Are you tired of dealing with the pain and discomfort caused by a missing tooth? Is a dental implant simply not possible? A dental bridge is a durable and affordable way to replace a tooth and prevent possible complications when implants cannot be done.
At See Me Smile Dental, every bridge we place involves a process uniquely tailored to you. We also offer a variety of dental bridge options to guarantee a perfect fit and a dazzling smile.
A dental bridge, sometimes called a fixed bridge, is a natural-looking prosthetic tooth that is fixed in place by either crowns or wings placed on the adjacent teeth. In short, a bridge restores your bite and keeps the natural shape of your face.
At See Me Smile Dental, we provide three types of dental bridges for you to choose from:
This type of dental bridge utilizes porcelain wings on the adjacent teeth, instead of the traditional crowns. This is typically the least invasive dental bridge option. These may also be called simply a Maryland bridge or a resin-bonded bridge.
This dental bridge is used when only one natural tooth is available for holding an artificial tooth in place.
This long-lasting option fixes the prosthetic tooth to specialized crowns placed on the neighboring teeth.
It may seem "merely" cosmetic, but a missing tooth is a serious matter for your dental and overall health. Teeth are designed to work together, so when one is missing, things happen inside your mouth that can change a variety of things.
When a tooth is lost, a number of things happen. Your teeth on the opposite jaw may shift up or down in space left behind. This affects your bite and places stress on the remaining teeth around the location of the lost tooth. This can cause jaw stress and pain as well as damage to teeth, gums, and your jawbone.
A lost tooth can also cause the bone to shrink. If this happens, your jawbone no longer supports your lips and cheeks the same way and will add premature age to your face.
Teeth that have drifted or have tipped are harder to clean as well, which puts you at higher risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and other health concerns. Dental bridges can be placed to reduce these issues, improving your overall oral health as well as the appearance of your smile.
There are many health and cosmetic benefits of dental bridges.
They give your smile a natural-looking appearance. The materials used to build the bridges are tooth-colored and matched as closely to your natural tooth shade as possible.
Dental bridges maintain proper jaw and tooth alignment and bite, restoring your teeth to their original alignment as much as possible. This restores your ability to eat and chew like normal.
Fixed implant bridges look, function, and feel like your natural, healthy teeth. They are comfortable and feel natural once a short adjustment period lapses. Your bite feels more natural, as well, which makes your overall mouth feel more comfortable.
Dental bridges not only reduce the premature aging effects that lost teeth can cause, but they help prevent bone loss in your jawline that can be caused by lost teeth. This means that with a dental bridge your face shape is preserved and natural.
A fixed bridge is a long-lasting solution to maintaining the structure of the teeth surrounding the position of the lost tooth.
During your first consultation, we will take X-rays, provide an expert examination, and develop a personalized treatment plan with you. Then, we will then take impressions of your mouth to ensure a natural and comfortable fit for your dental bridge.
A temporary bridge will be placed to guard the treatment site while your permanent bridge is being custom-made. When your permanent bridge arrives at our practice, you will come back in and your bridge will be carefully and securely placed.
After having a fixed bridge placed, you may feel tender and sore for the adjustment period. You may also experience minor bleeding. This is normal and will dissipate within a few days, though gums may need a little more time to fully heal.
You can return to work, school, and normal daily activities as soon as you feel well enough to do so. Most patients feel well enough to do so the day after the procedure.
Dental bridges are an affordable option for tooth replacement. The cost varies from patient to patient depending on the material used to create the bridge, the number of teeth needing to be replaced, the type of bridge needed, and whether or not extensive work is required for support for the new bridge.
Your insurance company may cover the costs for the bridge. We will let you know any out of pocket costs before any procedures and go over our payment options.
To care for your bridge, it's important to maintain your healthy oral hygiene practices of brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash two times daily.
Visiting your dentist twice annually for exams and cleanings are also important for maintaining your fixed dental bridge.
In some cases, there are some foods you may need to avoid eating. We will be happy to discuss your specific needs here at See Me Smile Dental.
Dr. Omid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in Santa Barbara, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.
From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Omid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.
Dr. Omid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Omid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.
No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Omid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
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