Are you missing one or multiple teeth? We can help you replace them with our high-quality dental bridges in San Francisco! We understand that you may feel self-conscious about the gaps in your smile, and these gaps may even affect your ability to pronounce certain words and chew effectively. There are many reasons to restore teeth, and our dentist in San Francisco can help you find the right way to do so, whether with dental bridges or another option.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
The structure of a dental bridge is described by its name: The restoration bridges the gap left by the absent tooth. An artificial tooth called a pontic is situated in the gap. This pontic is supported on either side by dental crowns. These crowns fit over the teeth beside the gap.
It’s an effective way to replace teeth that have been used for quite some time. But it’s certainly not the only option. Many people opt for dental implants, which are titanium posts inserted in the boney ridge beneath your teeth. A crown is placed on top of the implant.
Oftentimes an implant-supported bridge is an option. This structure increases the durability, stability, and longevity of the bridge by anchoring it securely to the bone beneath your teeth. If you are unsure what would work best for you, our dentist in San Francisco will be happy to help you choose what works best for you!
Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?
Replacing your missing teeth isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s essential to help you maintain good oral health! Gaps in your smile can lead to complications like bone loss, shifting, bite misalignment, and difficulty eating or speaking. Bone loss is particularly difficult as it could alter your facial structure and cause you to appear older than you are. In essence, ignoring missing teeth can spiral into broader health and self-esteem issues. Replacing them with dental implants, bridges, or dentures can help prevent these complications.
When Dental Bridges Are a Must
- The primary reason for getting dental bridges is to replace one or more missing teeth in a row!
- If the missing teeth are causing changes to your facial structure, a bridge can help maintain the shape of your face.
- If your remaining teeth are shifting towards the gap left by the missing tooth, a dental bridge can help fill the gap and keep other teeth in their correct positions.
- Missing teeth can impact your ability to chew properly or speak clearly–bridges are able to restore these functions.
- If you’re self-conscious about the gap in your smile due to missing teeth, this is a great solution to help you restore your confidence.
- If you want a tooth replacement solution that is fixed and doesn’t need to be removed like a denture, a dental bridge can be a good choice.
The Different Types of Dental Bridges
We offer various types of dental bridges in San Francisco to meet your unique needs. When you visit us for a restoration, you can expect a tailored approach that addresses all your dental needs and circumstances. The most common of our bridge options include traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
- Traditional bridges are when we create a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (artificial tooth) in between.
- Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth, are not very common anymore and are not recommended in the back of the mouth where they can put too much force on other teeth.
- Maryland bridges utilize a framework of metal or porcelain that is bonded onto the backs of the adjacent teeth.
- Lastly, implant-supported bridges use dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Typically, one implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position.
What To Know About The Procedure
The process itself is not complicated but involves more than one visit to our dental office in San Francisco. The first appointment is reserved for tooth preparation. The teeth receiving the crowns must be reduced in size so that the crowns will fit over them. You’ll be provided with a temporary restoration while the final version is fabricated at our lab. Once it’s ready, you return to our office to have it placed.
If your missing teeth are adjacent and you have enough healthy jawbone to support dental implants, you may be an ideal candidate for an implant-supported bridge. It is important to note that implant-supported bridges are a more complicated procedure and will take longer to complete. This is because the implant must first be placed and fused with your jaw to achieve a natural look and feel. Once the implant has been placed, the procedure to place the bridge can be completed.
The cost of dental bridges in San Francisco varies depending on your oral health and needs, so it’s important to arrange a consultation with our dentist to get an exact quote. When you visit us, we ask you to please bring along your insurance card. We will determine whether your policy provides any coverage for the bridge.
Setting You Up For a Lifetime of Smiles
The longevity of this restoration depends on the type of bridge you have, the quality of the materials used, and your oral hygiene. While the care and maintenance you give will impact this, generally our patients can expect their restoration to last between 5 to 15 years (and even longer in some cases!)
Habits like grinding your teeth, chewing on hard foods or objects, and using your teeth to open packages can damage your dental bridge. Therefore, we recommend that along with maintaining good oral hygiene, you should avoid these behaviors.
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
While dental bridges are an effective solution for missing teeth, there are alternative options available depending on a patient’s individual needs, preferences, and oral health condition. Two common alternatives to dental bridges are dentures and dental implants.
- Dentures: These removable prosthetic devices can replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. They come in two types: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are an option when some natural teeth remain. Dentures can be a more affordable choice, and they don’t require surgery or alteration of the adjacent teeth, making them a suitable option for those who may not be candidates for surgery or have healthy adjacent teeth.
- Dental Implants: Dental implants offer a long-lasting and durable solution for tooth loss. An implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. This post supports a crown which is custom-made to match your natural teeth. Implants mimic the function and look of natural teeth closely and help preserve bone health by providing stimulation to the jawbone, similar to natural tooth roots. However, they require good overall health and sufficient bone density for successful implementation.
Each of these alternatives has its pros and cons. Therefore, a consultation with our dentist in San Francisco is crucial to determine the most suitable tooth replacement option for you.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
Dental bridges aren’t the only way to fill the gaps in your smile.
Dentures: We offer removable replacements in full or partial sets. This is often a more wallet-friendly choice, and it doesn’t require surgery or changes to your other teeth.
Dental Implants: If you want something that feels more like your real teeth, dental implants are a great long-term solution to keep your jawbone strong and healthy.
If you aren’t sure which is right for you, please feel free to visit us for a free consultation. Our dentists in San Francisco can help you find the perfect solution for your smile.
Ready to Bridge the Gap in Your Smile?
We believe in empowering you with a full understanding of all your tooth replacement options to guide you to the one that best suits your needs! From weighing the pros and cons of each, understanding the cost factors, navigating insurance matters, and factoring in your personal priorities, we’re around to help. To schedule a consultation with our team, please call the DENTAL STUDIO SF today!