Dental Bridges in Albuquerque, NM
A missing tooth affects more than your smile. It can change how you chew and speak, and it can shift the teeth around it. A custom dental bridge closes the gap and restores your bite comfortably.
What Happens When You Get a Dental Bridge
Your dentist first examines the teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth, to make sure they're healthy enough to support a bridge. Those teeth are gently reshaped, and we take detailed impressions used to craft your bridge to fit precisely and match your natural teeth.
While your permanent bridge is being made, you'll wear a temporary one to protect your teeth and keep your smile looking complete. Once your custom bridge is ready, we check the fit, make any needed adjustments, and cement it securely in place.
Benefits of Replacing a Missing Tooth
Restores Your Bite
A bridge fills the gap so you can chew comfortably on both sides again.
Prevents Teeth From Shifting
Neighboring teeth are less likely to drift into the empty space over time.
Supports Your Facial Structure
Filling the gap helps maintain the natural shape of your face and bite.
A Complete, Natural-Looking Smile
Custom shading and shaping helps your bridge blend in with your existing teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are a few different ways to design a bridge, depending on which teeth are missing and the condition of your surrounding teeth.
Traditional bridges use crowns on the teeth next to the gap to anchor a replacement tooth in between. This is the most common type and works well when the neighboring teeth are healthy.
Implant-supported bridgesuse dental implants instead of your natural teeth as anchors. This option is often recommended when several teeth in a row are missing, since it doesn't rely on reshaping healthy teeth for support. Ask us about dental implants if this sounds like a good fit for you.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
A dental bridge holds up well with the same habits that keep your natural teeth healthy. Brush twice a day and clean underneath the bridge with floss threaders or a water flosser to keep the area free of plaque. Regular checkups let us keep an eye on the fit and the health of the supporting teeth.
With consistent care, most bridges serve patients well for many years before needing to be replaced.
Cost & Insurance Factors
The cost of a bridge depends on how many teeth it replaces and the materials used. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, since replacing a missing tooth supports your overall oral health. Our front desk team is happy to walk through your coverage and estimated cost before treatment begins.
Why Choose Desert Ridge Dental in Albuquerque
Replacing a missing tooth is about more than appearance. It's about being able to eat, speak, and smile with confidence again. Our Albuquerque team takes the time to design a bridge that fits your bite and blends naturally with your smile.
Meet the dentists behind your care or reach out to our Albuquerque office to talk through your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Close the Gap?
A missing tooth doesn't have to be permanent. Let's talk about whether a dental bridge is the right fit for restoring your smile.