Replace Missing Teeth With a Fixed Dental Bridge
Missing teeth can make it harder to chew comfortably, speak clearly and feel confident when you smile. A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth with a fixed, natural-looking restoration that helps restore your bite, protect your remaining teeth and improve the appearance of your smile.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson provide dental bridges in Fort Collins, Colorado for patients who want to replace missing teeth and regain stronger dental function. If you have a gap in your smile, our team can help you understand whether a bridge is the right option for your needs.
Ready to replace a missing tooth? Call 970-484-4890 today to schedule a dental bridge consultation.
Our doctors take a careful, conservative approach to tooth replacement. With extensive restorative experience, advanced general practice residency training and thousands of completed restorative cases, our team plans dental bridges around your bite, comfort, oral health and long-term function.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to replace one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge is typically made with two dental crowns and one or more replacement teeth in between. The crowns are placed on the natural teeth next to the gap, allowing the replacement tooth to bridge the open space.
Dental bridges can be made from several materials, depending on your bite, the location of the missing tooth, your cosmetic goals and the strength needed for long-term function.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson will carefully evaluate your smile, supporting teeth, gums and bite before explaining whether a bridge is appropriate for your situation.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters
A missing tooth can affect more than the way your smile looks. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may begin to shift into the open space. This can change your bite, create uneven pressure on other teeth and make certain areas harder to clean.
Replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge may help:
- Restore your ability to chew more comfortably
- Improve speech affected by missing teeth
- Prevent nearby teeth from shifting
- Support a more balanced bite
- Restore the appearance of your smile
- Reduce strain on remaining teeth
- Improve confidence when smiling or speaking
If you are missing a tooth, it is best to discuss your options before the surrounding teeth begin to move. Call 970-484-4890 and we will help you get started.
Dental Bridges in Fort Collins, Colorado
Patients often search for dental bridges when they want a dependable tooth replacement option that does not involve a removable appliance. A bridge is fixed in place, which means it does not need to be removed for cleaning like some dentures or partials.
A dental bridge may be recommended if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap
- Want a fixed tooth replacement option
- Have trouble chewing because of missing teeth
- Want to restore a more complete smile
- Are not ready for or not a candidate for dental implant treatment
- Need to replace an older bridge that no longer fits well
During your visit, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite and oral health to determine whether a bridge is appropriate for your smile.
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is supported by the natural teeth on each side of the missing tooth. These supporting teeth are prepared for crowns, and the replacement tooth fills the space between them.
This type of bridge may be a good option when the surrounding teeth are strong enough to support the restoration and the patient wants a fixed solution for one or more missing teeth.
Because a bridge depends on the health of the supporting teeth, our team evaluates the entire area carefully before recommending treatment.
Dental Bridges and Implant-Related Options
Not every dental bridge is attached to dental implants. Some bridges are supported by natural teeth, while other cases may involve implants depending on the patient’s oral health, bone support, bite and treatment goals.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson restore existing dental implants and implant-related restorations, but our team does not surgically place dental implants. When implant placement is needed, that part of treatment is completed by a neighboring specialist for seamless care.
If you are comparing a traditional bridge, denture, partial denture or implant-related option, our team will explain the differences clearly so you can make an informed decision.
How the Dental Bridge Process Works
Your dental bridge treatment begins with a careful exam. Our team will look at the missing tooth area, the supporting teeth, your gums and your bite to make sure a bridge can provide stable, long-lasting support.
If a bridge is recommended, the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns. Digital impressions or other records may be taken so your bridge can be designed to fit your smile. A temporary bridge may be placed while your final restoration is being made.
Once your final bridge is ready, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will check the fit, comfort and appearance before securing it in place. The goal is to create a restoration that feels stable, looks natural and helps you chew with greater confidence.
Dental Bridges vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
A dental bridge is one option for replacing missing teeth, but it is not the only option. Depending on your needs, our team may also discuss dentures, partial dentures or dental implant restorations.
Dentures and partial dentures can replace several missing teeth and may be removable. Dental implant restorations are used when an existing implant needs a visible tooth replacement. A traditional bridge may be a good option when nearby teeth can support the restoration and the patient wants a fixed solution.
Our team will walk you through the advantages and limitations of each option so you can choose care that fits your health, comfort and goals.
Replacing an Old or Failing Dental Bridge
An older dental bridge may need attention if it feels loose, looks worn, traps food, causes discomfort or no longer fits your bite properly. Changes in the supporting teeth, gums or bite can affect how a bridge functions over time.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson can evaluate your existing bridge, supporting teeth, gum tissue and bite to determine whether the bridge can be adjusted, repaired or replaced.
