Bridge the Gap: Restore Your Smile with Dental Bridges
If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge could be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Montclair Dental Care in Oakland, California, Dr. Kenneth L. Childers and his skilled team offer time-tested, effective, and affordable dental bridges to help you complete your smile and regain self-confidence. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Childers ensures that patients receive top-quality care tailored to their needs.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It anchors a replacement tooth, known as a “pontic,” to healthy neighboring teeth. These supporting teeth, called “abutments,” must be crowned to provide the necessary stability for the bridge. Here’s a breakdown of the dental bridge procedure:
- Preparation: The natural teeth adjacent to the gap are reshaped and prepared to receive crowns. This process involves removing a portion of the tooth structure to make space for the crown.
- Impressions: Impressions of your mouth are taken to create a custom bridge that fits perfectly over the abutment teeth and fills the gap left by the missing tooth.
- Crown Placement: The crowns and pontic are fabricated in a dental lab and then securely cemented or bonded to the prepared teeth. The result is a seamless, natural-looking replacement for your missing teeth.
What Types of Bridges Are Available?
Dental bridges come in a variety of forms, each intended to meet a specific need:
- Traditional Bridges: Supported by crowns on the adjacent teeth, these are the most common type and can replace one or more missing teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: For those seeking a more conservative approach, implants can replace missing teeth without altering healthy adjacent teeth. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone to provide stable support for the bridge and preserve natural teeth.
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.
How Do I Care for My Dental Bridge?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of your dental bridge. Here are some tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Brush and floss your teeth as usual, paying special attention to cleaning underneath the bridge using floss threaders or interdental brushes.
- Routine Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure your bridge remains in good condition and promptly address any issues.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages:
- Restores Function: Bridges help restore your ability to chew and speak properly.
- Enhances Appearance: They provide a natural-looking solution that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- Maintains Facial Structure: By filling in gaps, bridges help prevent changes in facial appearance caused by tooth loss.
Don’t let gaps in your smile affect your confidence or quality of life. At Montclair Dental Care, we offer flexible payment options and affordable financing to help make your dental bridge treatment accessible. Call us today at (510) 328-7792 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kenneth L. Childers and take the first step toward a complete, radiant smile.
