Dental Bridges Specialist in San Jose, CA

A conventional dental bridge, which typically replaces one or two missing teeth, is made up of one or more prosthetic teeth. The prosthetic teeth are known as pontics and are secured in place by dental crowns. Therefore, a conventional dental bridge can have up to three teeth.

However, longer bridges, also known as cantilever bridges or Maryland bridges, are also available. These longer bridges can replace more teeth by using a single anchoring tooth or a metal framework bonded to the back of neighboring teeth. These types of bridges can have more than three teeth, but the specific number depends on the individual situation and the dentist’s recommendations.

Dental bridges offer several advantages, including:

• Restoring your smile – A dental bridge replaces missing teeth, improving the look of your smile and giving you the self-confidence to flaunt your pearly whites.

• Preventing remaining teeth from shifting – Dental bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and additional dental issues.

• Preserving facial structure – Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, changing your face shape. A dental bridge can help stop this from happening and keep your face shape.

• Increasing your capacity for speaking and chewing – Missing teeth can impair your capacity for these movements, which can significantly affect your general quality of life.

• Convenient and comfortable – Dental bridges are a convenient and comfortable tooth replacement option that doesn’t require removal for cleaning like dentures. They are also permanent solutions, which means they won’t shift or move like temporary solutions.

There are several types of dental bridges, the most common being:

• Traditional dental bridges – This is the most common type of dental bridge used to bridge one or two gaps left by missing teeth. Dental crowns placed on neighboring natural teeth or implants serve as bridge anchors.

• Cantilever bridges – When only one adjacent natural tooth or implant is available to anchor the bridge, a cantilever dental bridge is used. This type of bridge can be less stable than other bridges.

• Maryland bridges – An artificial tooth is attached to a metal or porcelain framework to create a Maryland dental bridge, also referred to as a resin-bonded bridge. Resin or metal wings are used to attach the bridge to the back of neighboring natural teeth.

• Implant-supported dental bridges – Dental bridges supported by implants are secured in place rather than using neighboring natural teeth as anchors. The implants are inserted into the jawbone surgically, then the bridge is fastened to the implants.

Dental bridges are a tooth replacement option that fills the gaps created by missing teeth. Pontics, or artificial teeth, are used to create bridges. Pontics are attached to dental crowns at either end of the bridge. The bridge is held in place by these crowns, which are placed over natural teeth or dental implants.

The procedure typically involves several steps:

• Preparation of adjacent teeth – If the adjacent natural teeth will serve as the bridge’s anchors, some of the enamel will need to be removed from these teeth to make space for the dental crowns that will hold the bridge in place.

• Impressions – Following the preparation of the neighboring teeth, impressions of the region will be made to create a mold for the bridge and the false teeth.

• Temporary bridge – To protect the prepared teeth and fill the gap left by the missing teeth, a temporary bridge is positioned while the permanent bridge is created.

• Permanent bridge – Once the permanent bridge is completed, it will either be affixed to dental implants or set in place with cement.

After being put in place, a dental bridge improves your smile’s appearance, your ability to chew and speak, and the stability of your remaining teeth. To maintain your oral health, it’s crucial to properly care for your bridge by brushing, flossing, and receiving regular dental checkups.

A dental bridge may be a possibility for you if you are searching for a dental restoration treatment for lost teeth. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1319 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95118. We serve patients from San Jose CA, Los Gatos CA, Campbell CA, Santa Clara CA, Cupertino CA, Sunnyvale CA, Saratoga CA, and Mountain View CA.