Dental Bridges in Vista
When you are missing a single tooth, or a few teeth in a row, dental bridges can fill the empty spaces and complete the function and appearance of your smile. Don’t suffer with chewing difficulties, speaking issues, or the embarrassment that comes with missing teeth. Visit us at Melrose Dental Arts to discuss if a dental bridge is the best restorative option for you.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are permanent prosthetics that replace one tooth or several missing teeth in a row. A bridge consists of two end crowns that are affixed to abutment teeth, which are the two healthy teeth adjacent to the space created by the missing teeth. Between the two crowns are the replacement teeth (or tooth), called pontics, which fill the empty space. A bridge literally “bridges the gap” between the two remaining healthy teeth, resulting in the restored ability to chew a variety of healthy foods comfortably, the ability to speak clearly, and a complete and esthetic smile.
Your bridge will be fabricated from dental impressions taken of your top and bottom teeth and sent to a dental lab. While your custom-fitted bridge is being crafted, you will be provided with a temporary bridge. During your follow-up visit, your custom-created bridge will be checked for bite alignment, comfort and fit, and, if no adjustments are required, it will be permanently bonded to your anchor teeth for a restored functional and esthetic smile.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
When considering our tooth replacement options, take the following benefits into consideration:
- Dental bridges are more affordable than dental implants.
- Unlike dental implants, bridgework is less invasive requiring no surgery or healing.
- Bridges can replace one tooth or several teeth in a row.
- Dental bridges are a more permanent alternative to dentures.
- Bridges are more stable than dentures, and do not require the use of messy adhesives.
- Choosing bridges over dentures removes the need for slipping and the use of messy adhesives
- The structural support provided by a bridge prevents your teeth from shifting.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You are a good candidate for dental bridges if you are missing a single tooth, or two or more teeth in a row. Dental bridges cannot restore several missing teeth spread out throughout your top or bottom arch. In this case, Dr. Amiri may suggest other options, such as dental implants. If you are missing the majority of your teeth or all of your teeth, we may discuss dentures as an alternative. You will need two healthy anchor teeth for successful bridge placement. Another option is to combine implants and bridgework via an implant retained bridge.
