Dental Bridges San Diego

Why do I need a dental bridge?

 

Give us a call at (619) 222-6000 to schedule a consultation today!

 

Dental bridges are used to restore smiles to their full glory, but aesthetics are not the only benefit of dental bridges.  Filling in the gap left behind by a missing tooth also helps to restore or maintain healthy biting and chewing, and protects your remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment. And because our teeth are responsible for helping to maintain our facial structure, replacing missing teeth with dental bridges also helps to keep you looking like you. 

What is a dental bridge?

 

A dental bridge is a prosthetic solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Bridges are fixed in the mouth, eliminating the slippage and discomfort associated with dentures by way of a less invasive procedure than dental implants. There are four different types of dental bridges:

  • Traditional fixed bridges involve a prosthetic tooth or teeth attached to and held in place by dental crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap. Traditional bridges are typically used on posterior (back) teeth.
  • Cantilever bridges are anchored in place by a dental crown on just one side of the gap. Cantilever bridges are used in cases where there is only one tooth available to support the prosthetic tooth.
  • Implant-supported bridges are similar to traditional bridges except that the prosthetic tooth or teeth are supported by implants on either side of the gap. Implant-supported bridges are often used in the back of the mouth when 3 or more teeth are missing in a row.
  • Maryland bridges (also called “resin-bonded bridges”) involve a prosthetic tooth secured in place with the use of small “wings” adhered to the backs of the adjacent teeth. Maryland bridges are typically used to restore front teeth.

All bridges are custom-made for each individual, and at Smile Designers, we use only the highest quality materials, ensuring an exact fit, maximum comfort, and natural-looking aesthetics.

The materials we use for dental bridges

 

At Smile Designers, our dental bridges are created from solid blocks of premium zirconia, a material that is durable, highly customizable,  and visually appealing. The benefits of zirconia bridges are numerous. Zirconia bridges are: 

  • Strong enough to withstand wear and tear
  • Resistant to chipping
  • Smoothly surfaced to reduce plaque accumulation
  • Biocompatible
  • Visually appealing 
  • Easy to shape and size and color-match to resemble natural teeth

We understand that bright healthy smiles have significant health and social benefits, which is why we use premium quality materials to restore smiles to optimal health and radiance. 

How do dental bridges work?

 

Dental bridges work to restore a full smile by filling the space left by a missing tooth or teeth.  The false teeth used to fill the space are supported in place by crowns placed atop natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. The procedure for a traditional bridge is typically as follows:

  • Dr. Hage prepares the teeth adjacent to the gap by recontouring them to make room for the crown.
  • Impressions are made of the teeth in order to customize the bridge for a comfortable fit and a pleasing appearance.
  • A temporary bridge is fitted in the mouth for use while waiting for the permanent bridge. 
  • The patient returns back to our office once the new bridge is ready, which will be worn with a temporary bond for a couple of weeks to ensure it fits properly and comfortably.  Additional office visits may be required for adjustments during this time. 
  • Once the fit and bite are just right, Dr. Hage will permanently bond the dental bridge so you can go on living your best life, smiling your biggest smile, and eating the foods you love. 

As mentioned above, not all dental bridges are exactly the same.  Cantilever bridges are anchored only one side, and Maryland bridges involve small “wings” adhered to the backs of adjacent teeth (rather than crowns). 

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    Dental bridge vs dental implant

    While dental bridges and dental implants are both effective tooth replacement options, they do have some significant differences. Dental bridges are less invasive than implants?implant placement is a surgical procedure. Dental bridges are also a good option for those who have insufficient jawbone to support implants. Additionally, dental bridges are less costly on the outset than dental implants. The advantages of implants are that they last longer, they help prevent bone loss, and they do not affect the adjacent teeth.
    Both tooth restoration options have their benefits and drawbacks. The best way to determine which one is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage.

    Book Your Dental Bridge Consultation Today

    Our Dental office is located close to Sports Arena blv.

    If you’re looking for dental bridges in San Diego, Smile Designers is here for you. Dr. Hage provides the highest quality dental services, and we’re all committed to patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction. For more information on our services, or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hage, give us a call at (619) 222-6000