teeth, take impressions or digital records, and gather the information needed to create your custom bridge. A temporary restoration may be placed while the final bridge is being completed.
At a later visit, the finished bridge is placed and adjusted for comfort, function and appearance. Our team will check your bite and make sure the restoration fits properly before treatment is completed.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can do more than fill a visible gap in your smile. Replacing missing teeth may help improve comfort, function and confidence while supporting the alignment of the surrounding teeth.
- Replace one or more missing teeth
- Restore chewing function
- Help improve speech affected by missing teeth
- Help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
- Support a more balanced bite
- Provide a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture
- Restore the appearance of your smile
With proper care and regular dental visits, a dental bridge can provide long-term function. Brushing twice daily, cleaning carefully around and beneath the bridge, and maintaining regular checkups can help protect both the restoration and the teeth that support it.
Types of Dental Bridges
The type of dental bridge that may be recommended depends on the location of the missing teeth, the condition of the surrounding teeth and your overall treatment goals. Dr. French can explain which options may be appropriate for your smile.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge uses crowns placed on the teeth next to the missing space to support the replacement tooth or teeth. This option may be considered when the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to support the restoration.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as anchors instead of relying entirely on neighboring natural teeth. This option may be considered when several teeth are missing in the same area. Our dentist can determine whether implant-supported treatment is appropriate based on your oral health and treatment needs.
Fixed Alternative to a Partial Denture
For some patients, a dental bridge may provide a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture. Because the bridge stays in place, it does not need to be removed for normal daily use.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
Dental bridges and dental implants are both used to replace missing teeth, but they work differently. A traditional bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support, while a dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a crown or other restoration.
A bridge may be considered when neighboring teeth already need crowns or when a patient prefers a fixed tooth-replacement option that does not involve implant placement. A dental implant may be considered when replacing a single missing tooth without preparing the adjacent teeth.
The right option depends on factors such as your oral health, available bone support, number of missing teeth, treatment timeline and personal goals. Dr. French can help you compare dental bridges and implants and determine which approach may be best for your situation.
Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge may be an option if you are missing one or more teeth and have healthy teeth or implants available to support the restoration. Our dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums, your bite and the location of the missing teeth before recommending treatment.
You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth in the same area
- Want to restore chewing function
- Want a fixed tooth-replacement option
- Want to help prevent nearby teeth from shifting
- Have supporting teeth or implants that can hold the bridge securely
Our dentist will review your needs and explain whether a bridge or another restorative option is the better fit for your smile.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
Caring for a dental bridge requires consistent brushing and careful cleaning around the restoration. Plaque and food debris can collect near the gumline and beneath the replacement tooth, so cleaning these areas every day is important.
Our team may recommend floss threaders, interdental brushes or a water flosser to help clean under and around the bridge. Routine dental cleanings and exams also allow us to monitor the bridge, supporting teeth, gums and bite over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long do dental bridges last?
The lifespan of a dental bridge can vary based on oral hygiene, bite forces, the health of the supporting teeth and regular dental care. Good home care and routine dental visits can help protect your bridge over time.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on factors such as the number of teeth being replaced, the type of bridge, the materials used and whether other treatment is needed. Our team can provide a personalized estimate after evaluating your smile.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Our dentist will take steps to keep you comfortable during dental bridge treatment. Local anesthesia may be used when the supporting teeth are prepared, and some temporary sensitivity or soreness may occur afterward.
Can a dental bridge replace multiple missing teeth?
Yes. A dental bridge may be used to replace more than one missing tooth in the same area. The number of teeth that can be replaced depends on the location of the gap, the available support and your overall oral health.
Do dental bridges look natural?
Dental bridges are custom-made to fit your smile and blend with your surrounding teeth. Our dentist will consider the color, shape and size of your natural teeth when planning the restoration.
What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?
Leaving a missing tooth untreated may allow nearby teeth to shift into the open space and can affect the way your bite functions. Replacing the tooth may help maintain alignment and restore more comfortable chewing.
What is the difference between a dental bridge and a partial denture?
A dental bridge is fixed in place and supported by neighboring teeth or implants, while a partial denture is removable. Our dentist can explain the advantages and limitations of each option based on the number and location of your missing teeth.
Where can I get a dental bridge in Santa Fe, New Mexico?
Jared French, DMD provides custom dental bridges in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. French and learn whether a fixed dental bridge is right for you.
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may help restore your ability to chew comfortably and give you a more complete smile. Contact us today at 505-471-5353 to schedule a consultation with Dr. French to discuss your options for dental bridges in Santa Fe, New Mexico.