Dental Bridges in Clovis, CA

Restore Your Smile with Dental Bridges in Clovis, CA

Missing teeth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. Gaps can make it harder to chew, speak comfortably, and maintain a balanced bite.

At Clovis Country Dental, we provide personalized dental bridges in Clovis, CA to replace one or more missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of your smile.

A dental bridge uses replacement teeth to fill a gap and is supported by natural teeth, dental crowns, or dental implants, depending on the type of bridge and your individual treatment needs.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. The artificial replacement teeth are called pontics and are supported by crowns or other dental structures.

Traditional dental bridges typically use crowns placed on the teeth next to the gap. Other bridge designs may be supported by dental implants.

Your dentist will evaluate your missing teeth, surrounding teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health before recommending the most appropriate option.

When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?

A dental bridge may be considered if you have one or more missing teeth and have healthy supporting teeth or another suitable foundation for the restoration.

Replacing missing teeth may help:

Restore chewing function
Improve speech affected by missing teeth
Fill visible gaps in your smile
Restore the appearance of your teeth
Support a more balanced bite
Reduce the tendency of neighboring teeth to shift into a space

Not every patient is a candidate for every type of dental bridge. Your dentist will evaluate your individual situation before recommending treatment.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional bridges use crowns placed over prepared supporting teeth on either side of the missing-tooth space.

This type of bridge can be an option when the neighboring teeth are strong enough to support the restoration.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges use dental implants rather than relying solely on neighboring natural teeth for support.

This can be an option for patients who are missing multiple adjacent teeth and have sufficient bone support or are candidates for additional treatment to prepare the area.

Learn more about dental implants and how they can be used for tooth replacement.

Other Bridge Options

Depending on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of the surrounding teeth, your dentist may discuss other bridge designs.

The appropriate option depends on factors such as the number and location of missing teeth, the condition of the supporting teeth, your bite, and your overall oral health.

How Does the Dental Bridge Procedure Work?

1. Dental Examination

Your treatment begins with an examination of your teeth and gums. Your dentist may use X-rays or other diagnostic information to evaluate the area and determine whether a bridge is appropriate.

If you have recently lost a tooth or need an extraction, treatment may need to address the underlying dental problem first. Learn more about dental extractions.

2. Treatment Planning

Your dentist will discuss your tooth replacement options and explain which type of bridge may be appropriate for your situation.

Depending on your needs, alternatives may include dental implants or dentures.

3. Preparing the Supporting Teeth

For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth may need to be reshaped to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge.

Your dentist will take impressions or digital records of your teeth so the restoration can be custom-made.

4. Temporary Restoration

If needed, a temporary bridge may be placed while your permanent restoration is being created.

Your dentist will provide instructions for caring for the temporary restoration during this stage.

5. Permanent Bridge Placement

When the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist will evaluate its fit, appearance, and bite.

Any necessary adjustments can be made before the bridge is permanently secured according to the treatment plan.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can offer several benefits for appropriately selected patients:

Replace missing teeth with a fixed restoration
Restore chewing function
Improve the appearance of a smile with missing teeth
Support clearer speech in some cases
Fill spaces created by missing teeth
Provide an alternative to removable dentures for some patients

A bridge is only one option for replacing missing teeth. Your dentist can help you compare bridges with implants and dentures based on your oral health and treatment goals.

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants

Dental bridges and dental implants can both replace missing teeth, but they work differently.

A traditional bridge generally relies on neighboring teeth for support, while a dental implant is placed into the jawbone and can support an individual crown or an implant-supported bridge.

Implant treatment may require adequate jawbone support. If bone volume is insufficient, bone grafting may sometimes be recommended as part of an implant treatment plan.

The best option depends on your bone health, surrounding teeth, number of missing teeth, oral health, budget, and personal preferences.

Dental Bridges vs. Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace several or all missing teeth, while a traditional dental bridge is fixed in place.

For patients missing only a small number of teeth, a bridge may be considered when the surrounding teeth can provide appropriate support.

For patients with multiple missing teeth or more extensive tooth loss, dentures may be another option to discuss with your dentist.

How Do I Care for a Dental Bridge?

Good oral hygiene is important for protecting your bridge, supporting teeth, and gums.

To care for your dental bridge:

Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean carefully around and underneath the bridge.
Clean between your teeth every day.
Avoid biting very hard objects.
Maintain regular dental examinations and cleanings.
Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining the restoration.
Contact your dental office if the bridge feels loose, damaged, or uncomfortable.

Regular dental exams and cleanings allow your dentist to monitor your bridge and the teeth supporting it.

Professional dental hygiene care can also help maintain healthy gums and teeth around the restoration.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges are designed as long-term restorations, but their lifespan varies from patient to patient.

Factors that may affect the longevity of a bridge include oral hygiene, the health of supporting teeth and gums, bite forces, grinding or clenching, diet, and regular dental care.

If you grind or clench your teeth, talk with your dentist about whether a custom night guard may be appropriate to help protect your teeth and restoration.

Are Dental Bridges Right for Me?

A dental bridge may be appropriate if you have missing teeth and suitable supporting teeth or implant support.

However, the best tooth replacement option depends on your individual circumstances.

During your consultation, your dentist can compare:

Traditional dental bridges
Implant-supported bridges
Individual dental implants
Partial or complete dentures

If the teeth surrounding the missing area are damaged or weakened, they may require additional treatment before a bridge can be placed. In some situations, dental crowns may be part of the restorative treatment plan.