Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between remaining natural teeth or dental implants. It consists of two main components: the pontic (artificial tooth) and dental crowns or abutments placed on adjacent teeth or implants. The pontic fills the space left by the missing tooth, while the crowns or abutments on either side anchor the bridge securely in place. Dental bridges in West Los Angeles, CA, restore function for chewing and speaking, prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position, and help maintain facial shape. They are custom-made to match your teeth' natural appearance and can improve oral aesthetics and overall dental health. Regular dental hygiene and professional care are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of dental bridges in restoring your smile and bite. 

Suitable Candidate for Dental Bridges

Determining candidacy for dental bridges involves several considerations that our dentist in West Los Angeles, CA, will evaluate during a comprehensive oral examination. Generally, individuals who are missing one or more teeth and have adequate oral health may be candidates for dental bridges. The primary factors influencing candidacy include the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums, overall oral hygiene, and the patient's preferences for tooth replacement options. 

Firstly, candidates for dental bridges typically have healthy adjacent teeth that can support the bridge structure. These teeth must be strong enough to withstand the additional stress of supporting the artificial teeth (pontics) that fill the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. Our dentist will assess these teeth to ensure they are decay-free and can be reshaped to accommodate crowns. 

Secondly, good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the longevity of dental bridges. Candidates should be committed to regular brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup around the bridge and on the remaining natural teeth. Proper oral care also helps prevent gum disease and decay, which can compromise the integrity of the dental bridge over time. 

Thirdly, candidates for dental bridges should have sufficient bone density in the jaw to support the bridge. This is particularly important for traditional and implant-supported bridges where artificial teeth are anchored to natural teeth or dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. In cases of inadequate bone density, bone grafting procedures may be necessary to support the bridge. 

Additionally, candidates should have realistic expectations about the appearance and function of the dental bridge. While bridgeseffectively restore chewing function and improve smile aesthetics, they may not feel exactly like natural teeth or implants. Patients should discuss their expectations and concerns with our dentist to ensure the treatment aligns with their goals. 

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges 

These are the most common type and consist of a pontic (artificial tooth) held in place by dental crowns on either side of the gap. The crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth, providing stability and support. Contact us today to learn more.

Benefits: 

• Fills gaps left by missing teeth effectively. 

• Custom-made to match the color and shape of natural teeth. 

• Restores normal function for chewing and speaking. 

• Helps maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth. 

• Helps preserve facial contours and prevents sagging. 

• With proper care, it can last for many years. 

Cantilever Bridges 

Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges but are used when adjacent teeth are on only one side of the gap. The pontic is supported by a single dental crown cemented to one natural tooth adjacent to the gap. 

Benefits: 

• Ideal for replacing a single missing tooth. 

• Only requires one adjacent tooth for support. 

• Custom-made to match natural tooth color and shape. 

• Improves chewing and speaking ability. 

• Provides reliable support with minimal movement. 

• Preserves more tooth structure compared to traditional bridges. 

Maryland Bonded Bridges 

Maryland bridges use metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of adjacent natural teeth instead of dental crowns. This type of bridge is often used when the adjacent teeth are healthy and strong enough to support the bridge without needing crowns. 

Benefits: 

• Requires minimal preparation of adjacent teeth. 

• Preserves more natural tooth structure. 

• Metal or porcelain wings are bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, maintaining a natural appearance. 

• The procedure often requires less time and is less invasive compared to other bridge types. 

• Particularly effective for replacing missing front teeth where aesthetic concerns are paramount. 

• Generally, it is more affordable than other bridge options. 

Implant-Supported Bridges 

Dental implants rather than natural teeth support implant-supported bridges. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots, and the bridge is then attached to the implants. This type of bridge is ideal when several teeth are missing in a row, or the natural teeth adjacent to the gap are not healthy enough to support a traditional bridge. 

Benefits: 

• Implants provide a stable foundation for the bridge, preventing movement or shifting. 

• Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to maintain bone density and prevent bone loss. 

• Bridges are custom-made to match natural teeth' color, shape, and contour. 

• Restores full chewing function similar to natural teeth. 

• Implant-supported bridges can last a lifetime with proper care. 

• Resistant to decay and deterioration compared to other types of bridges. 

• Reduces the stress on adjacent natural teeth, preserving their integrity. 

• Restores a natural smile, improving self-confidence and overall quality of life. 

Dental bridges are an effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring oral function, and enhancing smile appearance. Visit Dillon Costantino Dental Partnership at 10505 West Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90064, or call (310) 475-0617 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how dental bridges can enhance oral health and restore confidence.