10901 W. Toller Dr., Suite 100, Littleton, CO 80127 
303-933-2066 A missing tooth can change more than the appearance of your smile. The open space may affect chewing, speech and the way neighboring teeth fit together. A dental bridge fills that gap with a fixed restoration designed to restore both function and continuity to your smile.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, our dentist, Dr. LeJon Carreon, provides dental bridges in Littleton, CO, for patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation and learn whether a bridge can restore the space left by tooth loss.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. Unlike a removable appliance, a bridge is secured in place and is designed to remain in your mouth during normal eating, speaking and daily activities. The replacement tooth or teeth in the bridge fill the open space, while the supporting teeth or implants on either side provide stability.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
A traditional dental bridge commonly uses crowns placed over the teeth next to the missing space. These crowns support the replacement tooth between them and hold the restoration securely in place. Because supporting teeth may need to be prepared for crowns, Dr. Carreon will evaluate their condition before recommending this type of restoration. In some treatment plans, dental implants may also be used to support a bridge
Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth With a Bridge
Leaving a gap untreated can affect the balance of your bite and make some daily activities more difficult. A dental bridge may help:
- Restore chewing function
- Support clearer speech
- Fill visible gaps in your smile
- Help neighboring teeth maintain their positions
- Restore support and balance to your bite
- Provide a fixed alternative to certain removable tooth replacements
The results depend on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the supporting teeth and your overall oral health.
Dental Bridges and Dental Crowns
Dental crowns often play an important role in traditional bridge treatment. A crown may be placed over a tooth on each side of the gap to support the replacement tooth between them. Our dentist will evaluate whether those teeth have enough healthy structure to support a bridge and explain how preparing them fits into the treatment plan.
Can Dental Implants Support a Bridge?
Yes. Dental implants can support certain bridge designs when multiple neighboring teeth are missing. Instead of relying entirely on natural teeth for support, the bridge is connected to strategically placed implants. If implants are already part of your treatment plan, Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics also provides dental implant restorations to complete the restorative portion of implant care.
Dental Bridges vs. Dentures
Bridges and dentures can both replace missing teeth, but they function differently. A bridge is fixed in place, while dentures are removable appliances that may replace several teeth or an entire arch. The number and location of missing teeth, the health of the remaining teeth and your treatment goals all help determine which type of replacement should be considered.
What Happens During Dental Bridge Treatment?
Treatment usually begins with an examination of the missing-tooth area and the teeth that may support the bridge. If a traditional bridge is planned, the supporting teeth are prepared so crowns can fit over them. Records or impressions are then taken so the bridge can be created for your mouth. A temporary restoration may be used while the final bridge is being completed.
At the next stage of treatment, Dr. Carreon checks the fit, bite and appearance of the bridge before securing it in place.
How Should You Care for a Dental Bridge?
A bridge requires consistent home care to help protect the supporting teeth and gums. Brushing twice a day and cleaning around and beneath the bridge are important because plaque can collect along the edges and under the replacement tooth. Routine dental cleanings and exams also allow our team to monitor the bridge, supporting teeth and surrounding gum tissue over time.
Restoring Function After Tooth Loss
Dr. Carreon has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and provides restorative care for patients dealing with damaged or missing teeth. She takes time to evaluate the condition of the surrounding teeth, explain replacement options clearly and help patients understand how each option may affect function and long-term care.
Dental bridges are one part of the restorative dentistry available at Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics for rebuilding smiles affected by tooth loss.
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation
If you are missing one or more teeth and want to restore the gap with a fixed replacement, contact Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and find out whether a dental bridge fits your tooth replacement needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It fills the open space with replacement teeth supported by neighboring teeth, dental implants or a combination determined by the treatment plan.
How is a dental bridge held in place?
A traditional bridge is commonly supported by dental crowns placed over teeth next to the missing space. Some bridges may instead be supported by dental implants.
How many missing teeth can a dental bridge replace?
A bridge may replace one or several neighboring missing teeth. The number that can be replaced depends on the location of the gap and the strength and position of the available supporting teeth or implants.
What is the difference between a dental bridge and a denture?
A dental bridge is fixed in place, while a denture is removable. Bridges are often used for smaller spaces between remaining teeth, while dentures may replace multiple teeth or an entire arch.
Do the teeth next to a dental bridge need crowns?
With a traditional bridge, the neighboring supporting teeth are generally prepared for crowns. Dr. Carreon will evaluate those teeth and explain whether that type of bridge fits your situation.
Can a bridge be supported by dental implants?
Yes. Certain bridges can be supported by dental implants, particularly when several neighboring teeth are missing. The implant placement and condition of the surrounding tissues help determine the design.
How do I clean underneath a dental bridge?
Cleaning beneath a bridge requires attention to the area under the replacement tooth as well as around the supporting teeth. Our team can show you techniques and tools that make daily cleaning easier.
Where can I get a dental bridge in Littleton, CO?
Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics provides dental bridges in Littleton for patients who need a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist.