When considering cosmetic dental surgery to refresh your smile or fix or replace missing or cracked teeth, you have options. There are a few procedures from which to choose to fix your smile. One of those options is dental bridges provided by Dr. Julie Boulos and Dr. Joseph Boulos from All Coast Dental in Pacific Beah, CA. All teeth and smile restorative procedures have specific dental concerns that would make them the most appropriate choice. In this article, we will discuss when choosing the option of dental bridges, and what scenarios would likely be most appropriate to fulfil your desire for a beautiful new smile!
What are dental bridges?
A dental bridge is a replacement tooth that is used to replace a missing tooth. A dental bridge fills the gap where a tooth or teeth may be missing. The artificial tooth is called a pontic. A pontic is made for each missing tooth and care is taken to match it as close as possible to the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. The pontic then adheres to the teeth that live next to the gap. These are known as abutment teeth. There are 4 main types of bridges that Dr. Julie Boulos and Dr. Joseph Boulos use at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA. These are:
- Traditional fixed bridge: This is the most common type. It involves fitting the adjacent (abutment) teeth with crowns to adhere the bridge to. This option is best when you have healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
- Cantilever bridge: Similar to a traditional bride, but the pontic adheres to only one abutment tooth.
- Maryland dental bridge: Generally used for front teeth, rather than using a crown to adhere the bridge to the abutment teeth, Maryland bridges use a porcelain or metal framework bonded to the backs of the abutment teeth
- Implant-supported bridge: This type of bridge is the strongest and is a 2-step process. The first step involves surgically embedding an implant into your jawbone. The second procedure consists of placing the bridges which will be held in place by the implant.
What dental concerns would bridges be a good option for?
Having good overall health is generally a requirement to have a dental procedure. The abutment teeth that will be used must be strong and healthy so that they can fully support the bridge. You also must be able to commit to a good oral hygiene routine following the procedure. If these conditions are met, you may be a candidate for dental bridges to fix the following issues:
- Missing one or more teeth
- Bite problems
- Difficulty with chewing
- Pain in your jaw from clenching
- Unhappy with the aesthetics of a portion of your mouth
Contact us
A new smile is life-changing. Schedule a consultation to learn more about bridges with Dr. Julie Boulos or Dr. Joseph Boulos at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA by calling (858) 270-4904.