Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge fills the space left by one or more missing teeth with a custom-made restoration that blends in with the teeth around it. Once it's in place, you care for it just like your natural teeth, no soaking or removing it at night. Patients choose bridges for several reasons:
- Restoring the ability to chew and speak clearly
- Helping keep neighboring teeth from drifting into the open space
- Supporting the natural shape of your bite and face
- Blending in naturally with the color and shape of your smile
- Completing treatment without surgery, usually in just a couple of visits
If you've been searching for a dental bridge near me because you want a solid, natural-looking option without a long recovery, a bridge is often a great fit.
What to Expect During Your Bridge Treatment
Getting a bridge usually takes two to three visits. First, Dr. Zakhary or Dr. Fahmy will examine the teeth next to the gap, called abutment teeth, and gently shape them to hold the bridge. We take digital impressions with our iTero scanner, which is more comfortable than the old putty trays and gives a precise fit. You'll wear a temporary bridge while your custom restoration is made, then come back to have the final piece checked and bonded into place.
What Happens if You Delay Replacing a Missing Tooth
It's easy to put off treatment when a gap doesn't hurt, but the space left behind doesn't stay the same over time. Nearby teeth can gradually shift toward the opening, which may affect your bite and make future treatment more involved. Replacing the tooth sooner, rather than later, generally keeps your options simpler and more comfortable.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
Not every bridge is built the same way, and the right type depends on where the gap is and how many teeth need replacing. Our team, part of our restorative dentistry services, offers several options:
- Traditional fixed bridge: Uses a crown on each tooth next to the gap to hold the replacement tooth in place. This is the most common type.
- Cantilever bridge: Anchored to just one neighboring tooth, useful when there's only a tooth on one side of the gap.
- Maryland bonded bridge: Held in place with a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of nearby teeth, with less shaping needed.
- Implant-supported bridge: Anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, a good option when several teeth in a row are missing.
If you're missing several teeth across your mouth, dentures may also be worth discussing as an alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How much does a tooth bridge cost?
Tooth bridge cost depends on how many teeth need replacing, the materials used, and your insurance coverage. During your consultation, we'll review your options and give you a clear estimate. We accept a range of dental insurance and financing plans to help make treatment manageable.
How long do dental bridges last?
With good home care and regular checkups, a dental bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and sometimes longer. Brushing, flossing under the bridge, and keeping up with cleanings and exams all help extend its life.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Most patients feel only mild pressure while the abutment teeth are shaped, and we use local numbing to keep you comfortable throughout the visit. Any soreness afterward is usually mild and fades within a few days. Our team focuses on gentle, judgment-free care from start to finish.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation in Buena Park
You don't have to live with a gap in your smile. Our team can walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you find the restoration that fits your mouth and your budget.
