Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used in dentistry by dentists in Los Gatos, CA,to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between natural teeth or dental implants. With one or more artificial teeth held in place by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants, dental bridges restore the smile's appearance, function, and alignment while preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of position. Custom made to match the color, shape, and contour of natural teeth, dental bridges have proven to be a durable and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring chewing ability, and enhancing overall oral health and confidence.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional dental bridges stand as the gold standard in restorative dentistry, offering a reliable and time-tested solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. These bridges consist of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) suspended between two dental crowns, cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Traditional bridges are ideal for replacing one or more consecutive missing teeth and provide excellent stability and longevity, making them popular among patients seeking a durable and functional restoration.

Cantilever Dental Bridges

Cantilever bridges are a unique solution for replacing missing teeth when only one adjacent tooth is available for support. Unlike traditional bridges that are anchored on both sides, cantilever bridges anchor on only one side, typically using a single abutment tooth or dental implant. While less commonly used than traditional bridges, cantilever bridges provide a conservative and effective option for restoring function and aesthetics when space is limited, or adjacent teeth are unsuitable for crowns.

Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges

Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded or adhesive bridges, are renowned for their minimal invasiveness and natural-looking results. Unlike traditional bridges, which require extensive preparation and crowning of neighboring teeth, Maryland bridges require minimal alteration of the tooth structure. They are often used to replace front teeth that experience less chewing force. Maryland bridges are a conservative and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring missing teeth while preserving the integrity of adjacent teeth.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Implant-supported bridges represent the pinnacle of dental bridge technology, demonstrating unparalleled stability, strength, and longevity. These bridges rely on dental implants as anchors instead of natural teeth, providing a secure foundation for the restoration.

Implant-supported bridges are ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth or restoring full arches of missing teeth, providing excellent support and function without altering adjacent natural teeth. With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported bridges can last a lifetime, providing patients with a durable and reliable solution for restoring their smiles.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

The dental bridge procedure typically begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, our dentist at Orchid Dental Care will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, review your medical history, and discuss your treatment goals and options. This is an opportunity to ask questions or express concerns about the procedure.

Our dentist will develop a customized treatment plan for your dental bridge procedure based on the examination findings and your treatment goals. This plan will outline the type of bridge, the number of pontics (artificial teeth) required, and the placement of the bridge.

If the adjacent teeth (abutment teeth) are healthy and suitable for supporting the bridge, they must be prepared to accommodate the dental crowns that will anchor the bridge in place. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from the abutment teeth to create space for the crowns. In some cases, if dental implants are used as abutments, they may need to be surgically placed before bridge placement.

Once the abutment teeth are prepared, our dentist will take impressions (molds) of your teeth and gums. These impressions will be used by the dental laboratory as the basis for fabricating the custom-made dental bridge and crowns. Our dentist may also take digital impressions using advanced scanning technology for greater accuracy and precision.

While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, our dentist may place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and maintain aesthetics and function. Temporary bridges are typically made from acrylic or composite resin and are designed to be worn until the permanent bridge is ready.

Once your permanent bridge is ready, our dentist will check the fit, shape, and color to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. The bridge may be adjusted as needed to achieve optimal fit and function. Our dentist will also check your bite to ensure proper alignment and comfort.

Once necessary adjustments are made, our dentist will permanently cement the bridge and crowns onto the prepared abutment teeth or dental implants. The cement used is a dental adhesive that securely bonds the bridge in place while allowing for removal if necessary.

Our dentist will then provide post-procedure care instructions after the bridge is placed. These may include guidelines for oral hygiene, dietary restrictions, and instructions for managing discomfort or swelling. It's essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and long-term success of your dental bridge. Contact us today!

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

• By replacing missing teeth, dental bridges restore chewing ability, speech clarity, and overall oral function, allowing patients to enjoy a diverse diet and improved quality of life.
• Dental bridges in Los Gatos, CA, help prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of position and maintain proper alignment and occlusion, reducing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Custom made to match the color, shape, and contour of natural teeth, dental bridges seamlessly blend with the smile, enhancing its appearance and restoring confidence.
• Dental bridges can last many years with proper care and maintenance as a reliable and durable restoration of missing teeth.

Dental bridges offer a transformative solution for addressing missing teeth's aesthetic, functional, and psychological impacts. Visit Orchid Dental Care at 320 Los Gatos—Saratoga Road, Los Gatos, CA 95030, or call (408) 395-8888 to discover how a dental bridge can enhance oral health and confidence.