Complete gaps in your smile with durable Dental Bridges

When you hear the words “cosmetic dentistry,” certain services, products, or procedures likely come to mind. There is, of course, professional teeth whitening that really works to safely remove stains and transform yellow teeth. Then, there is porcelain veneers or dental bonding. We can cover up or disguise tooth imperfections with these options, from slight gaps between teeth to chipped surfaces. 

However, due to our approach to restorative treatments at Mark W. Johnson, DDS in Albuquerque, New Mexico, dental bridges also fall under the “cosmetic” category. This common treatment is both restorative and functional and aesthetic or pleasing to the eye. By partnering with our skilled and highly attentive team, there is peace of mind that your new teeth will not only support healthy chewing and speech for the long haul. But they will also appear indistinguishable from natural and healthy teeth in your smile! 

Bridging the gap (between teeth)

Dental bridges are generally appropriate for patients who have lost a few teeth. Dr. Mark Johnson uses his sophisticated, non-invasive diagnostics to assess the state of your teeth and gums and to aid in treatment planning. Dr. Johnson will work with you to determine the best option, given the state of your mouth and your personal preferences and goals. 

Conventional bridges rely on neighboring natural teeth for their support and stability. So, with most bridge systems, there should be at least some healthy teeth nearby to stabilize the replacement tooth (or teeth). The neighboring teeth anchor these replacement teeth, which are called “pontics.” To provide adequate support to the new tooth/teeth, the anchor teeth on either side of the empty space must be crowned. Dental crowns fit over the natural teeth. To fit properly, these anchors are reduced in size and reshaped. The crowns themselves are then connected to the pontic(s). When cemented securely in place to the anchor teeth, the pontic effectively bridges the gap. 

The crowns and pontics are made from high-quality materials, such as dental ceramics like porcelain. These materials are also matched to the color of the surrounding natural teeth. That way, they blend in perfectly! Since the products we use are built to last, you can enjoy your new teeth for many years, as long as proper care is maintained. 

Caring for your new, healthy smile 

Bridges should be treated like natural teeth, with tender loving care. 

• Brush and floss them consistently and thoroughly. 
• Maintain professional cleanings at our office — our dental hygienists can remove stubborn plaque that doesn’t budge with a standard toothbrush. 
• Take special care to clean underneath the bridge.
• Pay attention to how well you are also cleaning the anchor teeth — your replacement teeth depend on them! 

Some of our patients have found floss threaders and interdental brushes to be an easy and effective way to prevent food, bacteria, and plaque from collecting under and around the bridge. We can walk through cleaning techniques and good products for you during an appointment. We may also discuss other options for tooth restoration or replacement, including implant-supported bridges. 

Dental bridges in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico

Schedule your visit today by calling us at (505) 922-9511. We are proud to serve the Albuquerque metro, Los Lunas, Grants, Edgewood, Bernalillo, Rio Rancho, and neighboring areas with quality, modern preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry that instills trust among patients of all ages.