Dental Bridges in Woodland Hills, CA

If you have missing teeth, dental bridges can help restore your smile and boost your confidence. Woodland Hills Family Dentistry is committed to helping you achieve a smile that radiates confidence and vitality. Today, let’s delve into the world of dental bridges—a versatile dental restoration that can fill the gaps in your smile, restore functionality, and boost your overall oral health. Discover how dental bridges can bridge the spaces between your teeth and create a seamless, natural-looking smile.

Exploring the Wonders of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are custom-made prosthetic devices that consist of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, held in place by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. These bridges effectively “bridge” the gaps left by missing teeth, restoring the aesthetics and functionality of your smile.

When Are Dental Bridges Recommended?

• Replacing Missing Teeth: Dental bridges are an excellent solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, preventing the shifting of surrounding teeth, and maintaining proper alignment.
• Improving Chewing and Speaking Abilities: Dental bridges can enhance one’s ability to chew food and articulate speech clearly by filling in the gaps caused by missing teeth.
• Restoring Facial Structure: Missing teeth can lead to changes in facial structure over time. Dental bridges help maintain facial integrity by supporting the lips and cheeks.
• Enhancing Smile Aesthetics: Dental bridges are crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, creating a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Types of Dental Bridges in Woodland Hills, CA

There are typically three bridge designs to choose from, depending on your preferences and oral health needs:

• Traditional Bridges: These fixed restorations are the most common type of bridge design that we offer. Either side is attached to a stable, healthy tooth, suspending one or two pontic teeth between them.
• Cantilever Bridges: When there is not a healthy tooth on both sides of the missing tooth, a cantilever bridge offers a single tooth-supported alternative. These artificial teeth are attached to the side of a functional dental crown, which is then set on top of the surviving adjacent tooth.
• Maryland Bridges: A Maryland bridge is a replacement crown with small extensions that span out on either side of it. These “wings” are bonded behind the neighboring teeth, rather than reducing the shape of those teeth to cover them with a crown. Maryland bridges work well for front missing teeth, children, or temporary purposes before dental implant treatment.
• Implant Bridges: An implant-supported dental bridge can replace multiple teeth at one time, as either end of the bridge is set on top of a dental implant. Up to four teeth in a row can be restored using only two dental implants.

Materials Used to Make Dental Bridges

Woodland Hills dental bridges can be crafted from a variety of durable, high-quality materials. Depending on the location of your bridge and its visibility, we may recommend one of the following designs:

• Porcelain: Ceramics, zirconia, and other porcelains offer fully tooth-colored bridges that are both attractive and durable enough for everyday use.
• Porcelain Fused to Metal: These bridges have a metal base that is covered by tooth-colored porcelain. They combine the aesthetics of custom color designs with the durability of metal.
• Metal Bridges: Known for their durability, metal bridges offer added integrity in areas where heavy biting pressure occurs (such as upper back teeth.)

The Dental Bridge Placement Process

1. Initial Consultation: Our experienced dentist in Woodland Hills, CA, will comprehensively examine your oral health, discuss your goals, and create a customized treatment plan for your dental bridge.
2. Preparation of Abutment Teeth: The teeth adjacent to the space will be prepared by removing a small portion of enamel to accommodate the dental bridge.
3. Impression Taking: Precise impressions of your teeth will be taken to ensure the dental bridge fits comfortably and blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.
4. Temporary Bridge Placement (if needed): In some cases, a temporary bridge may be placed while your permanent bridge is being fabricated in a dental laboratory.
5. Permanent Bridge Placement: Once your custom dental bridge is ready, it will be securely bonded to the abutment teeth or attached to dental implants, completing your smile transformation.

Benefits of Choosing Dental Bridges at Woodland Hills Family Dentistry

Experience the following advantages when you opt for dental bridges at Woodland Hills Family Dentistry:

• Improved Oral Health: Dental bridges prevent tooth shifting, reduce the risk of gum disease, and promote overall oral health.
• Enhanced Functionality: Enjoy restored chewing ability, improved speech clarity, and increased comfort while eating.
• Natural Appearance: Dental bridges are meticulously crafted to match the color, shape, and alignment of your natural teeth, providing a seamless smile.
• Long-lasting Durability: With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges can last for many years, providing a reliable tooth replacement solution.

Recovery After Dental Bridge Treatment

Getting a dental bridge is a routine dental procedure, but some minor irritation in the days after your appointment isn’t uncommon. Usually, the supporting teeth are sightly sensitive because of the tooth structure being adjusted, causing the nerves to be more tender than normal. This irritation typically improves within a few days or no more than a couple of weeks. Minor soreness at injection sites or from having your mouth open is also to be expected. We recommend taking Motrin and applying a cool compress to relieve any temporary irritation.

Caring for Your New Bridge

Although your bridge will not decay, bacteria can still accumulate around the margins of your restoration and affect your supporting teeth. To ensure your bridge lasts as long as possible, it’s important to:

• Brush around your bridge twice a day
• Floss around and under your bridge daily (or use a water flosser)
• Plan routine dental visits every six months
• Avoid biting on hard or extremely sticky foods

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

Dental bridges are an affordable tooth replacement option. The price of a dental bridge in Woodland Hills depends on several factors, including the type of materials used, the number of teeth affected, whether implants are involved, and if you’re using any insurance benefits. On average, most bridges range between $500-$1500 per tooth. At Woodland Hills Family Dentistry, we provide each patient with a detailed treatment plan outlining all fees and estimated benefits so that you know what to expect before scheduling the treatment.

Transform Your Smile at Woodland Hills Family Dentistry

At Woodland Hills Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional dental care and personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique needs. Trust our skilled dentists in Woodland Hills, CA, to create beautiful, functional dental bridges that seamlessly integrate into your smile and enhance your overall quality of life.

Ready to rediscover your smile with the transformative power of dental bridges? Schedule a consultation with Woodland Hills Family Dentistry, and let us guide you on the path to a complete, confident smile that radiates warmth and positivity.

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On This Page

• Exploring the Wonders of Dental Bridges
• When Are Dental Bridges Recommended?
• Types of Dental Bridges in Woodland Hills, CA
• Materials Used to Make Dental Bridges
• The Dental Bridge Placement Process
• Recovery After Dental Bridge Treatment
• Caring for Your New Bridge
• How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?
  

Related Topics

• Multiple-Tooth Implant
• Dental Implants
• Full & Partial Dentures

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Definition of common dental bridge terminology

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Hear From Our Patients

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Helpful links: WebMD (Dental Bridges) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)