Yerba Buena Dentistry
Overview
Dental bridges are designed to fill gaps left by missing teeth with fixed or removable options that connect replacement teeth to nearby support. At Yerba Buena Dentistry in San Francisco, patients can explore bridge types, attachment methods, materials, and care instructions before deciding what fits their needs.
What Is A Dental Bridge Or Fixed Partial Denture
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. We permanently bond fixed bridges into place, and only a dental professional can remove them. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Dental Bridge Options
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth.
We apply fixed bridges by placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal, valplastic clasps or precision attachments.
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. Losing a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you know it can affect your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions, from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it isn’t easy to do these things. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing several potentially harmful disorders. Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
Also, an increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth, and we can minimize this risk with a bridge. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore dental health, function, and appearance.
How Is A Dental Bridge Attached
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Jiahua Zhu will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since we fabricate the bridge precisely to ensure the correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where skilled technicians will craft the bridge.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which we cement onto the natural teeth, support the bridge.
What Materials Are Used For Dental Bridges In San Francisco
We can create bridges from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
How Do I Take Care Of My Bridge
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is critical as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Dental Bridges In San Francisco
Fixed dental bridges are an ideal solution to many issues when replacing your missing tooth structure. A bridge helps preserve the natural facial appearance and can significantly improve eating habits. Make sure you keep up with regular dental appointments to check the health of your bridge, always brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day.
Contact us to schedule a consultation if you are looking into having a dental bridge placed or any of our quality restorative dentistry options in San Francisco, California. Yerba Buena Dentistry will help create a plan that fits your individual needs.
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