Having an incomplete smile can impact your overall look. If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be searching for durable tooth replacement options. At Smile Designs Dentistry, we provide fixed bridges in Manteca, CA, as a permanent solution for missing teeth. Our dental experts will perform a comprehensive exam to assess if bridges are the right choice for you. They are an excellent tooth replacement and offer aesthetic benefits as well. So if you are suffering from tooth loss and want a reliable treatment, our skilled dentists are here to help. Call us today to schedule a consultation at our practice.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
A dental bridge is a customized restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth within the same row. It has two major components known as pontics and abutments. The pontics are those artificial teeth that replace the missing tooth/teeth. The abutments are dental crowns that cover the supporting teeth on either side of the bridge.
Fixed dental bridges provided by our Manteca, CA, practice have better retention and do not fall off. It is because they are retained over the natural, healthy teeth that provide them support. If the teeth adjacent to the missing space are damaged or decayed, we may consider replacing them with dental implants.
Types of Fixed Bridges in Manteca, CA
Our clinic offers four main types of dental bridges in Manteca, CA. During your initial evaluation, our dentist will select the one that best suits your needs.
- Traditional bridge: It is the most common type that replaces one or more missing teeth using the support of adjacent natural teeth. They are made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of dental materials.
- Implant-supported bridge: If your natural teeth are weak or damaged, we recommend implants as a long-term alternative. An implant-supported bridge can replace multiple teeth within the same arch.
- Cantilever bridge: This specific type of bridge replaces only a single missing tooth using the support of an adjacent tooth. The pontic connects to an abutment that covers a single healthy tooth.
- Maryland bridge: This is a conservative type of bridge in which we bond the abutments to the back of the supportive teeth. It has weaker retention than other types of dental bridges.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
Preparing and inserting fixed dental bridges require two appointments at our Manteca, CA, practice. On the first visit, we will shave a thin layer of enamel from the supporting teeth to create space for bridge placement. We will then record impressions of your arches and send them to a dental lab.
The fabrication of a custom dental bridge can take 10 to 14 days. On the second visit, we will place the bridge over your teeth to test its fitting. We will perform some adjustments to ensure that it aligns with your natural bite. At the end of the process, our dentist will give instructions on cleaning and maintaining the bridge.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are looking for a long-term tooth replacement, visit our clinic for high-quality fixed bridges in Manteca, CA. After two visits, you can smile and eat more comfortably than before! Call our Manteca(209) 780-4777 or Pleasanton (925) 234-4421 practice to book an appointment.