27
Sep
Missing Multiple Teeth? Fill The Gaps with a Fixed Dental Bridge
Although tooth loss is quite common, there’s no reason to leave an unsightly gap in your smile. Today, there are multiple options for replacing lost teeth, one of which is a fixed dental bridge. A porcelain dental bridge will complete your grin naturally to give you a confident, functional smile. In this post, Dr. Colby Smith from Granite Bay Dentistry in Granite Bay, California, answers your questions about dental bridges.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to fill the gap of one or more consecutive missing teeth. Fixed bridges are supported by dental crowns attached to healthy teeth on one or both sides of the gap left by missing teeth. The bridge is designed to stay in place permanently, removed only by your dentist when it’s time to replace your restoration after years of quality use.
Why should I get a dental bridge?
A porcelain dental bridge will naturally fill the gap left by missing teeth, blending in seamlessly with your smile. With support from dental crowns, your bridge will restore full chewing power so you can eat comfortably and enjoy all your favorite foods. A bridge doesn’t require special care. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings will keep your restoration going strong for years.
What is the process for getting a dental bridge?
After an initial evaluation to confirm that a bridge is the best restorative treatment for you, Dr. Smith will start the process by reshaping your abutment teeth to prepare them for receiving crowns to support your bridge. Then, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to customize a porcelain bridge for your use. This process can take several weeks to complete. When your bridge is ready, we’ll cement it in place permanently to make your smile whole again.
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New Patients: (916) 735-4720 | Existing Patients: (916) 791-4719
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Dental bridge vs implant: Which is best for you?
Implants offer an alternative to a fixed bridge for replacing lost teeth. Like a bridge, implants can replace one or more missing teeth to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality. Unlike bridges, getting implants requires oral surgery and a lengthy recovery period. Implant treatment is also more costly than getting a bridge. There are removable restorations that are easier to get and more affordable, but they don’t offer the same aesthetics or functionality. A porcelain bridge offers durability, functionality, esthetics, and longevity, providing ten or more years of quality use before needing to be replaced.
How do I take care of a dental bridge?
To keep your porcelain bridge strong and healthy in the long term, brush, and floss normally and see your dentist every six months for dental cleanings. We’ll inspect your bridge every time you come in to ensure it’s in peak condition.
Where can I get a porcelain dental bridge near me?
You can complete your smile with a bridge at Granite Bay Dentistry located in Granite Bay, CA. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Colby Smith, contact us at (916) 735-4720.
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Colby Smith, DDS, MAGD
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Colby Smith earned a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree with honors at UC Santa Barbara before completing his doctorate and advanced residency training at UCLA, where he also taught for over a decade. One of under 1% of dentists nationally to achieve Board-certification in General Dentistry, he prioritizes ongoing education, completing over 150 hours annually, teaching fellow dentists, and contributing to scientific literature. Dr. Smith is a member of the ADA, American Board of General Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, Academy of Operative Dentistry, and Sacramento District Dental Society.