Dental Bridges Specialist

Pastel Dental

Cosmetic Dentists & General Dentistry located in Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA

Dental bridges can give you a healthy, natural-looking smile when you have one or several missing teeth. If you're considering the best option for your lost teeth, Alex Pastel, DDS, and Leah Life, DDS, of Pastel Dental can help. They specialize in cosmetic procedures like fitting dental bridges at their practice in the Laurel Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, California. For a long-lasting solution to your missing teeth, call Pastel Dental today or book an appointment online.

415-831-1999

Dental Bridges Q & A

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are an attractive option for replacing lost teeth. The bridge consists of crowns that cover the teeth on either side of the space, linked to the replacement tooth or teeth. The crowns anchor your bridge in place securely. Crowns are available in several materials, including:

Gold
Alloy
Ceramic or porcelain
A combination of metal and ceramic

In addition to traditional fixed bridges, Pastel Dental offers several alternatives. They can use cantilever bridges if you don't have teeth on one side of the gap, or Maryland bonded bridges (also known as resin-bonded bridges) to replace missing front teeth.

Why should I consider having dental bridges?

Dental bridges have numerous benefits. They can:

Improve your smile
Restore the shape of your face
Help you chew normally
Ensure you speak clearly
Take the strain off your other teeth
Prevent your other teeth from moving

Empty spaces in your jaw can also lead to deterioration of the bone over time, which a dental bridge prevents.

What happens when I have dental bridges fitted?

Your dentist at Pastel Dental begins the process of fitting dental bridges by preparing your adjoining teeth for crowns. These teeth are known as abutment teeth. They require reshaping to ensure the crowns fit correctly, which involves your dentist removing areas of enamel and dentin (the top two layers of your teeth).

Next, your dentist makes impressions of the abutment teeth that go to a dental laboratory where they make your bridge. In the meantime, your dentist fits a temporary bridge to protect your abutment teeth.

You return to Pastel Dental when your bridge is ready. Your dentist extracts the temporary bridge and replaces it with the permanent one, adjusting the fit if required. When the bridge fits perfectly, your dentist can secure it using dental cement.

How long can dental bridges last?

Dental bridges frequently last for seven or more years. Good oral hygiene practices and regular professional teeth cleaning at Pastel Dental could extend the lifespan of your dental bridge to 10 years or more.

If missing teeth are affecting the way you talk or eat, or ruining your smile, call Pastel Dental today to inquire about bridges or book an appointment online.