Missing teeth can quickly lower a person’s confidence while reducing essential functions like chewing and speaking. However, dental bridges could be the ideal solution, whether you are missing one or multiple teeth.
Our dentists at Charming Smiles of La Quinta are well-equipped to provide patients with natural-looking dental bridges. We ensure every bridge fits comfortably in your mouth while creating a natural-looking smile.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges consist of prosthetic teeth that bridge gaps between missing adult teeth. You can choose between two types of dental bridges: permanently fixed and removable.
Removable bridges attach to surrounding teeth, held down by clasps. These bridges have crowns located at each gap’s edge. You’ll need to remove these bridges to clean them every day while permanent bridges fasten directly to your jawbone.
Meanwhile, fixed dental bridges look, feel, and function more like natural teeth than removable ones. However, some choose removable bridges because they cost less and don’t require surgery.
Dental bridges typically consist of porcelain that fuses to metal for greater durability. Our dentists can tint the porcelain to match your teeth closely and create a more natural look.
Many patients choose bridges purely for cosmetic reasons. However, bridges can also help with eating, keeping your surrounding teeth locked into place, and correcting alignment issues.
How Does the Process Work?
For dental bridges often require two visits. The first visit involves a dentist prepping your neighboring teeth for your new crowns. Next, the dentist takes teeth impressions to make customized prosthetic teeth and crowns.
While our Charming Smiles of La Quinta’s lab manufactures the permanent bridge, we give our patients temporary bridges. The second and usually final session involves removing this temporary bridge, implementing the permanent one, and checking your bite and overall comfort.
How Long Does a Typical Dental Bridge Last?
Every patient is different, and daily habits can impact how long a dental bridge lasts. However, most patients find that their dental bridges last up to 15 years or more.
Of course, those who want this longevity should continue taking care of their natural teeth. Issues like surrounding teeth suffering from tooth decay can minimize the bridges’ effectiveness.
For best results, visit Charming Smiles of La Quinta twice a year for dental examinations and teeth cleanings. During these sessions, our team can remove plaque that can trigger infections and decay. We can also identify and correct other oral health issues.
Is the Procedure Painful?
For some, installing dental bridges can feel uncomfortable but not necessarily painful.
At Charming Smiles of La Quinta, however, we can administer anesthesia that can help keep you comfortable throughout the process. We generally only provide anesthesia when preparing or securing your teeth.
Call Our Professional Dentists Today
Missing a tooth or several can affect various functions, like speaking or eating. In addition, missing teeth can also reduce your overall confidence. Fortunately, dental bridges can restore oral function while boosting your smile.
La Quinta, CA, residents can explore if dental bridges are right for them by calling our team at Charming Smiles of La Quinta at (760) 354-8376!
