Replace one or more missing teeth with a fixed restoration designed to restore your bite, smile and confidence.
Tooth loss can affect more than the appearance of your smile. Missing teeth can make it harder to chew, change the way your bite fits together and allow nearby teeth to shift out of place. If you are missing one or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge may be a strong, natural-looking solution for restoring your smile.
At Jared French, DMD, our team provides custom dental bridges in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to help patients replace missing teeth, improve daily function and protect their 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. The bridge includes one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that fill the gap left by tooth loss. These replacement teeth are held in place by custom-made dental crowns on the neighboring teeth or by dental implants.
Unlike a removable partial denture, a dental bridge stays fixed in place. It is designed to look natural, restore chewing function and help keep surrounding teeth from drifting into the empty space.
How Dental Bridges Work
Dental bridges are carefully designed to match your bite, tooth shape and smile appearance. In a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns. These crowns act as anchors, holding the replacement tooth securely in place. In some cases, dental implants may be used to support the bridge instead of natural teeth.
The treatment process typically requires two visits. During your first appointment, our dentist will prepare the supporting teeth, take impressions and gather the information needed to create your custom bridge. A temporary restoration may be placed while your final bridge is being made.
At your second visit, the finished bridge is placed and adjusted for comfort, function and appearance. Our team will make sure your bridge fits your bite properly and blends naturally with your smile.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges do more than fill a gap in your smile. Replacing missing teeth can help improve your comfort, appearance and long-term oral health.
- Restore your ability to chew more comfortably
- Improve speech affected by missing teeth
- Maintain the natural shape of your face
- Help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Improve bite balance by distributing chewing forces more evenly
- Provide a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture
- Enhance confidence in your smile
With proper care and regular dental visits, a dental bridge can last for many years. Brushing twice daily, flossing around and beneath the bridge and avoiding overly hard or sticky foods can help protect your restoration and the teeth that support it.
Types of Dental Bridges
The right type of bridge depends on the number of missing teeth, the health of the surrounding teeth and your overall treatment goals. During your consultation, Dr. French can explain which option may be best for your smile.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional bridge is one of the most common options for replacing a missing tooth. It uses crowns on the teeth next to the gap to support the artificial tooth in between. This option may be recommended when the neighboring teeth are strong enough to support the restoration.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge may be recommended when multiple teeth are missing or when the surrounding teeth are not ideal anchors. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, the bridge is attached to dental implants. This can provide excellent stability while helping preserve jawbone support.
Partial Denture Alternative
For some patients, a fixed bridge may be a preferred alternative to a removable partial denture. Because a bridge is fixed in place, it does not need to be removed for daily use and will not shift while eating or speaking.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
Many patients compare dental bridges and dental implants when deciding how to replace a missing tooth. Both options can restore appearance and function, but they work differently.
A dental bridge uses nearby teeth or implants to support the replacement tooth. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a crown, bridge or denture. Implants are often preferred when preserving jawbone support is a priority, while bridges may be a good option when neighboring teeth already need crowns or when a patient wants a fixed treatment without implant placement.
There is no single right answer for every patient. The best choice depends on your oral health, jawbone support, budget, timeline and long-term goals. Dr. French can help you compare your options and choose the treatment that makes the most sense for your smile.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
A dental bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth and have healthy teeth or implants available to support the restoration. Bridges are often a good option for patients who want a fixed replacement and do not want a removable appliance.
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 to prevent nearby teeth from shifting
- Prefer a fixed restoration instead of a removable partial denture
- Have supporting teeth or implants that can hold the bridge securely
Our dentist will assess your oral health, review your goals and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
Caring for a dental bridge is similar to caring for natural teeth, but it is important to clean carefully around the restoration. Food particles and plaque can collect around the bridge and near the gumline, so daily brushing and flossing are essential.
Our team may recommend floss threaders, interdental brushes or a water flosser to help clean beneath the bridge. Routine dental cleanings and exams allow us to monitor your bridge, supporting teeth, gum health and bite over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long do dental bridges last?
Dental bridges can last for many years with proper care. Their lifespan depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, the health of the supporting teeth and regular dental visits.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the number of teeth being replaced, the type of bridge, the materials used and whether additional treatment is needed. Our team can provide a personalized estimate after your consultation.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Most patients tolerate dental bridge treatment well. Local anesthesia is used when preparing the supporting teeth, and our team will make sure you are comfortable throughout the visit.
Can a bridge replace multiple missing teeth?
Yes. A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth in a row. If several teeth are missing, Dr. French may discuss whether a traditional bridge, implant-supported bridge or another restorative option would provide the best long-term support.
Do dental bridges look natural?
Yes. Dental bridges are custom-made to match your smile. The color, shape and size of the replacement teeth are designed to blend with your natural teeth.
What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?
When a tooth is missing, nearby teeth can shift into the open space. This can affect your bite, chewing comfort and overall alignment. Replacing the missing tooth can help protect your smile from future complications.
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may help you regain a complete, confident smile. Schedule a consultation with Dr. French to learn more about your options for dental bridges in Santa Fe, New Mexico.