Fixed Dental Bridges in Irvine, CA

Why you would need a Bridge:

The Process of Installing a Bridge:

A bridge is a single appliance that attaches to two teeth on either side of the space left behind by a tooth that has been removed or knocked out. An artificial tooth is attached to the middle of the bridge, and fills in the gap where the missing tooth once was. The teeth on opposite sides of the gap are prepared for crowns (link to crowns), and an impression is made of the area. This impression or mold is used to create a porcelain or gold bridge in a specialized laboratory. The bridge is then cemented onto the prepared surface, and the gap has effectively disappeared.

Bridges Have Their Advantages:

Bridges are never removed, unlike dentures. Bridges fall in line with your natural teeth, and are stable enough to function in the same capacity as your regular teeth. Bridges also prevent the movement of other teeth. Bridges are two week process versus an implant can by a year process to fill the gap of the missing tooth or teeth. Bridges can be easily paired with other cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

Disadvantages of Bridges:

Bridges can eventually wear out, requiring replacement or maintenance due to normal wear. Bridges require replacement if one unit breaks. Keeping a bridge clean is hard, and requires flossing under the bridge.

Due to the way bridges are constructed, they are more difficult to keep clean. Traditional bridges are composed of three crowns bonded together; the fact that they are bonded together makes it challenging to brush and floss around the bridge. Without diligent home care and professional cleanings, decay can develop around the bridges, causing problems.

Bridges are not designed to be long-lasting. Bridges tend to wear down and require replacement every 10 years on average. Implants can last indefinitely with the proper care.

Alternatives to Bridges:

A dental implant is the only other recommended option, in the event that a bridge is not a feasible solution.