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Clinically Reviewed by Dr. David Thurman, DDS

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

Dental Bridges in LoDo

Q: Restorative Dentistry

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A dental bridge is a fixed ceramic restoration used to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth by anchoring a custom replacement tooth to healthy adjacent teeth or dental implants. At Dental Elements in LoDo, Dr. David Thurman designs dental bridges to restore your bite and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.

Call or Text: 303-309-4093

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Closing the gap, permanently

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that literally bridges the space left by one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge consists of custom crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap (the abutments), which hold a lifelike artificial tooth (the pontic) securely in the middle. Crafted from high-strength, tooth-colored ceramics, modern dental bridges are permanently bonded into place. Unlike removable partial dentures, they do not need to be taken out for cleaning, offering a highly stable, functional, and aesthetic solution for tooth replacement.

When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?

When is a dental bridge the right choice?

Dr. Thurman may recommend a dental bridge for patients who need to:

A Single Missing Tooth

Fill a visible gap left by one missing tooth without altering surrounding bone structure.

Multiple Consecutive Teeth

Restore several adjacent missing teeth with one coordinated, fixed restoration.

Preventing Tooth Shifting

Stop neighboring teeth from drifting into an open space, which can negatively affect your bite over time.

A Fixed Alternative

Provide a permanent, fixed alternative to wearing a clasp-based removable partial denture.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Dental Bridge Process

Evaluation & Planning

Dr. Thurman examines the gap and the health of the adjacent teeth, utilizing digital imaging to plan the exact proportions of your bridge.

Preparation

The anchor teeth on either side of the gap are gently numbed and reshaped to receive crowns.

Custom Fabrication

Your permanent restoration is precision-crafted by a specialized dental laboratory to seamlessly match your natural dentition.

Final Placement

The finished bridge is carefully checked for an exact fit and proper bite alignment, then permanently bonded into place.

YOUR OPTIONS

Choosing the right type of bridge

Traditional Bridge

Anchored to crowns placed on your natural teeth on either side of the gap. This is the most common approach when the adjacent teeth are healthy and strong.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth. This is often recommended when replacing several teeth in a row or when you prefer not to alter healthy adjacent teeth.

WHY DENTAL ELEMENTS

A precise fit. One dedicated dentist.

A bridge that does not fit precisely can affect your bite and joint comfort for years to come. At Dental Elements in LoDo, Dr. Thurman personally evaluates your bite, designs your bridge, and places it—utilizing digital scanning to plan a fit that works with your entire mouth, not just the gap. The single-provider model means the clinician evaluating your smile is the exact same dentist overseeing the final restoration, providing complete continuity from diagnosis through delivery.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

Is a bridge always the right solution?

A traditional bridge depends entirely on the health of the teeth on either side of the gap. If those teeth have significant decay or weak roots, they may not be strong enough to serve as anchors. In those cases, an implant-supported bridge or a single dental implant may be a more conservative alternative, as it replaces the missing tooth without relying on the neighboring teeth for support. Additionally, bridges require careful daily hygiene, including specific flossing techniques (using a floss threader or water flosser) to clean underneath the artificial tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

How long do dental bridges last?

With excellent daily oral hygiene and regular professional checkups, a high-quality ceramic dental bridge is a durable, long-term solution that provides years of function.

Will a bridge look natural?

Yes. Your bridge is custom-shaded and architecturally shaped to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.

Does getting a bridge hurt?

The supporting teeth are thoroughly numbed with a local anesthetic prior to preparation, making the procedure highly manageable and comfortable.

Bridge or dental implant—which is better?

Neither option is universally better. It depends on the health of your adjacent teeth, bone volume, and personal preferences.

How much does a dental bridge cost?

Cost depends on the number of teeth being replaced and the type of bridge recommended. We provide a clear, transparent breakdown of expected costs before any treatment begins.

Ready to restore a complete, functional smile?

Whether you are missing one tooth or several, a consultation with Dr. Thurman can determine whether a dental bridge is the right way to restore your bite and function.

Call or Text: 303-309-4093