DENTAL BRIDGES CERRITOS, CA

At Dentist of Cerritos, we are committed to delivering the highest quality care to our patients. If you are tired of dealing with the discomfort of having one or more missing teeth, we have the perfect solution. A dental bridge is a durable, custom restoration that might fit your needs when you don’t have the budget for a dental implant. The tooth replacement options we provide will help you overcome the discomfort and regain your beautiful smile.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge (also known as a fixed bridge) is a dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. It’s called a dental bridge because the traditional fixed bridge uses the natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth to anchor the new prosthetic tooth/teeth.

This is a natural-looking solution that restores your bite and helps retain the natural shape of your face (which can be lost when you lose multiple teeth and the surrounding bone). Plus, by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth, you will gain more confidence because of your new, stunning smile.

Why Choose a Dental Bridge?

Two other options for restoring missing teeth include removable partial dentures and a dental implant. Both are viable options but have their downsides.

As time passes, the bone around the missing tooth starts to recede because there isn’t a tooth to anchor it. This can result in a partial denture becoming loose, which can impact your speech and chewing. It can also cause sores on your gums.

Dental implants are a great option because they provide the anchor needed to support the bone. They look and function like a natural tooth. The downside of implants, though, is the cost. You have to consider the cost of:

The implant surgery
Any necessary adjunct treatments (sinus lift, bone graft)
The implant crown and abutment

All these costs are well out of the price range of many people, making dental bridges in Cerritos a great option. They’re more affordable than implants but they are more stable and secure than dentures. Like implants, they look and function like natural teeth.

Are Missing Teeth Bad for Your Health?

If you can afford it, it’s best to restore a missing tooth as soon as possible. When you have a gap in your mouth from a missing tooth, it can cause a lot of damage to your jaw and to other teeth as your teeth shift to fill the space. The teeth adjacent to the space will shift forward or back, while the teeth above or below the missing tooth will shift up or down into that space.

As this shift happens, it puts pressure on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of your face and neck, as well as your jaw joint. The result is chronic pain and difficulty chewing. Additionally, changes in your bite can put excess pressure on certain teeth. Over time, the extra pressure can result in chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth.

A change in your bite can also make certain teeth more difficult to clean due to their angle or to crowding. This can put you at risk for dental decay and gum disease.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges in Cerritos?

Dental bridges offer many cosmetic and health benefits. Firstly, a renewed smile will make you feel more confident and ready to share your smile with the world.

Next, replacing a missing tooth ensures a balanced bite. You don’t have to worry about shifting teeth and the resulting strain it puts on the hard and soft tissues of your mouth, head, and neck. You also don’t have to worry about an increased risk for dental decay or periodontal disease.

A balanced bite makes it easier to eat the healthy foods you love, too.

Dental bridges in Cerritos can also help reduce the look of premature aging that can result from gaps in your smile. The bridge not only makes your smile look better but it also ensures that the shape of your face is preserved and looks natural and beautiful.

Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?

Absolutely! They look very natural and oftentimes even look more natural than removable dentures. The replacement teeth are not only tooth-colored, but your Cerritos dentist will ensure that they are fabricated to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

There are three main types of dental bridges in Cerritos, and we offer all of them!

Traditional Bridge

Two crowns (called abutments) are placed on either side of a fake tooth (called a pontic). The two crowns fit onto the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth, while the pontic fills the space left by it.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge is also known as a resin-bonded bridge. It does not use crowns to hold the pontic in place. Instead, there are two “wings” on the back of the pontic that are secured to the back of the adjacent teeth. The wings can be made of porcelain or metal.

Cantilever Bridge

A Cantilever bridge has two components: A single crown and the pontic. This type of bridge is used for patients who have a missing tooth that is at the end of an arch and there is no back tooth to secure it to. Instead, the crown is fitted to the tooth in front of the missing tooth, which secures the pontic.

Are Dental Bridges Comfortable?

Yes, dental bridges in Cerritos are very comfortable. They work just like your natural teeth and remove any discomfort you might’ve experienced due to having a missing tooth.

Of course, you may experience a bit of discomfort after the bridge preparation procedure, but this should dissipate quickly. A new bridge will also take some getting used to, especially if you’ve had a missing tooth for quite some time.

How Long Do Dental Bridges in Cerritos Last?

With proper care, dental bridges can last up to 15 years, with an average lifespan of around 5 to 15 years.

What Can You Expect During Your Dental Bridge Appointment?

We’ll start with an examination, during which time your Cerritos dentist will evaluate the health of the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth gap. Digital x-rays are taken, as well as photographs, to determine the best course of treatment.

During your bridge prep appointment, we’ll numb the adjacent teeth and prepare them for a crown. Then, we’ll use our CAD/CAM system to fabricate a custom bridge, which will be cemented or bonded into place, depending on the type of materials used to fabricate the bridge.

If necessary, we may take impressions and send them to an outside lab to fabricate the bridge. If this is required, we’ll create a custom temporary bridge to protect your teeth until your new bridge arrives.

What Should You Expect After Your Dental Bridge Procedure?

After the dental bridge is put into place, your mouth will need at least a few days, if not a week or two, to adjust and recover. Thus, you may experience a little tenderness and soreness as well as minor bleeding. You should be able to return to your normal daily activities right away, often the next day after the procedure.

How Do You Care for a Dental Bridge?

Take care of your dental bridge in the same way you take care of your natural teeth through daily brushing and flossing. In certain cases, we may recommend you avoid certain foods, and in general, it’s a good idea to avoid crunching on hard candy, ice cubes, or pencils and pens. You’ll also want to visit your Cerritos dentist at least twice per year for checkups and cleanings.

How Much Do Dental Bridges in Cerritos Cost?

On average, dental bridges cost $500 to $1,500 per tooth, but it depends on the patient’s unique situation as well as the materials used. (For example, metal is typically cheaper than porcelain in Maryland bonded bridges). Check with your insurance company, as many may cover some of the costs for a dental bridge.

Talk to Your Cerritos Dentist Today

If you’re not sure that getting a dental bridge is right for you, we invite you to visit your Cerritos dentist for a consultation. Dr. Omid will be happy to explain why restoring a missing tooth is not just a cosmetic procedure, but that it’s a way to improve your overall oral health.

Restore Your Beautiful Smile with Custom Dental Bridges In Cerritos

Would you like to restore a missing tooth? Contact our team to schedule a consultation and learn about which restorative options are best for your needs.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Flexible Appointment Times – Including Same Day!
Friendly Staff to Make Your Family Feel Safe and Comfortable
Priority Given for Dental Emergencies
Affordable Financing Options and Payment Plans Are Available

CALL (562) 414-5064
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