A missing tooth affects more than your smile. It can make chewing difficult, cause shifting in your remaining teeth, and gradually change the way your bite functions. For Thousand Oaks patients dealing with one or more missing teeth, dental bridges offer a reliable, time-tested solution that restores both the look and function of a complete smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that closes the gap left by missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, held in place by crowns placed on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. In cases where a patient doesn’t have healthy natural teeth to serve as anchors, an implant-supported bridge can be used instead.
- Traditional bridges: Supported by crowns on the natural teeth surrounding the gap
- Implant-supported bridges: Anchored by dental implants when natural tooth support isn’t available
- Custom-made to blend seamlessly with your existing smile
Why Thousand Oaks Patients Choose Dental Bridges
Bridges offer a range of benefits for patients looking to restore a complete, functional smile without the extended treatment timeline associated with some other tooth replacement options.
- Restored function: Bridges allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, just as you would with natural teeth.
- Natural appearance: Each bridge is custom-crafted to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth.
- Preventing shifting: Missing teeth create space that can cause neighboring teeth to drift out of alignment; a bridge fills that space and helps maintain proper spacing.
- Supporting jaw structure: By filling the gap, bridges help prevent the bone loss that can occur when a tooth is missing for an extended period.
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge typically involves two visits. During the first, the teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns that will anchor the bridge. Impressions are then taken to design a custom bridge, and a temporary bridge is placed to protect your teeth while the permanent one is crafted.
- Preparation of the abutment teeth on either side of the gap
- Impressions taken to create a precisely fitted, custom bridge
- A temporary bridge worn while your permanent restoration is made
- The final bridge fitted, adjusted, and bonded into place at your second visit
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, dental bridges can last for many years. Maintaining a consistent routine of brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will help protect both the bridge and the surrounding teeth. Your dentist can also provide specific guidance on cleaning around and beneath the bridge to prevent plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re missing one or more teeth and want to restore your smile’s function and appearance, a dental bridge may be the right solution for you. Contact California Dental Group at 800-407-0161 to schedule your appointment and learn more about how dental bridges can help.
