Dental Bridges: A Solution for Missing Teeth

We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized restorative dental solutions, including dental bridges, to help our patients regain confidence in their smiles and oral functionality.

A dental bridge is a custom restorative dental appliance designed specifically to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap that tooth loss creates. Our bridges typically consist of natural-looking artificial teeth, called pontics, supported on either side by dental crowns or implants. These crowns are securely bonded onto adjacent healthy teeth, referred to as abutment teeth, or attached to dental implants when natural teeth are unavailable or unsuitable.

At our practice, the process of placing a dental bridge usually involves multiple personalized. Initially, Dr. Gill carefully prepares the abutment teeth, reshaping them to comfortably accommodate the supporting crowns. Precise impressions of your teeth are then taken and sent to a trusted dental laboratory, where your unique dental bridge is custom-crafted to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance. While your permanent bridge is being created, we may provide a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums and maintain your daily comfort.

During your follow-up visit, our experts will remove the temporary bridge and meticulously evaluate your permanent bridge for optimal fit, aesthetics, and comfort. To ensure your complete satisfaction, we will make any necessary adjustments before securely cementing your dental bridge into place, resulting in a natural look and comfortable bite.

Dental bridges provided by Dr. Gill effectively restore lost dental function, allowing you to chew, smile, and speak confidently again. Additionally, our bridges help preserve your facial structure by preventing surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap created by tooth loss. With diligent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups at our practice, your dental bridge can provide a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our services.

Dental bridges offered at our dental practice are specialized restorative dental treatments designed to address gaps created by missing teeth. Dr. Gill emphasizes improving not only the aesthetic appearance but also the overall oral health, function, and quality of life of each patient. At our practice, we offer several types of dental bridges to accommodate individual dental conditions, treatment goals, and personal preferences.

● Traditional Dental Bridges: Traditional bridges are the most commonly used restorative option in our practice. Typically crafted from high-quality porcelain fused to metal or ceramic materials, these bridges consist of artificial teeth (pontics) supported by crowns placed over adjacent natural teeth. Traditional bridges are known for their durability, stability, and natural appearance, making them an excellent choice for restoring gaps where healthy teeth are present on both sides.

● Cantilever Bridges: Cantilever bridges, while less frequently used today, remain an option for certain dental conditions. This type of bridge is supported by crowns placed on a single adjacent tooth rather than both sides. Our team recommends cantilever bridges selectively, usually in areas of the mouth experiencing lighter biting forces, where only one natural tooth is available to provide support.

● Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges: Maryland bridges, known as resin-bonded bridges, utilize a metal or porcelain framework bonded discreetly to the back surfaces of adjacent natural teeth. We often recommend Maryland bridges for replacing missing front teeth, as they require minimal preparation of the supporting teeth and provide an aesthetically pleasing, conservative solution.

● Implant-Supported Bridges: Implant-supported bridges offered by our practice use dental implants instead of natural teeth for support. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a robust and stable foundation for the bridge. Implant-supported bridges are an excellent choice when multiple adjacent teeth are missing, as they deliver exceptional stability, durability, and long-term oral health benefits, including the preservation of jawbone density and structure.

We understand that patients seek reliable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing solutions for replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges are an excellent restorative option, typically lasting between 5 to 15 years or even longer, depending on individual factors. Our team, led by Dr. Prabhdeep K Gill, is committed to providing comprehensive care and guidance to maximize the longevity and effectiveness of your dental bridge.

Several factors influence the lifespan of your dental bridge, including your oral hygiene routine, regular dental checkups, and personal lifestyle habits. At our practice, we emphasize the importance of proper oral care, including thorough brushing, flossing around your bridge, and routine professional cleanings. These habits can significantly enhance the durability of your dental bridge, ensuring long-term comfort and functionality.

The quality and type of materials used in dental bridges also play a crucial role. We utilize strong, high-quality materials such as porcelain fused to metal and zirconia. These materials offer enhanced durability, natural appearance, and superior performance, helping your bridge withstand daily wear and tear effectively.

Additionally, lifestyle habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, chewing on hard foods, or using teeth as tools can negatively impact your dental bridge’s lifespan. If you experience any of these concerns, Dr. Gill may recommend a custom-made night guard to protect your dental bridge and natural teeth from undue stress and damage.

Regular dental examinations at our practice enable our team to thoroughly inspect your dental bridge, identify any signs of wear, damage, or decay beneath the bridge, and promptly address these issues. By prioritizing routine checkups and professional cleanings, you can ensure your dental bridge remains an effective, comfortable, and attractive solution for many years.

Dental bridges are among the most common restorative treatments. Designed to replace missing teeth, bridges effectively restore both functionality and aesthetics, giving patients renewed confidence and comfort. While dental bridges are durable and typically last 5 to 15 years, their longevity largely depends on factors such as oral hygiene habits, the quality of materials used, and personal lifestyle choices.

We emphasize that the lifespan of your dental bridge can be significantly extended with proper care and regular dental visits. Maintaining diligent oral hygiene—including daily brushing, flossing, and using recommended mouth rinses—alongside routine check-ups with Dr. Gill will ensure the best possible outcome for your dental restoration. Over time, however, bridges may require adjustments or replacements due to normal wear, gum recession, or decay affecting supporting teeth.

For patients interested in a more permanent and comprehensive solution, Dr. Gill offers dental implants. The procedure for implants is to surgically place them into the jawbone, providing a secure, long-lasting tooth replacement option that can endure for decades with proper care. Additionally, implants help maintain jawbone density, a benefit not provided by traditional bridges.

Ultimately, while dental bridges represent an effective, reliable solution to tooth loss, they are not typically considered permanent. Dr. Prabhdeep K Gill and our experienced dental team are committed to guiding you through available treatment options, helping you choose the most suitable restorative procedure based on your specific oral health needs, lifestyle, and long-term dental goals. Contact us for more information, or request an appointment online today! We are conveniently located at 7215 N First St Suite 107 Fresno CA 93720. We serve patients from Fresno CA, Clovis CA, Burness CA, Gordon CA, Calwa CA, Easton CA and surrounding areas.