Dental Bridges in La Mesa, CA
At Smilehaven Dental Center, Dr. Stephen Chan understands the desire for a beautiful smile. That’s why our highly-skilled and health-focused team will do all we can to utilize the latest in technological advances and pair them with time-tested dental treatments in order to give you the best-looking smile possible. As your cosmetic dentist of choice in and around El Cajon and La Mesa, CA, we’re able to help improve your smile, no matter what condition it may be in. Even if you have missing teeth, we’re capable of restoring the function and appearance of your teeth with the usage of our dental bridges.
A dental bridge is a dental device that’s used to replace missing teeth. It can help protect the integrity of the existing teeth and keep them from shifting into positions that may lead to future orthodontic problems. Bridges can be used to replace a singular tooth or even several teeth.
How a Fixed Bridge Works
A fixed bridge is the most common type of bridge that’s used for patients. It’s comprised of three different parts. The first is the replacement tooth (known as a pontic), which is used to cover the spot where the patient’s tooth is missing. The other two parts are the crowned teeth (known as abutment teeth), which are attached to the replacement tooth and act as an ‘anchor.’ The patient’s two existing teeth that are on each side of the missing tooth will be shaved down so that the crowned teeth can comfortably fit over them. When the crowns are placed on the existing teeth, the attached replacement tooth will slide over the spot where the tooth is missing, completely filling the gap where the missing tooth was.
Other Types of Bridges
While a fixed bridge is the most common type of bridge, there are also two other main types of bridges. These are:
The Maryland Bridge – This bridge is frequently used to replace missing front teeth. The Maryland Bridge consists of a filler that’s attached to metal bands, which are bonded to the surrounding teeth. These metal bands consist of a composite resin that will match the color of the patient’s existing teeth.
The Cantilever Bridge – This bridge is commonly used when there are teeth on just one side of the span. A three-unit cantilever bridge will consist of two crowned teeth that are positioned next to each other on the same side of a missing tooth space. The filler tooth will then be connected to the two crowned teeth. This will extend into the missing tooth space.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Some of the reasons why you may choose a dental bridge include the following:
- A dental bridge will improve the appearance of your smile.
- It will also keep the shape of your face intact.
- Your remaining teeth won’t end up shifting into the space where the missing tooth is.
- Bridges will restore the function of your bite and make it much easier for you to eat and speak.
- They look natural and are nearly indistinguishable from your existing teeth.
- They require the same care as the rest of your teeth.