Dental Bridges
A bridge is a fixed prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. When tooth loss occurs, it can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, causing misalignment and discomfort, and can affect the patient’s chewing and speaking abilities. At Smile Center Silicon Valley, our dentists recommend dental bridges to replace missing teeth and prevent these problems from occurring.
Dental bridges are usually made from porcelain fused with metal or ceramic. They are matched to the color of your natural teeth for a seamless look and are cemented over the adjacent teeth to fill in the gap in your smile.
Bridges can last anywhere from ten years to a lifetime, depending on many factors, including whether or not you are maintaining good oral health habits like brushing and flossing daily and getting regular cleanings. Proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups with our dentist can keep your dental bridge in optimal shape for years to come!
The Dental Bridge Procedure
During the first visit, our dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing some of their enamel. This will give the abutment teeth the proper dimensions to fit the crowns and hold your bridge in place. Our dentist will then make an impression of your teeth and send this information to a dental laboratory where your bridge will be made. While you wait for your custom restoration to be finished, you will be given a temporary bridge to wear until your next appointment.
When you return to the office, our dentist will place your permanent bridge and check its fit. Once everything is in order, the bridge will be cemented in place, and you will receive instructions for caring for it. You should brush twice a day and floss around it once a day to keep it clean. You should also return to our office for regular cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Improved Speech
Missing teeth can significantly affect your ability to speak clearly. A dental bridge will restore your ability to pronounce certain words and to speak correctly. Also, when a tooth is missing, it can cause the remaining teeth to shift out of place, affecting your pronunciation.
Restored Functionality
Dental bridges restore your ability to bite and chew properly, which can be compromised when teeth are missing. With a dental bridge, you can enjoy a more varied and nutritious diet, improving your overall health and well-being.
Prevent Teeth Shifting
When there are gaps in your smile due to missing teeth, the adjacent teeth may shift or drift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment or crowding. Dental bridges fill those gaps, preventing neighboring teeth from shifting and maintaining proper alignment.
Dental bridges offer several advantages for patients with one or more missing teeth. To learn more about dental bridges, visit Smile Center Silicon Valley at 877 W. FREMONT AVE, SUITE L3, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, or call (408) 245-7500.