Dental Bridges
Fixed. Natural. Permanent.
Replace one or more missing teeth with a stable, natural-looking restoration — anchored in place so you can eat, speak and smile with full confidence again.
How a Dental Bridge Works
A dental bridge is a long-lasting, fixed solution that replaces one or more missing teeth by literally "bridging" the gap — restoring your ability to chew comfortably, speak naturally and smile with confidence.
Unlike a removable partial denture, a bridge is securely attached to your existing teeth or dental implants — making it a dependable, non-removable restoration that functions just like your natural teeth.
A bridge is supported by abutment teeth — dental crowns placed on the natural teeth (or implants) on each side of the gap. Between them sits the pontic, the custom artificial tooth designed to look and function like the one you lost.
Every bridge at Osuna Dental Care is designed from precise digital impressions, matched to your natural tooth color and crafted for a comfortable, accurate bite. The result is a restoration that's practically indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth.
Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham will evaluate your oral health, bite and bone structure to determine whether a bridge — and which type — is the right solution for your specific situation.
Bridge Anatomy at a Glance
Understanding the three components that make up a fixed dental bridge.
Tooth
Crown
(Replacement)
Crown
Tooth
Your Dental Bridge Appointment — Step by Step
From first impression to final placement — here's exactly what to expect when getting a dental bridge at Osuna Dental Care.
Impressions & Planning
We take precise digital impressions to design a fully customized bridge that fits seamlessly with your existing teeth, bite and natural aesthetics.
Abutment Tooth Preparation
The natural teeth beside the gap are gently shaped and fitted with temporary crowns to protect them while your permanent bridge is being made.
Lab Fabrication
Your bridge is handcrafted in a professional dental laboratory — carefully calibrated for an accurate fit, proper bite balance and a natural, lifelike appearance.
Final Placement
After confirming comfort and function, Dr. Kim or Dr. Graham permanently cements the bridge into place — a secure, long-term restoration you'll barely notice is there.
The Benefits of a Fixed Dental Bridge
Restores Your Smile
A fixed bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth with a natural-looking, permanent restoration — giving you back a complete, confident smile.
Prevents Tooth Shifting
When a tooth goes missing, surrounding teeth tend to drift into the empty space over time — affecting your bite and alignment. A bridge stops that from happening.
Maintains Bite Alignment
Distributes chewing forces evenly across your teeth — protecting your jaw joints and preventing uneven wear on the rest of your smile.
Comfortable Chewing & Speaking
A properly fitted bridge lets you eat your favorite foods and speak clearly without the instability or discomfort of a removable partial denture.
More Affordable Than Implants
Bridges typically have a lower upfront cost than dental implants and are covered by most major dental insurance plans — making them accessible for more patients.
Natural Aesthetic Appearance
Crafted from tooth-colored ceramic or porcelain materials and shade-matched to your existing teeth, a well-made bridge is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
Traditional Dental Bridge
The most widely used bridge option. A pontic sits between two dental crowns that are cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges are strong, durable and work well for most patients with healthy adjacent teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Instead of anchoring to natural teeth, this bridge is supported by titanium dental implants placed directly into the jawbone. No adjacent teeth need to be shaped down — and the implants actually stimulate the bone to prevent future bone loss.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is used when only one healthy natural tooth is available adjacent to the gap — for instance when there's no tooth on one side at all. The pontic is anchored to a single abutment crown rather than two.
Maryland Bridge
Also called a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bridge uses metal or ceramic wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth — no crown preparation required. It's the most conservative approach and is often used to replace front teeth with minimal impact to surrounding teeth.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
A dental bridge is a strong candidate if you have one or more missing teeth and want a fixed solution that doesn't come in and out. Here are the signs you're a good fit.
- You have one or more consecutive missing teeth
- You prefer a fixed solution over a removable partial denture
- You want a faster restoration timeline than dental implants
- You have healthy, stable teeth on either side of the gap
- Your gums and jawbone are in good overall health
- You've had a tooth extracted and need to fill the space before shifting occurs
Not sure if a bridge is the right call? Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham will walk you through all your tooth replacement options — including implants, implant dentures and more — so you can make the right choice for your long-term oral health.
Bridge vs. Implant vs. Denture
A quick look at how the three main tooth replacement options compare side by side.
| Factor | Bridge | Implant | Denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed in place | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bone preservation | Partial | Full | None |
| Teeth affected | Adjacent prepped | None | Adjacent clasped |
| Treatment time | 2–3 weeks | 3–6 months | Weeks |
| Typical lifespan | 10–15+ yrs | Lifetime | 5–10 yrs |
| Insurance coverage | Usually covered | Varies | Usually covered |
New patients receive a complimentary exam, consult and 3D X-rays. Most major insurances accepted — Delta Dental, Aetna, MetLife, BCBS, Humana, UHC, Guardian and more.
Dental Bridge Questions — Answered
A well-maintained dental bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. Implant-supported bridges can last even longer with proper oral hygiene and regular checkups. The key is keeping the area under and around the bridge clean — floss threaders and water flossers make this easy.
Both are strong options — the right choice depends on your situation. Dental implants are the gold standard for single-tooth replacement because they preserve bone and don't affect adjacent teeth. Bridges are faster, more affordable and work very well when healthy abutment teeth are already present on either side of the gap. Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham will help you find the best fit for your oral health, timeline and budget.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so the preparation appointment is comfortable. Some mild sensitivity around the abutment teeth in the days after preparation is normal and resolves quickly. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the whole process is.
A traditional dental bridge can typically replace one to three consecutive missing teeth. For larger gaps, we may recommend an implant-supported option or explore alternatives like implant-retained dentures or All-on-4 restorations — especially if multiple teeth are missing across the arch.
Most major dental insurance plans cover a portion of dental bridge costs. Osuna Dental Care accepts Delta Dental, Aetna, MetLife, BCBS, Humana, UHC, United Concordia, Guardian and Medicare dental. We also offer flexible financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Sunbit. Call us at (505) 884-1989 and we'll verify your benefits before your appointment.
A traditional bridge anchors to the adjacent natural teeth, which are shaped down to accept crowns as abutments. An implant-supported bridge is anchored to titanium implants placed in the jawbone instead — so the surrounding teeth aren't touched at all. It's the most durable and longest-lasting bridge option available and also prevents jawbone loss at the missing tooth site.
Fix the Gap —
For Good.
Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham are here to walk you through every option and find the right fit for your smile, budget and lifestyle.
📍 5900 Cubero Dr NE STE B, Albuquerque, NM 87109