Dental bridges are an example of a tried and true treatment that has been a mainstay of dentistry for decades. While the methods have improved over time, the concept is still using two crowns and one or two replacement teeth to bridge a gap caused by missing teeth.
Our dentist in Huntington Beach frequently recommends dental bridges for patients missing one or two teeth. This is especially true if all the surrounding teeth and supporting gums are healthy.
The process involved in getting a bridge is not complicated nor is it excessively time-consuming. Dental bridges are fast alternatives to other types of tooth replacement treatments. Rather than months, a bridge placement is normally complete in two office visits.
The bridge is composed of crowns on either side of a false tooth, called the pontic. Our dentist attaches the crowns to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap created by missing teeth. The crowns work together to hold the pontic in position. Generally, if the gap is in the front of your mouth, our dentist makes the false tooth from porcelain. If the gap is not in full view, metal alloys can be a good choice of material for your pontic.
During your first visit for your bridge, our dentist recontours the teeth to hold the crowns. Creating impressions to use as patterns for the pontic and crowns is the next step, and finally, our dentist forms a temporary bridge for you while the dental lab makes your permanent bridge. On your second visit, our dentist removes the temporary bridge and permanently bonds your new bridge in place.
Dental bridges offer several benefits to patients missing one or two teeth. These include:
• Evenly disperse your bite force
• Keep your face from sagging and caving
• Hold your teeth in the correct position and prevent shifting
• Allow you to chew and speak properly
If you have a gap in your teeth, consider speaking with our dentist to learn more about how a dental bridge can help restore your smile.