Dental Bridge Los Angeles – Missing Tooth Replacement

Missing a tooth? Noticed that gap when you smile in the mirror near the Hollywood sign? Are you finding it a bit of a hassle to enjoy your favourite tacos from that place in Downtown LA? You’re probably wondering what your options are, how much it’ll cost, and if it’ll feel like having your own teeth back. Well, you’ve come to the right place. I’m Dr. Nikki, a dentist right here in Los Angeles, and over the years, I’ve helped countless folks, from the beaches of Malibu to the hills of Silver Lake, get their smiles back on track.

A missing tooth isn’t just about how your smile looks; it can actually cause a whole host of other issues. Think about it – it can make chewing your favourite foods a bit of an adventure, and sometimes it can even affect how clearly you speak. Plus, when there’s a gap, the surrounding teeth can start to shift out of place, which can lead to even more problems down the line.

As a dentist who’s seen it all, I understand that while the first thing you might notice is the cosmetic impact of a missing tooth, the long-term consequences for your overall oral health are just as important. That’s why exploring solutions like a dental bridge is a step towards a healthier and more confident you.

So, What Exactly is a Dental Bridge?

Think of it like building a little bridge to cross a gap – but instead of cars, it’s for your teeth! A dental bridge essentially fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. It’s made up of a false tooth, which we call a pontic, and it’s held in place by two or more supporting teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth are known as abutments, and they usually have crowns placed on them that act as anchors for the bridge. The pontic is the artificial tooth that literally bridges the gap in your smile.

Dental bridges can be crafted from various materials, including porcelain, metal alloys, and ceramics, often chosen for their strength and natural appearance. Unlike dentures, which are removable, a dental bridge is a fixed solution, meaning once it’s placed, only a dentist can take it out. This permanence offers stability and a feel much closer to your natural teeth.r smile that offers the ultimate peace of mind.

Now, let’s talk about the different types of dental bridges available, because one size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to smiles.

The most common type is the traditional dental bridge. Imagine the Golden Gate Bridge – it’s strong and reliable because it has solid support on both ends. A traditional bridge works similarly; it’s used when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth. It consists of one or more pontic teeth held in place by crowns cemented onto these abutment teeth.

Then there’s the cantilever dental bridge. Think of a balcony hanging off one side of a building. This type of bridge is used when you only have a strong, healthy tooth on one side of the missing tooth. The pontic is connected to and supported by just that one abutment tooth. However, because it’s only supported on one side, a cantilever bridge might not be as strong as a traditional bridge and isn’t always recommended for the back of the mouth where there’s more chewing force.

Next up is the Maryland dental bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge. Picture a bridge with wings that attach to the back of your adjacent teeth. Instead of using crowns on the abutment teeth, a Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain frameworks or “wings” that are bonded to the backs of the teeth on either side of the gap. This type of bridge is often used for replacing front teeth, as it’s less invasive since it typically requires minimal or no alteration to the adjacent teeth. However, these bridges might not be as durable as traditional bridges, especially in areas with heavy biting forces.

Finally, we have the implant-supported bridge. Consider this the Rolls Royce of bridges! Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, this type of bridge is anchored to dental implants. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone, acting like new tooth roots. Once these implants have fused with the bone, which can take a few months, a bridge is then attached to them. This is a particularly good option if you’re missing multiple teeth in a row, as it can offer excellent stability and longevity.

Dental Bridge Process

It typically involves a few key steps. First, we’ll have an initial consultation. We’ll sit down, discuss your needs and goals, and I’ll thoroughly examine your oral health to determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for you. We might take some X-rays right here in our comfortable LA office to get a clear picture of the underlying bone structure and the health of your adjacent teeth.

If we decide a bridge is the way to go, the next step is preparing the abutment teeth. These are the teeth on either side of the gap that will support the bridge. To make room for the crowns that will anchor the bridge, we’ll need to reshape these teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. Don’t worry, we use local anaesthetic to keep you completely comfortable – think of it as a little snooze for your gums.

Once the abutment teeth are prepped, we’ll take impressions of your teeth. This involves creating a precise mold that will be sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will craft your custom dental bridge to ensure a perfect fit and a natural look. We’ll take a detailed impression, like making a perfect mould for a Hollywood star’s smile.

While your permanent bridge is being made, which usually takes a couple of weeks, we’ll place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared abutment teeth and maintain the appearance of your smile. It’s important to follow any specific care instructions I give you for this temporary bridge.

When your custom bridge is ready, you’ll come back for the bridge placement. We’ll remove the temporary bridge (if placed) and carefully fit the new bridge onto your abutment teeth. The big reveal! We’ll make sure it fits correctly, feels comfortable, and that the colour matches your natural teeth seamlessly. Once we’re both happy with the fit, the bridge will be permanently cemented onto the abutment teeth.

Finally, we’ll make any final adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable. This step is crucial for the long-term success and comfort of your new dental bridge. Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments. We always prioritize your comfort and go the extra mile to ensure the procedure and healing period are as painless as possible.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the cost of a complete smile.

I know that for adults in Los Angeles, the financial aspect of dental treatment is a significant consideration. The cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on several factors, including the type of bridge you choose, the materials used to craft it, and the number of teeth involved.

Based on research from dental practices here in the Los Angeles area, you can generally expect the cost for different types of bridges to be in the following ranges:

• Traditional Bridge: Typically falls in the range of $2,000 to $5,000. Some sources also provide a per-tooth cost, with averages around $500-$1400 per tooth in Los Angeles.
• Cantilever Bridge: Similar to traditional bridges, the cost is often in the $2,000 to $5,000 range, though some estimates might be slightly lower.
• Maryland Bridge: Generally a more affordable option, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: This tends to be the most expensive option, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 or even higher, depending on the number of implants needed.

Keep in mind that these are just average ranges, and the actual cost for your specific situation might vary. There might also be additional costs for the initial consultation, X-rays, and any preparatory work that needs to be done. We always provide a detailed treatment plan outlining all the associated fees before we begin any procedure, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Dental Bridge Alternatives

While a dental bridge is a fantastic solution for many, at our practice here in Los Angeles, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services to meet all your needs. If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth before or after getting a bridge, Invisalign is a fantastic virtually invisible option. If you’re also looking to enhance the appearance of your other teeth, veneers can work wonders for chips, stains, or minor misalignments.

For a more permanent and sometimes preferred solution for missing teeth, especially if you’re missing multiple teeth, dental implants are a great option. And if you’re dealing with pesky wisdom teeth that might be affecting your bite, we handle those with expertise too. We aim to be your one-stop shop for all your dental care needs right here in the heart of Los Angeles.

Book Your Bridge Appointment Now

Ready to reclaim your smile and confidence? If you’re in the Los Angeles area and considering a Dental Bridge to fill that gap, I invite you to contact our practice today. Let’s discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you. Serving residents near Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and beyond!

You can book your consultation online at: https://rsvp.setmore.com/.

I look forward to helping you achieve the healthy and beautiful smile you deserve, right here in the heart of Los Angeles.

~GM