Replacing missing teeth is crucial not just for the aesthetics of your smile, but also for maintaining your oral health and overall well-being. When you have gaps in your smile, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift, leading to bite problems and increased risk of decay and gum disease. Fortunately, dental bridges offer a reliable and long-lasting solution to this common issue. If you’re exploring options for dental bridges in Burbank, CA, understanding how they can restore your smile is the first step toward a complete and confident look. BB Dental Care provides expert services in evaluating your needs and fitting custom dental bridges.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic appliance that effectively “bridges” the space where one or more teeth are missing. It typically consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, which are held in place by dental crowns. These crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth or dental implants located on either side of the gap. These anchoring teeth are known as abutments. By creating this bridge, the restoration fills the space, prevents adjacent teeth from moving, and restores your ability to chew and speak properly.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to dental bridges, as the best type for you will depend on several factors unique to your mouth. Common types include traditional bridges, which are the most prevalent and use crowns on neighboring teeth for support, and implant-supported bridges, which offer excellent stability by being anchored to dental implants. Other options like cantilever or Maryland bridges may be suitable in specific situations. Consulting with the experienced dental professionals at BB Dental Care is the best way to determine which type of dental bridge is the right solution to restore your smile.
The process of getting a dental bridge usually involves a couple of appointments at BB Dental Care. During the initial visit, the abutment teeth will be prepared. This involves carefully reshaping them to accommodate the dental crowns that will serve as anchors for the bridge. Impressions of your teeth are then taken, which will be used by a dental laboratory to create your custom-designed bridge to perfectly fit your mouth and match the color and shape of your existing teeth. A temporary bridge may be placed while your permanent one is being fabricated.
Once your personalized dental bridge is ready, you’ll return to BB Dental Care for the final placement. The temporary bridge will be removed, and your new permanent bridge will be meticulously fitted and adjusted to ensure optimal comfort and a correct bite. After the fit is confirmed, the bridge will be securely bonded to the prepared abutment teeth. The team at BB Dental Care will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your new bridge to ensure its longevity and the health of your supporting teeth and gums.
Replacing missing teeth protects both your smile and your long-term oral health. Bridges provide a stable, natural-looking restoration that improves chewing function and prevents adjacent teeth from drifting out of alignment. If you are considering dental bridges in Burbank, CA, Dr. Bryanna Hubbard and our team will evaluate your bite and design a custom solution.
We look forward to helping you restore comfort and confidence to your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental bridge is a custom restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to neighboring teeth or implants. It is recommended when missing teeth make chewing or speaking difficult, or when gaps cause adjacent teeth to shift out of alignment.
We offer several bridge designs depending on your oral anatomy and goals. The most common is a traditional bridge anchored by porcelain crowns on adjacent teeth. We also provide implant-supported bridges for greater stability and cantilever or resin-bonded options for specific clinical situations.
Treatment typically takes two visits. During your first visit, we gently prepare the supporting teeth and take digital 3D scans. A temporary bridge protects your teeth while our dental lab crafts your custom porcelain restoration. At your second appointment, Dr. Hubbard checks the fit, adjusts your bite, and securely bonds the permanent bridge.
Care for your bridge just like natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Using a floss threader or water flosser helps clean beneath the artificial tooth (pontic). Regular preventive cleanings and exams allow us to monitor your bridge and supporting gum tissue.
With consistent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a high-quality porcelain bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer.