Bridges

Are gaps in your smile forcing you to pass on your favorite crunchy foods or making you hesitate before laughing? As specialists in restorative dentistry, we know that missing teeth affect more than just your appearance – they can reshape how you approach each day.

At Hillcrest Dental, we’ve refined the art of creating dental bridges that feel so natural, you might forget they aren’t your original teeth. Let’s work together to design a solution that brings back more than just your teeth – it brings back your everyday comfort and peace of mind.

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Understanding Dental Bridges

A dental bridge serves as an innovative tooth replacement solution that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. This custom-designed prosthetic consists of an artificial tooth (called a pontic) that’s held securely in place by dental crowns attached to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

Think of it as a three-part unit: two anchoring crowns supporting a prosthetic tooth in between. The artificial teeth are crafted from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic that mimic the translucency and texture of natural teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your existing smile.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Maintains Facial Bone Structure

A missing tooth can lead to gradual bone loss in your jaw, causing subtle changes in your facial features over time. Dental bridges help stimulate the underlying bone through regular bite pressure, preserving your natural facial contours. This continuous stimulation helps maintain proper bone density and prevents the premature aging that can occur when teeth are missing for extended periods.

Protects Your Remaining Natural Teeth

When gaps exist in your mouth, the surrounding teeth bear additional pressure during biting and chewing. A dental bridge redistributes these forces evenly across your teeth, preventing excessive wear on specific areas. This balanced distribution helps protect your natural teeth from damage, reduces the risk of fractures, and maintains the overall integrity of your bite.

Quick Adaptation Period

Unlike other dental restorations that may require months of adjustment, most patients adapt to their dental bridges within a few days. The streamlined design allows for normal eating and speaking almost immediately after placement. This rapid adjustment period means minimal disruption to your daily routine and faster return to normal activities.

Cost-Effective Long-Term Solution

While the initial investment in a dental bridge may seem significant, it provides excellent value over time. The durability and longevity of modern bridges, combined with their low maintenance requirements, make them a financially prudent choice for tooth replacement. Regular dental care and good oral hygiene habits can extend their lifespan, maximizing your investment.

Supports Optimal Digestive Health

Missing teeth often lead to inadequate chewing, which can affect your digestive system. Dental bridges enable thorough food breakdown during chewing, improving nutrient absorption and reducing digestive stress. The ability to chew food properly also allows you to maintain a varied, healthy diet without restrictions, supporting your overall nutritional needs.

M.R. had not seen a dentist in over 20 years and would not show her teeth when she smiled. These bridges and crowns use the newest non-metal zirconia for a very natural look. M.R. is now making up for her lost time and is always smiling.

Our Dental Bridge Process

Detailed Dental Assessment

Our comprehensive exam focuses on your dental structure, bite alignment, and gum health to ensure you’re an ideal candidate for a bridge. Using advanced imaging techniques, we evaluate the strength of your supporting teeth and determine the best bridge design for your specific case. We take the time to understand your concerns and explain how a dental bridge will integrate with your existing teeth.

Bridge Design & Planning

Every dental bridge requires precision planning to achieve optimal function and aesthetics. We take detailed measurements and digital impressions to create a bridge that fits perfectly with your bite. Your input on shade selection and appearance helps us design a bridge that looks completely natural while meeting your functional needs.

Preparation & Temporary Bridge

During this phase, we carefully prepare the supporting teeth that will anchor your permanent bridge. We place a custom temporary bridge to protect your teeth while maintaining your smile’s appearance and function. This temporary restoration also gives you a preview of how your permanent bridge will feel.

Custom Bridge Placement

Once your permanent bridge arrives from our trusted dental laboratory, we verify its fit, color match, and bite alignment before final placement. The precise cementing process ensures your bridge stays securely in place. We make any necessary adjustments to guarantee your complete comfort and satisfaction with both function and appearance.

Bridge Care Education

We provide personalized instructions for maintaining your new dental bridge, including specific cleaning techniques and recommended oral care tools. Understanding proper bridge care helps prevent common issues and extends the life of your restoration. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your bridge’s condition and address any concerns early.

Why Choose Us for Dental Bridges

We understand that choosing to get a dental bridge is a significant decision that impacts your daily comfort and confidence. At Hillcrest Dental, every bridge we create combines precise technical skill with an artistic eye for natural-looking results.

Our dentists stay current with advanced bridge techniques through continuous education, while our in-house technology allows us to plan and place bridges with exceptional accuracy. We take pride in creating bridges that not only look authentic but also provide reliable function for years to come.

Your New Smile Starts With a Single Call

Ever caught yourself hiding your smile in photos or turning down dinner invitations because of missing teeth? Life’s too short for dental worries.

A custom dental bridge in Hillcrest Dental could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Skip the endless online research – let’s have a real conversation about your smile. Call (619) 291-2980 to grab a time that fits your busy life. We’ve saved a spot just for you!

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FAQs

How long does a dental bridge last?

You can expect your dental bridge to serve you well for 10 to 15 years, though many of our patients enjoy their bridges for even longer. The lifespan largely depends on your oral care routine and regular dental visits. Simple habits like avoiding hard foods, brushing twice daily, and scheduling professional cleanings twice a year can add years to your bridge’s life.

Is a dental bridge permanent?

While dental bridges don’t require daily removal like dentures, they’re considered a long-term rather than permanent solution. Your bridge is securely cemented to provide stable, fixed tooth replacement for many years. Think of it as a durable restoration that becomes an integral part of your smile but may eventually need replacement due to normal wear.

Can you put a dental bridge after a crown?

Yes – having a crown doesn’t rule out getting a dental bridge. In fact, many patients successfully use crowned teeth to support new bridges. We’ll carefully evaluate your existing crown’s condition and stability to determine if it can serve as a reliable anchor. Sometimes, replacing the old crown as part of your new bridge treatment produces the best long-term results.

Can a dental bridge be removed and recemented?

Yes, if your bridge feels loose or uncomfortable, professional recementation can often restore its stability. Never attempt to adjust or recement a bridge yourself, as this could damage both the bridge and your supporting teeth. Schedule an appointment at the first sign of movement – quick attention can prevent more extensive repairs and protect your investment.

How do you floss a dental bridge?

Flossing a bridge requires a slightly different technique, but it’s easier than you might think. Use a floss threader or specialized bridge flosser to clean under and around your bridge daily. Thread the floss between your bridge and gums in a U-shape motion, then gently clean each anchor tooth. Regular flossing prevents bacteria buildup and helps your bridge last longer.