Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are custom-made prosthetics that bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. At his practice in Denver, Colorado, Carl F. Lipe DDS, PLLC, and his team of dental specialists provide comprehensive oral health care, including dental bridges, to restore the function and appearance of your smile. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to find out if a bridge is right for you.

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is a type of restoration that can replace a single missing tooth or several at a time. It uses the surrounding teeth as anchors to close the gap created by missing teeth. 

Dental bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) that attach to abutments (dental crowns) and bond to your natural teeth. 

A dental bridge can help to restore the appearance, function, and alignment of your teeth. They may also prevent further dental problems caused by missing teeth, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Am I a candidate for dental bridges?

Most people with missing teeth are candidates for dental bridges. It’s a safe, effective, and affordable option for replacing missing teeth. The team may recommend this solution if you have missing teeth and want to restore your smile without surgery. 

To support and anchor a bridge, you must have healthy teeth on either side of the gap. You should also have healthy gums and practice good oral hygiene habits. After a comprehensive consultation at Carl F. Lipe DDS, PLLC, the team can determine whether you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge.

What is the dental bridge process like?

To determine whether a dental bridge is right for you, the team performs a teeth cleaning and dental exam that includes digital X-rays, which helps identify any underlying damage or decay. 

Next, they can recommend the appropriate type of bridge for your needs. While the traditional bridge is the most popular and effective type, they may recommend a cantilever or Maryland bridge if you don’t have healthy abutment teeth on each side of your gap. 

Placing a bridge takes at least two visits. After your consultation, the team prepares your abutment teeth for crowns by filing and reshaping them. They also take digital impressions to create your custom-made bridge. The team can recommend the best bridge materials (metal, ceramic, or porcelain) for your needs and goals.

Before you leave, the team places a temporary bridge to protect your smile. After 2-3 weeks, you return to the office, where they cement your permanent bridge in place. Dental bridges last for 5-20 years* with proper care and routine maintenance.

Dental bridges offer an effective and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Call Carl F. Lipe DDS, PLLC, or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

*Individual results may vary