920 S. Hover St. Longmont CO 80501
Published on May 1, 2026 | 7 minute read
A missing tooth can affect more than your smile—it can change the way you chew, speak, and feel about everyday moments. At Artistic Smiles in Longmont, we offer custom dental bridges to help restore your bite, protect your remaining teeth, and bring back the confidence that comes with a complete smile.
A dental bridge is designed to “bridge” the space left by one or more missing teeth. Instead of leaving a gap that allows nearby teeth to shift, a bridge fills that space with a natural-looking replacement tooth supported by crowns on neighboring teeth or, in some cases, dental implants.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration, which means it stays in your mouth and does not need to be removed like a partial denture. A traditional bridge usually includes:
Because the bridge is carefully shaped and shaded to match your smile, it can blend beautifully with your natural teeth.
We may recommend a dental bridge if you are missing one or more teeth and want a stable, non-removable replacement. A bridge can be a great option when:
Every smile is different. During your visit, we evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and long-term goals before recommending a bridge or another tooth replacement option.
It may seem easy to ignore a missing back tooth, especially if it does not show when you smile. However, even one missing tooth can create changes over time.
Nearby teeth may drift into the space. The tooth above or below the gap may begin to move because it no longer has an opposing tooth to meet when you bite. As a result, your bite can become uneven, which may lead to extra wear, jaw strain, or difficulty chewing on that side.
In addition, missing teeth can affect speech and facial support. Replacing the tooth helps preserve balance and keeps your smile functioning the way it should.
At Artistic Smiles, we make the process clear and comfortable from start to finish.
First, we begin with a thorough exam and conversation about your goals. We may take digital X-rays or images to evaluate the area and confirm that the support teeth are healthy enough for a bridge.
Next, we prepare the supporting teeth by shaping them for crowns. Then we take precise impressions or scans so your bridge can be custom-crafted. While your final bridge is being made, we may place a temporary bridge to protect the area and help you smile and chew more comfortably.
At your final visit, we check the fit, bite, shade, and feel of your new bridge. Once everything looks and feels right, we bond it securely in place.
A well-made dental bridge should feel stable and natural. At first, you may notice the new shape as your tongue and bite adjust. However, most patients adapt quickly. Once your bridge is fully settled, you should be able to chew more comfortably and smile with renewed confidence.
Because the bridge is fixed, you will not remove it at night. Instead, you will care for it as part of your normal daily routine.
A bridge can last for many years with the right care. The key is keeping the supporting teeth and gumline healthy.
We recommend:
The most important area to clean is beneath the replacement tooth and around the crowns that support the bridge. Our team will show you exactly how to clean these areas so your bridge stays fresh and healthy.
Both bridges and dental implants can replace missing teeth, but they work differently.
A dental bridge uses neighboring teeth for support. It can often be completed faster and may be especially helpful when the nearby teeth already need crowns.
A dental implant replaces the tooth root and supports its own crown. It does not require reshaping the neighboring teeth and helps stimulate the jawbone.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. We will walk you through both options and explain what makes the most sense for your mouth, your timeline, and your budget.
A dental bridge can help you:
For many patients, a bridge is a practical and attractive way to move forward after tooth loss.
A dental bridge may be right for you if you want a dependable tooth replacement and have healthy support teeth on either side of the gap. It may also be a strong option if you want a solution that does not involve removable appliances.
However, we always look at the full picture before making a recommendation. If gum health, bite force, or bone support needs attention first, we will explain that clearly and create a step-by-step plan.
A missing tooth does not have to change the way you eat, speak, or smile. With a custom dental bridge, we can help restore comfort, function, and confidence in a way that feels natural.
Ready to replace a missing tooth with a stable, natural-looking solution? Contact Artistic Smiles in Longmont, CO at 303-485-8888 to Schedule a Consultation and find out whether a dental bridge is right for you.
Experience the Artistic Smiles difference. Contact us now to book your appointment with Dr. Trey Thygerson, your expert dentist in Longmont, CO. Let us help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Your trusted dental home in Longmont since 1998. Dr. Trey Thygerson and our compassionate team deliver exceptional care with a personal touch.
