Dental Bridges in Bakersfield, CA
Restore Your Smile With Dental Bridges
Whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, injury, or disease, it’s a difficult experience that affects both the appearance and functionality of your smile. Luckily, dental bridges are an effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. Don’t let your dental health get worse! Replace your missing tooth, or teeth, at Gentle Family Dentistry.
Contact our dentist in Bakersfield today by calling our dental office at 661-664-9900. We’ll schedule your consultation and discuss the best course of treatment for you.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetics anchored on existing natural teeth or implants to fill gaps left by one or more missing teeth. They consist of two main parts: the pontic (or false tooth) and the abutment teeth (the supporting teeth on either side of the gap). The pontic is usually made from porcelain to blend in with your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless look. Dental bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, including:
- Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most common type and involves creating a dental crown for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This type is less common today and isn’t recommended for the back of the mouth, where it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.
- Maryland Dental Bridge: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, Maryland dental bridges are ideal for replacing front teeth. They use metal or porcelain bands to bond the pontic to the backs of adjacent teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: For those missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges use dental implants rather than crowns or frameworks. This is the most stable and durable type, involving several surgeries and taking a longer period to complete.
Dental Bridge Benefits
When replacing a missing teeth with a dental bridge, patients may experience the following benefits:
- Restored Smile: Dental bridges fill the gaps in your smile using materials that mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, restoring the aesthetic appeal of your smile.
- Speech Improvement: Missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly. A dental bridge will help restore normal speech by replacing the essential teeth for articulation.
- Decreased Wear and Tear: By sharing the load of biting and chewing, bridges can help protect the remaining natural teeth from excessive wear and tear.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental bridges can last many years. They’re a durable solution that, with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, offers a long-term solution for missing teeth.
- Quick Procedure: The entire process of getting a dental bridge is relatively quick and straightforward, usually requiring only a couple of dental visits.
- Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence: Restoring a complete smile can significantly boost an individual’s self-esteem and confidence, improving their overall quality of life.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Jonathan Garger at Gentle Family Dentistry, call 661-664-9900 today.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure involves placing an artificial tooth, known as a pontic, to fill the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. The procedure typically requires two healthy teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth, which serve as anchors for the dental bridge.
After getting a dental bridge, proper care will help ensure its longevity, so make sure to schedule regular dental cleanings and exams as well as keep a consistent oral hygiene routine at home.
Dental Bridge Cost
While the costs of your dental bridge will vary based on several factors, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth. Factors that will influence the total cost include:
- Geographical location
- The type of dental bridge (cantilever bridge, implant-supported bridge, traditional fixed bridge, Maryland dental bridge)
- Case complexity
- The number of teeth that need to be replaced
- Dentist’s expertise and experience
- Dental insurance coverage
Can You Get a Dental Bridge?
Being a candidate for a dental bridge depends on several factors. Our dentist will consider the following before recommending a dental bridge procedure:
- Location of Missing Teeth
- The Health of Adjacent Teeth
- Number of Missing Teeth
- Oral Hygiene
- Gum Health
- Occlusion (Bite) Considerations
- Bone Loss
If a dental bridge isn’t right for you, our Bakersfield dentist may recommend other alternatives, such as dental implants or dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, dental bridges can last between 5 and 15 years, and even longer with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of a bridge varies based on the type of bridge, materials used, oral hygiene practices, and regular dental check-ups. Implant-supported bridges tend to last longer than traditional bridges or cantilever bridges.
Unlike natural teeth, dental bridges can’t be whitened using traditional teeth-whitening methods. This is why patients should select a shade that matches their desired tooth color when first getting the bridge. If your bridge does become stained, it may require professional cleaning or, in extreme cases, replacement to restore its original appearance.
Dental bridges can replace one to four missing teeth. Traditional dental bridges typically replace one to three missing teeth in a row. However, if there are enough natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the missing teeth, a bridge can replace up to four or five missing teeth.
Ready for a New Smile? Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation Today
Are you ready to replace your lost teeth and smile with confidence? Don’t wait any longer! Contact our dentist in Bakersfield today by calling 661-664-9900 and scheduling your consultation for a dental bridge. Dental bridges can restore your smile and help you find the confidence you once had.
We can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve exceptional oral health!