Bridges Specialist

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are oral prosthetics that fill a gap in your mouth that a missing tooth causes. They can also attach to dental implants. Aside from restoring your smile, they help lower the risk of certain oral health problems, including gum recession, bone loss, and shifting of your existing teeth.

A bridge mimics the appearance and function of a permanent tooth. With regular brushing and flossing and routine visits to Davis Smile Center, they often last 12-15 years and sometimes longer.

What are the benefits of dental bridges?

Dental bridges provide an array of benefits, including:

• Easier biting and chewing
• Improved speech and pronunciation
• A healthy, attractive smile
• Less risk of remaining healthy teeth shifting

Bridges can also help maintain the shape of your face, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles or sagging skin.

What does getting a dental bridge involve?

Getting a dental bridge typically takes two appointments about two weeks apart.

First appointment

Before recommending a bridge, Dr. Afkham conducts an oral exam, reviews your dental health history, and takes digital X-rays. He uses X-rays to assess the health of your mouth and to determine the type of bridge that most benefits you.

Next, Dr. Afkham administers a local anesthetic and prepares your mouth to receive the bridge. To do that, he gently removes a thin layer of enamel from the tops and sides of each tooth surrounding the gap in your smile. Then, he takes an impression and sends them to a dental laboratory. 

The dental laboratory uses your impressions to design and manufacture a custom bridge. When the restoration is complete, they ship it to Dr. Afkham.

Second appointment

When Dr. Afkham gets the dental bridge from the laboratory, you return to Davis Smile Center. He once again administers a local anesthetic, lines up the bridge with your teeth, and bonds it in place. Then, Dr. Afkham polishes your teeth, makes adjustments as necessary, and provides care instructions.

Do bridges require routine care?

To keep your dental bridge in optimal condition, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Afkham recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting the office at least two times a year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

If you grind your teeth or play contact sports like hockey or football, wear a mouthguard. In addition, avoid bad habits like opening objects with your teeth or biting your nails. These steps can protect your bridge from chips, cracks, and other damage, ensuring it lasts for years to come.

To see if you benefit from bridges, make an appointment at Davis Smile Center by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.