2520 W Hermosa Dr, Artesia, NM 88210
Closing the Gap in Your Smile
Losing a tooth affects far more than your appearance. It can change the way you chew, speak and even how your remaining teeth shift over time. At Smile Xpressions Family Dentistry, we offer custom dental bridges to help patients throughout Artesia replace missing teeth with a fixed, durable restoration that looks and feels like your own natural smile.
A dental bridge literally bridges the gap left by one or more missing teeth, anchoring to the surrounding teeth or dental implants to hold a replacement tooth securely in place. Unlike removable options, a bridge stays fixed in your mouth, allowing you to bite, chew and speak with confidence again.
Schedule a Bridge Consultation
What Is a Dental Bridge and How Does It Work?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration made up of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, held in place by crowns attached to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. Together, these pieces form a single, secure structure that restores both the appearance and function of your smile.
There are a few common types of dental bridges, including:
- Traditional Bridges, supported by crowns placed on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap
- Implant-Supported Bridges, anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth in a row
- Cantilever Bridges, supported by a crown on only one side of the gap, used in specific situations where only one adjacent tooth is available
Our dentist will evaluate your smile, the location of the missing tooth or teeth, and the health of your surrounding teeth to recommend the type of bridge best suited to your needs.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Dental bridges are typically recommended for patients who are missing one or more teeth in a row and have healthy, stable teeth or implants on either side of the gap to support the restoration. They are a strong option for patients who prefer a fixed solution over a removable partial denture, or who are not candidates for a standalone dental implant for each missing tooth.
During a consultation, our dentist will examine your oral health, review the location and number of missing teeth, and discuss whether a traditional, implant-supported, or cantilever bridge is the best fit for restoring your smile.
The Journey to Your New Smile
Getting a dental bridge is a multi-step process designed to ensure a precise, comfortable and long-lasting fit. Here is what you can expect at our Artesia office.
Initial Consultation and Exam
Our dentist evaluates the gap in your smile, checks the health of the surrounding teeth or implants, and discusses which type of bridge is right for you.
1
Preparing the Supporting Teeth
If using a traditional bridge, the adjacent teeth are reshaped to accommodate the crowns that will anchor the bridge in place.
2
Taking Precise Impressions
Detailed impressions or digital scans are taken to ensure your custom bridge fits comfortably and matches the shape of your natural bite.
3
Temporary Bridge Placement
While your permanent bridge is being crafted, a temporary bridge protects the area and maintains your appearance in the meantime.
4
Custom Bridge Fabrication
Your bridge is carefully designed and fabricated to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth in both color and shape.
5
Final Fitting and Bonding
Once ready, your permanent bridge is checked for fit and bite alignment, then securely bonded into place for lasting results.
6
Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters
It can be tempting to leave a gap unaddressed, especially if it is not in a highly visible area, but missing teeth can lead to a range of problems over time if left untreated.
- Prevents Teeth From Shifting
Neighboring teeth can gradually shift into the empty space, leading to bite problems and misalignment. - Maintains Proper Bite Alignment
A missing tooth can cause opposing teeth to over erupt, creating uneven pressure and wear on your bite. - Restores Chewing Function
Missing teeth, especially molars, can make chewing certain foods difficult or uncomfortable. - Preserves Facial Structure
Missing teeth can gradually affect the shape of your face and jawline over time, and timely replacement helps maintain your natural appearance. - Improves Speech
Gaps from missing teeth, particularly front teeth, can affect pronunciation and speech clarity.
Keeping Your Bridge Healthy for Years to Come
A dental bridge can last many years with the right care. Brushing twice daily, flossing underneath the bridge using floss threaders or a water flosser, and attending regular checkups all help protect both your bridge and the surrounding teeth that support it. Since the health of the supporting teeth is essential to the longevity of your bridge, keeping up with routine cleanings and exams allows our team to catch any concerns early.
A Complete, Confident Smile Again
Living with a gap in your smile does not have to be permanent. A custom dental bridge can restore your ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly and smile with confidence, all while protecting your long-term oral health. Our team at Smile Xpressions is here to help you find the right solution for your missing teeth.
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