Losing teeth is never easy. And it is a matter of not knowing how much you need something until it is gone. When we lose teeth, it can have both physical and emotional impacts on our lives. Fortunately, dental bridges allow patients to replace one or more teeth with a convenient procedure.
At Encino Family Dental, we believe every patient has the right to a healthy and happy smile. In addition to dental bridges, we offer a range of other tooth replacement options. Call us today to get started on achieving a smile that fills you with confidence.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are one of the most popular means of replacing lost teeth. We literally use a bridge to fill in gaps in your smile. The way it works is rather straightforward. You have two crowns installed on either side of the missing tooth or teeth, and these crowns serve as the anchors for the bridge. The bridge itself consists of false teeth.
When performed by a skilled expert, dental bridges can be a life-changing tooth-replacement procedure. Every set of bridges is entirely customized to match your tooth shape, size, and color. Our goal is for your replacement teeth to look like they were always a natural part of your mouth.
In either case, dental crowns could be what you need to achieve a smile that makes you confident.
Dental Bridges Benefits
If you go for too long with missing teeth, it can affect you in multiple ways. The most immediate effect is that having gaps in your smile can negatively impact your self-esteem and quality of life. We place great value on a bright smile, and missing teeth can make it challenging to build self-confidence.
But there is a physical drawback too: the longer you go with missing teeth, the more you put your jaw health at risk. But dental bridges allow you to achieve both a healthy smile and avoid future health risks.
Benefits of dental bridges include:
- Convenient way to restore your smile to completion
- Regain the ability to chew and speak comfortably and naturally
- Prevent jaw structure changes that can affect the shape of your face
- Prevent your remaining teeth from shifting position
Are Dental Bridges Right for Me?
If you are missing one or more teeth, then dental bridges may be right for you. The main qualification for having dental bridges is that you have teeth to serve as the anchors for the bridge.
Dental bridges are an excellent option for patients who want to replace teeth conveniently and without much hassle. During your appointment, Dr. Yassa will go over your tooth-replacement options, and you can choose the procedure that will best suit your needs and goals.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
The lifespan of your dental bridges will depend heavily on how well you take care of them. But, if you take good care of your bridges, you can expect them to last 10-15 years. Dr. Yassa will provide you with complete information on how to get the most out of your new dental bridges. Caring for them is relatively straightforward and not all that different from caring for your natural teeth.
For patients who are looking for a longer-lasting replacement, we can advise dental implants. Though the process takes longer, dental implants can also serve as a permanent tooth-replacement option.
Dental Bridges Process
There are two main steps to receiving dental bridges. First, we prepare the teeth that will serve as anchors. This step depends on the current state of these teeth. Some patients might require only minor filing down, while others might need additional treatment to get the teeth ready.
We then take impressions so that your replacement teeth will be a perfect fit for your mouth. There is nothing more disappointing than receiving new teeth only to have them stand out in the wrong way. We pride ourselves on delivering natural-looking replacements to each of our patients. No two smiles are alike, so every dental bridge should be entirely customized to match the patient’s teeth. We also are sure to adjust your bridges after your treatment to ensure they fit perfectly.
After your teeth are prepared and your bridges are custom-made, we install them. The entire process is virtually painless from start to finished, and you can return to your daily life right after your visits.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Don’t let tooth loss continue to drag down your quality of life. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Yassa at Encino Family Dentist today to get started. Dr. Yassa works closely with each patient to help you decide on which replacement option is best for you. Every step of the way, you are kept fully involved and informed. Call us today to set up your appointment and learn more about how we can help you restore your smile.