If your bridge feels uncomfortable or unstable, call 970-484-4890 to schedule an evaluation.
Why Choose Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges require careful planning because they affect your bite, your chewing comfort, the appearance of your smile and the health of the supporting teeth. Patients deserve care from dentists who understand both the technical and personal sides of tooth replacement.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt has practiced dentistry since 1997 and has completed approximately 100 dental bridges, 1,500 dental crowns, 750 implant restorations, 750 partial denture cases and 10,000 restorative cases. He has also completed approximately 1,500 hours of continuing education, including about 1,000 hours in restorative dentistry and 500 hours in dentures, prosthodontics or full-mouth rehabilitation.
Dr. Raechel Nelson has practiced dentistry since 2009 and has completed more than 50 dental bridges, approximately 1,500 dental crowns, more than 500 implant restorations, 300 partial denture cases and 10,000 restorative cases. She has also completed approximately 1,000 hours of continuing education, including about 500 hours in restorative dentistry and 200 hours in dentures, prosthodontics or full-mouth rehabilitation.
That experience helps our team plan dental bridges with careful attention to comfort, function, appearance and long-term oral health.
Advanced Training and Conservative Tooth Replacement
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt completed a general practice residency through Northwestern University and Lakeside VA Hospital, where he gained experience in anesthesia, geriatrics, oncology, surgery and care for medically complex patients. He has also completed research in bonding techniques, implant surface structure and endodontic posts.
Dr. Raechel Nelson completed a general practice residency at the University of Utah Hospital and has experience in general dentistry, geriatric care, selected prosthodontic care and pediatric care. She has also completed cosmetic dentistry training through Ultradent.
Both doctors are members of the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, Larimer County Dental Society and Colorado Prosthodontic Society. Their training and restorative experience support a thoughtful, conservative approach to replacing missing teeth.
A Low-Pressure Approach to Restoring Your Smile
Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry provides comprehensive, conservative care in a quiet, low-pressure environment. Our team presents treatment options clearly, from ideal treatment to more limited or palliative care when appropriate, so patients can make informed decisions about their health.
If a bridge is the right option, we will explain why. If another treatment may better fit your needs, we will explain that as well. Our goal is to help you replace missing teeth with care that supports your comfort, confidence and long-term oral health.
Caring for a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can last for many years with good home care and routine dental visits. Because the bridge is supported by the surrounding teeth, keeping those teeth and your gums healthy is especially important.
To care for your bridge:
- Brush and floss every day
- Use any special cleaning tools our team recommends
- Keep up with routine preventive dental visits
- Let us know if your bite feels uneven
- Schedule an exam if your bridge feels loose, painful or difficult to clean
- Wear a nightguard if one is recommended
Regular exams allow our team to monitor your bridge, supporting teeth and overall oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
What does a dental bridge do?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It helps restore chewing function, supports clearer speech, improves the appearance of your smile and helps keep nearby teeth from shifting into the open space.
Is a dental bridge fixed in place?
Yes. A traditional dental bridge is fixed in place and is not removed like a partial denture. It is supported by the teeth next to the gap.
How long does a dental bridge last?
The lifespan of a dental bridge depends on your oral hygiene, bite, habits and routine dental care. With proper maintenance, many dental bridges can last for years.
Is a dental bridge better than a dental implant?
It depends on your oral health, goals and the condition of the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges and dental implant restorations can both be effective tooth replacement options in the right situation. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will explain which option may fit your needs.
Do you place dental implants for bridges?
No. Our team does not surgically place dental implants. We restore existing implants and implant-related restorations. When implant placement is needed, that part of treatment is completed by a neighboring specialist for seamless care.
Can a dental bridge help me chew better?
Yes. A bridge can restore chewing surface where a tooth is missing, making it easier to bite and chew more comfortably.
Do dental bridges look natural?
Dental bridges are designed to blend with your smile. The color, shape and size of the replacement tooth are planned to create a natural-looking result.
Can an old dental bridge be replaced?
Yes. An older bridge may need to be replaced if it is loose, worn, uncomfortable, difficult to clean or no longer fits your bite properly. Our team can evaluate your existing bridge and recommend the next step.
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in Fort Collins, Colorado
If you are missing a tooth or have a gap in your smile, Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry can help you explore your options. A dental bridge may be the right solution to restore your bite, improve your smile and protect your remaining teeth.
Call 970-484-4890 today to schedule your dental bridge consultation with Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson in Fort Collins, Colorado.