Dental Bridges – Corte Madera, CA

A Traditional Solution for Replacing Missing Teeth

You’re more likely to end up with a gap in your grin than you might think; according to the American College of Prosthodontists, around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. An incomplete set of teeth can make it difficult to chew your food or speak clearly, so you’ll want to fill in the space as soon as possible. At our Corte Madera practice, Dr. Young can replace missing teeth with dental bridges that blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Call today to schedule a consultation and see if you might be a good candidate for a dental bridge.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is comprised of two dental crowns and one or more replacement teeth, also known as pontics. The crowns and the pontics are all made out of natural-looking materials that closely resemble enamel, and they can be color-matched to your specific smile to make them indistinguishable from your natural teeth. The crowns are used to anchor the restoration in place while the pontics fill in the gap.

Types of Dental Bridges

We offer both traditional dental bridges and implant bridges. The kind that’s right for your smile will depend on your situation; we’ll need to examine your mouth, consider your goals and preferences, and review your oral health history before we make a recommendation.

Traditional Bridge

A traditional dental bridge is usually recommended if you’ve only lost one tooth. The crowns at either end of the bridge will be anchored to the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. To make room for the crowns, we’ll have to remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth in question.

Implant Bridge

An implant bridge may be suggested if you’ve lost multiple teeth in a row. Two implant posts will be placed in the gap; once your mouth has healed, the dental bridge will be attached to the posts. With this procedure, we can avoid needing to make any permanent changes to your remaining natural teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges have been around for centuries, and they remain a reliable tooth replacement option to this day. There are several benefits to using a bridge to complete your smile, including:

• Maintaining the Alignment of Your Other Teeth: If your missing teeth aren’t replaced, the remaining teeth will start to drift into the gap and throw off the alignment of your bite. A dental bridge helps prevent dental drift and keeps your teeth where they’re supposed to be.
• Improved Confidence: Having a gap in your smile can make you feel very self-conscious about your appearance. However, dental bridges are so natural looking that most people won’t be able to tell that you’ve had dental work done; this can help you feel more confident about sharing your grin with the world.
• Easy to Care For: Dental implants are permanently anchored in your mouth, so you can brush and floss them the same way you would the rest of your smile.
• Long-Lasting Results: A traditional dental bridge usually lasts around 10 to 15 years, and implant bridges can last for decades if they receive the right maintenance.

Dental Bridges FAQs

Tooth loss can affect more than just your appearance – it can impact your quality of life as well. Fortunately, you no longer have to live with gaps in your smile. At the office of Dr. Julie Young, we offer dental bridges to replace your missing teeth. Even though they are a trusted tooth-replacement solution, it’s understandable to have some questions before committing. Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions from patients about dental bridges in Corte Madera. If you don’t see your question, be sure to contact our team.

Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?

No, since dental bridges are designed to stay in your mouth for years after they’ve been placed. You shouldn’t be able to take the restoration out by yourself – only a dental professional can do that. While you may have heard partial dentures referred to as “removable bridges,” that’s not accurate. One of the most notable differences between partials and bridges is that partials can be removed at any time.

How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?

Dental bridges can replace a single missing tooth or several in a row. As a result, they are ideal for patients who are missing 1-4 teeth. If you are unsure whether dental bridges are right for addressing your specific dental needs, then don’t hesitate to schedule a personal consultation with our dentist in Corte Madera – she will help you decide.

How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?

Dental bridges typically last 5-15 years. The longevity of yours depends on a few factors like the materials used, the location of the dental bridge in your mouth, and how well you care for your smile. To elaborate, high-quality materials (we use dental porcelain or ceramic) will naturally last longer than cheaper alternatives that are a short-term solution at best. The location matters as well since dental bridges toward the back of your mouth withstand a lot more pressure from chewing. And, of course, your oral hygiene routine will impact the condition of your teeth, gums, and dental bridge.

Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?

Before your procedure, we’ll numb your teeth with a topical anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable. After your teeth are prepared to support a dental bridge, they may feel slightly sensitive for the next few days. The good news is you can easily manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed. If you’re receiving an implant bridge, you may experience mild soreness after your oral surgery. However, diligently following your aftercare instructions will help keep your pain to a minimum.