Close the gaps in your smile! Dental bridges look, feel, and function like healthy, natural teeth
Are you embarrassed by gaps in your smile where teeth used to be? Have you been holding on to aching teeth because you don’t want gaps in your smile? No worries! At Harmony Smile Dental in Sunnyvale, California, we have several options for permanent tooth replacement. These options include dental bridges. Bridges designed and placed by Dr. Ryan Zhuoran Zhao are:
- “Fixed” or secured permanently
- Natural in appearance, feel in the mouth, and function
- Durable and long-lasting with consistent good oral hygiene
- Support confidence in your smile, healthy function
Dental Bridges Q&A
What are dental bridges?
Bridges are a form of tooth replacement. Materials, such as porcelain, are used to make the replacement teeth and dental crowns. A bridge to replace a single tooth involves one replacement tooth (called a “pontic”) and two crowns. The pontic and crowns are fused together. Then, this bridge is secured to the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap where a tooth used to be. These teeth are reduced. So that the crowns fit on top of them properly. Once the crowns are cemented to these neighboring teeth, the pontic fills in the gap between them. In turn, the crowned teeth function like anchors to hold the pontic in place.
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
All procedures start with a thorough examination. Generally, Dr. Zhao may recommend bridges if you are missing a single tooth or a few teeth. You must have at least some healthy teeth that can serve as anchors to stabilize the pontic or replacement tooth. You must also be committed to keeping the bridge clean. We can demonstrate ways to use floss threaders and other products to remove food particles from underneath the bridge effectively.
How long can a bridge last?
With proper care, dental bridges can last for years. It is also essential to maintain professional care at our office. During regular exams, Dr. Zhao will check that your bridge remains sound. Our dental hygienists can also effectively remove what your toothbrush cannot: stubborn plaque build-up or tartar.
Are there different types of bridges?
Yes! There are various bridge “designs,” some of which may even be appropriate for patients with only one available anchor tooth to support the pontic. With that being said, there are pros and cons to each type. If dental bridges do not have sufficient support, the replacement tooth can fail. Plus, damage to the bridge can also threaten the health and structure of the adjacent abutment or anchor teeth that are part of it.
Patients with crowns or bridges that are supported by dental implants don’t have to worry about anchor teeth. These replacement teeth get their support from implants placed in the jawbone, not from neighboring teeth. The implants naturally join the surrounding bone. So, they are stabilized in the jaw to function like tooth roots. Once the implant is connected to the crown (or bridge), it holds the tooth in place.
With temporary crowns, bridges, and even immediate implants, we can also fill in gaps to complete your smile quickly!
To discuss your options for tooth replacement, schedule an appointment with Dr. Zhao. Call us at (408) 738-1000 or request an appointment online.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.
