Dental Bridges Specialist

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device you can get to replace one or more missing teeth as long as they’re next to each other. To get a bridge, you need to have healthy teeth on either side of the gap to act as anchors for the prosthetic or implants to secure it. 

At Silicon Valley Dental Associates, the team makes your custom bridges with durable porcelain fused to metal. Under some circumstances, they can create all-ceramic bridges too. They build your bridges to look as natural as possible while maintaining the shape of your face and allowing you to eat and speak comfortably. 

Without a bridge or other dental prosthetic to fill the gap, your remaining teeth can drift into the space, and the teeth in the opposite jaw can shift up or down to fill it. This can increase your risk for dental complications like gum disease, tooth decay, or bone loss. 

What is the process for getting dental bridges?

Getting a bridge requires several visits to Silicon Valley Dental Associates. During your first visit, the team prepares the teeth on either side of the gap by cutting down their size. This allows the bridge to attach to them securely without taking up too much space in your mouth. 

After preparing your teeth, the team takes impressions of them to create a bridge that fits over them perfectly. In a lab, they craft your bridge and create false teeth to fill the gap that looks like your original teeth. During this process, you’ll get a temporary bridge to wear until the permanent bridge is ready. 

At your next appointment, the team checks the fit of your permanent bridge and might make a few minor adjustments before cementing the bridge to the prepared teeth. The bridge stays in place permanently or until your dentist removes it. 

How should I care for my dental bridge?

Maintaining and caring for your dental bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth. However, you should be extra diligent in preventing complications that can damage your support teeth and compromise the bridge. The team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates advises you to:

• Visit for regular exams and professional cleanings
• Brush twice daily
• Floss between your teeth once a day
• Use a flosser or pick to clean under the bridge
• Eat healthy foods

You should also report any discomfort or changes you notice related to your bridge or other parts of your oral health. If your bridge breaks, the team can replace it quickly to protect the vulnerable anchor teeth and fill the gap. 

To discuss bridges with the dental experts at Silicon Valley Dental Associates, call the office to request an appointment or book your consultation online today.