Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Consisting of artificial teeth (pontics) attached to dental crowns or implants, bridges restore both the function and aesthetics of the smile.

By filling the space left by missing teeth, bridges help maintain proper tooth alignment, prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of place, and restore chewing ability and speech clarity. Moreover, bridges improve facial symmetry and self-confidence by restoring a natural-looking smile. They provide a durable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss, promoting oral health and overall well-being.

Who Can Benefit From Dental Bridges?

Individuals With Missing Teeth

The most obvious beneficiaries of dental bridges are those with missing teeth. Tooth loss can have significant consequences for oral function and aesthetics, whether due to decay, trauma, or other dental issues. Dental bridges in Lemoore, CA, provide a reliable means of filling the gap left by missing teeth, restoring chewing ability, speech clarity, and facial aesthetics. Bridges also help maintain proper tooth alignment and preserve overall dental harmony by preventing neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.

Patients Unsuited for Dental Implants

While dental implants are a highly effective and long-lasting solution for tooth loss, only some are suitable candidates for this treatment. Factors such as insufficient bone density, medical conditions, or financial constraints may preclude individuals from undergoing implant surgery. In such cases, dental bridges offer a viable alternative for replacing missing teeth without requiring invasive procedures. Bridges provide a stable and durable restoration that closely mimics natural dentition by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth through dental crowns.

Individuals Seeking Aesthetic Enhancement

Beyond restoring function, dental bridges can also enhance the appearance of the smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Whether to replace a single missing tooth or several adjacent teeth, bridges are custom designed to blend seamlessly with natural teeth, ensuring a harmonious and natural-looking result. By filling in gaps and restoring dental symmetry, bridges help create a more youthful, attractive smile, transforming the overall facial appearance. Contact us today!

Patients Concerned About Bone Preservation

Following tooth loss, the underlying jawbone may gradually deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. This bone resorption can lead to further dental problems and compromise the stability of neighboring teeth. Dental bridges provide a noninvasive solution for replacing missing teeth without impacting the underlying bone structure. By distributing chewing forces evenly across adjacent teeth or dental implants, bridges help preserve bone density and maintain oral health in the long term.

Individuals Seeking Cost-Effective Solutions

For some patients, cost considerations may influence their choice of dental treatment. Compared to dental implants that involve surgical placement and higher initial expenses, dental bridges are a more cost-effective option for tooth replacement. Bridges require less extensive treatment and can be fabricated and placed in a shorter timeframe, making them a practical choice for individuals seeking affordable yet durable restorative solutions. 

Different Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional dental bridges are the most common type of bridge used by your dentist in Lemoore, CA, to replace one or more missing teeth. These bridges consist of pontics (artificial teeth) held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. Traditional bridges are ideal when the adjacent teeth are strong and healthy enough to support the restoration. They provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth loss, restoring both function and appearance to the smile. 

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are like traditional bridges but differ in design and placement. In this type of bridge, the pontic is supported by a single dental crown, cemented onto only one adjacent natural tooth. Cantilever bridges are typically used in areas of the mouth where only one adjoining tooth is available for support. While a cantilever bridge is a solution for some instances of tooth loss, it may exert more force on the supporting tooth and require careful consideration of the patient's bite and oral health. 

Maryland Bonded Bridges

Also known as resin-bonded or Maryland bridges, this type differs from traditional bridges' attachment method. Instead of using dental crowns to support the pontic, Maryland bridges rely on metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of the adjacent natural teeth. This minimally invasive approach preserves more natural tooth structure and is suitable for replacing missing front teeth or areas with minimal stress during chewing. Maryland bonded bridges offer a conservative and aesthetic solution for some instances of tooth loss.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges represent the gold standard in tooth replacement, offering unparalleled stability, longevity, and aesthetics. These bridges are supported by dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone, eliminating the need to prepare adjacent natural teeth for crown placement. Implant-supported bridges are ideal for individuals missing multiple teeth in a row or those seeking a more permanent and lifelike restoration. While the initial investment and treatment timeline may be greater than for other bridge types, implant-supported bridges provide a durable and natural-looking solution for tooth loss. 

Whether replacing a single missing tooth or several adjacent teeth, bridges provide a reliable and aesthetically pleasing restoration that improves oral function, restores confidence, and promotes overall oral health. If you're considering tooth replacement options, visit Dr. Riemer Dental Group at 446 C St, Lemoore, CA 93245, or call (559) 924-2520 to determine if dental bridges are the right choice for you and take the first step towards reclaiming a healthy, beautiful smile.