Getting Your Smile Back with Dental Bridges
Losing a tooth—or several—does more than change your appearance. It can make everyday activities like eating and speaking more difficult, and it may even put extra strain on your remaining teeth and gums. Over time, missing teeth can also affect your facial structure, leading to changes in your cheeks and lips.
At Brimhall Family Dentistry in Fort Collins, we offer custom dental bridges to help restore your smile and protect your oral health. Dental bridges are a reliable, long-lasting solution that can give you back the confidence and comfort you deserve.
Call our office today at 970-482-4242 to schedule your consultation.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of one or more prosthetic teeth (called pontics), anchored in place by crowns on the neighboring healthy teeth or by dental implants. They restore your ability to chew, speak clearly, and maintain your natural bite and facial structure.
At Brimhall Family Dentistry, we offer:
- Fixed Bridges – Permanently attached, offering strength and stability similar to your natural teeth. Ideal for patients with good jawbone density.
- Removable Bridges – A more flexible, cost-effective option that can be taken out for cleaning. These are often recommended for patients with more extensive bone or tissue loss.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are one of the most popular options for replacing missing teeth because they are:
- Effective – They restore your ability to eat, chew, and speak comfortably.
- Supportive – Bridges help maintain the shape of your face and prevent the sunken appearance that can occur with tooth loss.
- Protective – They prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place, reducing the risk of future dental issues.
- Durable – With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer.
- Cost-Effective – Bridges are often more affordable than dental implants and are typically covered in part by dental insurance.
What to Expect During Your Dental Bridge Procedure
Getting a dental bridge usually requires two to three visits to our office.
First Visit:
- We’ll prepare the teeth that will support your bridge by gently reshaping them to fit crowns.
- Impressions of your teeth and gums will be taken to ensure a custom fit.
- A temporary bridge will be placed to protect your teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being made.
Second Visit (About 1-2 Weeks Later):
- We’ll remove the temporary bridge and place your permanent bridge.
- Your dentist will carefully check the fit, shape, and bite to ensure it feels natural and comfortable.
- Adjustments may be made as needed. Additional visits may be scheduled to fine-tune your bridge for the best fit.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Want to improve your ability to chew and speak normally
- Wish to maintain the natural shape of your face
- Want to prevent your remaining teeth from shifting
- Are looking for a practical, long-term solution for tooth replacement
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you’re ready to explore your options for dental bridges, our team at Brimhall Family Dentistry is here to help. We’ll work with you to find the best solution based on your needs, goals, and budget.
Call our Fort Collins office today at 970-482-4242 to schedule your appointment.
Or, if it’s after business hours, feel free to request an appointment online, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
Let us help you get back to smiling, eating, and speaking with confidence!