Restore Your Smile with a Natural-Looking Dental Bridge
Missing teeth can affect more than your appearance — they can lead to shifting teeth, bite problems, and difficulties with speaking or chewing. At Toothtime Family Dentistry, we offer custom dental bridges to help patients in New Braunfels, Seguin, and surrounding communities restore both function and confidence.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic designed to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Our team takes a conservative and aesthetic approach, ensuring that your bridge blends seamlessly into your natural smile while supporting long-term oral health.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap (abutment teeth). Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, but at Toothtime, we often recommend ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-ceramic options for their durability and natural appearance.
Dental bridges can be used when:
- One or more teeth are missing in a row
- Implants are not an ideal option
- You want a non-removable alternative to dentures
To complement the bridge, our ceramic crowns offer strength and aesthetics to the supporting teeth, helping ensure a long-lasting and balanced restoration.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
The right bridge for you depends on your dental health and the number of teeth missing. Common types include:
- Traditional Bridge
The most common option, supported by natural teeth on both sides of the gap. - Cantilever Bridge
Anchored by a single adjacent tooth when only one is available. - Implant-Supported Bridge
Uses dental implants instead of natural teeth as anchors. Ideal for larger spans or when neighboring teeth are not strong enough for crowns.
We will recommend the best option based on your oral condition, cosmetic goals, and overall treatment plan.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Tooth loss can impact your bite, jaw alignment, and speech. Dental bridges are a functional and aesthetic solution with several benefits:
- Restores the ability to chew and speak properly
- Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space
- Maintains facial structure and jaw support
- Improves the appearance of your smile
- Offers a fixed, non-removable alternative to partial dentures
Our bridges are crafted to complement the rest of your natural teeth and are built for comfort, balance, and performance.
What to Expect During the Dental Bridge Process
Toothtime Family Dentistry takes a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to ensure your bridge fits comfortably and looks natural.
- Initial Evaluation
We assess your teeth and gums, discuss your goals, and take digital impressions. If necessary, digital dental films and low radiation imaging are used to examine bone structure. - Tooth Preparation
The abutment teeth are reshaped and prepared for cosmetic crowns, which will support the bridge. - Temporary Bridge
A temporary appliance is placed to protect your gums and teeth while the final bridge is crafted. - Final Placement
Once your permanent bridge is ready, it is bonded in place and adjusted for fit, bite, and comfort.
We follow the principles of biomimetic dentistry, using materials that closely replicate natural tooth structure and function.
Caring for Your Bridge
Proper care can significantly extend the lifespan of your dental bridge. We recommend:
- Brushing with a gentle fluoride toothpaste like Sensodyne Pronamel
- Flossing daily, including under the bridge with a Water Dental Flosser or threader
- Rinsing with antibacterial options such as Colgate Peroxyl Mouthwash
- Keeping up with biannual cleanings and exams
Explore our online shop for recommended oral care products to protect your investment.
FAQs About Dental Bridges
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Is a bridge better than an implant?
Both have unique benefits. Bridges are less invasive and ideal when adjacent teeth need crowns. Implants may be better for isolated tooth loss with strong surrounding bone.
Will it be obvious that I have a dental bridge?
No. We customize your bridge to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth.
Do dental bridges feel natural?
Yes. After a brief adjustment period, most patients report that their bridge feels like their natural teeth.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
The procedure is minimally invasive. Local anesthesia ensures your comfort during tooth preparation and placement.
Rebuild Your Smile with a Custom Dental Bridge
At Toothtime Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping patients restore their smiles with care that blends function and beauty. Whether you’ve recently lost a tooth or are exploring alternatives to dentures, a custom dental bridge may be the right fit.
Book your consultation today:
Or request your appointment online and take the first step toward a complete and confident smile.