Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges in Tracy, CA
If you are missing one or just a few of your teeth and need a permanent solution that can restore your smile, then bridges may be the right choice for you. Miller’s Family Dentistry offers several types of dental bridges in Tracy, CA, so you can get back to enjoying life with confidence.
What You Need To Know About Dental Bridges
Like dental implants and partial dentures, a dental bridge is an artificial tooth replacement used to replace missing teeth. It is composed of two crowns and a pontic. The crowns are attached to the adjacent teeth of your missing tooth and the pontic acts as a false tooth that fills the gap from your missing tooth.
Also known as fixed partial dentures, a dental bridge can help improve your appearance and self-confidence by filling the gap created by your missing tooth. It can also help restore your chewing ability and prevent your neighboring teeth from moving out of their original position. More importantly, it can help reduce the risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss by closing the gap left by your missing tooth.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The entire process can be completed with two office visits. During the first appointment, we will reshape the abutment teeth to prepare them for receiving the dental crowns. Then, we will take impressions of your prepared teeth and send them off to a dental laboratory to create your custom-made replacement teeth. We will then place a temporary bridge in the exposed area to protect your existing teeth until your permanent bridge arrives. Once your new bridge has been fabricated, we will replace your temporary bridge with your permanent bridge at your next appointment.
We will check up on you periodically after the procedure to make sure everything is going well. If you experience any discomfort or pain, please contact us immediately so we can correct the problem before it becomes worse.
Common Types of Bridges
Traditional Fixed Bridges
These are considered the most popular type of dental bridge. It is made of two dental crowns that are cemented on both sides of the abutment teeth. This type is commonly used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap left by your missing tooth.
Cantilever Bridges
This type of bridge is very similar to traditional bridges where the pontics are held in place by a crown. But instead of using two abutment teeth, the pontic is connected to only one abutment tooth.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges or resin-bonded bridges are likely to be used if you have missing front teeth because they are designed to look like your natural teeth. This type uses porcelain fused with a metal framework and is bonded directly onto the back of the abutment teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
This type of fixed partial denture is used when you are missing more than a single tooth. It is similar to conventional bridges but uses implants instead of crowns to anchor the bridge. Implants are small titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone where they fuse with the bone.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridges
To keep your bridges looking their best, you should:
- Maintain good oral health habits. Brush and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- Schedule regular checkups and professional cleanings with your dentist to ensure your dental bridges stay healthy.
With proper care, your dental bridge can last up to 15 years before it needs another replacement.
Restore Your Radiant Smile at Miller's Family Dentistry
Your smile is your first impression. That is why we want to ensure that yours leaves a lasting positive impression. To achieve this goal, our dental team offers dental bridges and other permanent restoration options to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact or visit our dental office today to schedule a consultation!