Dental Bridge Specialist

Smiles Dental Spa

General Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Tracy, CA

Missing one or more teeth not only affects the function of your mouth but can harm your overall oral health and self-confidence. A dental bridge from Shirley Zhao, DDS, at Smiles Dental Spa in Tracy, California, can replace one or more teeth to restore your smile. Use the online booking form, or call the office today to schedule an appointment.

Dental Bridge Q & A

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge creates a “bridge” between your existing teeth and a missing tooth by permanently fixing an artificial tooth in place. Bridges are combined with dental crowns to restore the appearance and function of your teeth. Bridges are created from composite resin or other strong, durable materials.

Why should I worry about missing teeth?

Even if your self-esteem isn’t affected by having missing teeth, your oral health is at risk. When you’re missing one or more teeth, the surrounding teeth are likely to move into the empty spaces or start to tilt forward or backward in your mouth.

Missing teeth can create excessive pressure on some teeth in your mouth, increasing wear-and-tear on your enamel.

Without tooth roots in place, your jawbone is also affected by missing teeth. Over time, the jawbone will deteriorate due to missing teeth, changing the shape of your face, creating a sunken-in appearance.

What dental issues can a dental bridge correct?

Smiles Dental Spa may recommend dental bridges to:

  • Restore your smile
  • Restore the ability to eat and chew normally
  • Improve your pronunciation and speech
  • Maintain the shape of your face and prevent jawbone deterioration
  • Relieve excess pressure on teeth
  • Adjust your bite to properly distribute chewing force
  • Prevent your teeth from moving out of position

Your dentist will help determine whether a custom dental bridge is the right dental restoration option for improving your smile and restoring tooth functioning after tooth loss.

How do I care for and maintain my dental bridge?

Taking care of dental bridges starts with good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing twice each day.

Because the artificial tooth of a bridge sits above your gum line, you’ll also use a special flossing tool to clean the area between your gums and the artificial tooth to prevent infection due to trapped food particles.

With proper care and maintenance, a dental bridge lasts between five and 15 years.

To find out if a dental bridge can replace one or more of your missing teeth, call Smiles Dental Spa or schedule an appointment online today.