Bridges

Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. In contrast to removable dentures, dental bridges offer permanent stabilization of artificial crowns. Placement involves using two teeth adjacent to the replacement area as anchors for the new crown. Bridges prevent teeth shifting effectively, but they cannot address jawbone resorption in the long term because they are not fused in the bone as dental implants are. Here is more about this treatment from our San Francisco dental bridges experts.

Bridges represent a faster and more affordable replacement for missing teeth compared to dental implants, particularly for replacement of several teeth. With no insertion into the jawbone, bridges do not require jawbone grafting for placement to be successful. Solid anchoring to adjacent teeth ensures that this treatment from our experts in dental bridges in San Francisco prevents other teeth from loosening over time. Appearance is also enhanced through placement of bridges.

Dental Bridges San Francisco

Our San Francisco dental bridges experts place bridges in a two-step process. In the first step, the adjacent teeth are prepared to support the crown. To guide construction of the bridge and crown, impressions of the teeth are taken. Patients wear a temporary crown until bridge placement to prevent damage and tooth sensitivity in the meantime. Finally, the new bridge is checked for proper fit before being bonded into place permanently with dental cement.

Candidates for dental bridges should still have enough teeth to stabilize the number of bridges they seek. In cases where patients are missing most or all of their teeth, our experts in dental bridges in San Francisco may recommend another form of tooth replacement, such as traditional dentures or dental implants.

Bridges can last for many years with proper at-home care and regular check-ups. Because bridges do have minimal hardware above the gum line, they require the use of special hygiene instruments for use alongside standard brushing and flossing. Patients who receive bridges enjoy restored abilities to chew, speak, and eat normally. By scheduling a consultation with our dentist in San Francisco, patients can learn more about dental bridges and their benefits.