Bridges
Dental Bridges in Porterville, CA
Are you missing one to three teeth in a row? If so, you may want to consider a customized dental bridge. Dental bridges are non-removable, durable appliances that can:
- Replace missing teeth and restore your smile
- Help maintain face shape and prevent sagging caused by spaces in your smile
- Prevent remaining natural teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Resurrect chewing and speaking abilities
- Upgrade from a fixed partial denture to a permanent device
Our caring and knowledgeable team at Live Oak Dental Group helps patients choose which dental prosthetic devices fit their needs, including dental bridges.
What are dental bridges?
Sometimes called “fixed partial dentures,” a dental bridge is a non-removable device that helps fill in the gaps caused by absent teeth. Fixed partial dentures attach crowns to adjacent natural teeth (also known as abutment teeth). Dentists apply dental bridges by placing dental crowns on the abutment teeth.
What to Expect
Acquiring a dental bridge typically requires more than one visit.
After your dentist decides that your mouth is healthy enough to support a dental bridge, he or she will use local anesthesia to numb the mouth. During this time, your dentist will prepare the anchoring teeth by carefully removing some enamel to make room for the supporting dental crowns. Secondly, he or she will mold the teeth and place a temporary bridge which will be worn until your next appointment. Afterward, your dentist will send your detailed impressions will be sent off to a dental lab for manufacturing.
At the second appointment, your permanent bridge will be carefully inspected, revised, and bonded to achieve the perfect fit.
At the conclusion of treatment, you will receive care instructions to prolong the lifespan of your dental bridge. Similar to standard oral hygiene guidelines, permanent bridges require:
- Brushing with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing to remove debris between the teeth
- Routine dental checkups and cleanings to help prevent the development of oral disease
Although these practices can extend the life of your bridge, it’s essential to know that eventually, dental bridges may need to be replaced or re-bonded due to expected wear and tear.
Why Dental Bridges May Be a Good Idea
Not only can dental bridges improve the way your face looks after tooth loss, but they can help restore balance to your bite. Most importantly, dental bridges potentially reduce the risk of harmful oral health conditions. For example, a dental bridge can reduce the risk of TMJ disorder by evening out the stress placed on the gums, teeth, and jaws.
