If you are missing one or more of your teeth, we may be able to restore your smile using a dental bridge. Bridges are composed of a replacement tooth or teeth supported on either side by a porcelain crown. These crowns are connected to the teeth adjacent to a gap, creating a strong and natural looking replacement. Non-removable bridges provide a sturdier, more stable solution to missing teeth than removable dentures, giving our patients the feeling of having permanent teeth once again.  

Not only do bridges strengthen damaged teeth, they improve a tooth's appearance, shape, alignment and a patient's bite.  Gaps resulting from missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, resulting in a bad bite.  Bridges help prevent this from happening and help restore your mouth and your smile. 

How is the Bridge Made?

Before a bridge can be made, the teeth on either side of the gap must be reduced in size so that the bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the teeth, we will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crowns to be made.  If porcelain is to be used, we will determine the correct shade for the bridge to match the color of your existing teeth.

Using the impression we take, we work with the highest quality dental labs to make your bridge.  We put in a temporary bridge to cover the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is being made.  When the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is cemented over your prepared teeth.

How Long do Bridges Last?

Bridges can last a lifetime though sometimes they can come loose or fall out.  As you might expect, the most important thing you can do to protect the bridge is to practice good oral hygiene.  If you do not, the bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Make sure you brush regularly (at least twice a day) with fluoride toothpaste and also floss daily.  Flossing around a new bridge will require a little extra effort.  Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also critical for maintaining your bridge. 

Additionally, chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects (jawbreakers, hard candy) may cause damage to your new bridge so it is best to avoid them.  

Call us today at (562) 430-7310 or click on the "Request an Appointment" link below to request an appointment.