Are you missing a tooth and wondering how to get your smile back? A dental bridge might be the solution you’re looking for. As someone who’s placed thousands of bridges for patients across Los Angeles—from Downtown to Santa Monica and everywhere in between—I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know about how dental bridges work.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
When you’re getting a dental bridge in Los Angeles, here’s exactly what happens:
Consultation and Planning
First, we’ll assess your oral health and discuss your options.
During your first visit to our practice near The Grove, we’ll:
- Take digital X-rays to examine your jaw and surrounding teeth
- Discuss which type of bridge would work best for you
- Create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs
Preparing the Abutment Teeth
Next, we need to prepare the teeth that will support your bridge:
For a traditional bridge:
- I’ll reshape the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel
- This creates space for the crown that will be placed over them
- Local anesthesia ensures you’re comfortable during this process
For Maryland bridges:
- Minimal preparation is needed
- We just roughen the back surface of the adjacent teeth for better bonding
Taking Impressions
Now we need to create a perfect mold of your mouth:
- We take precise digital impressions of your prepared teeth
- This creates a 3D model that our lab uses to fabricate your bridge
- We’ll also match the color to your natural teeth for a seamless look
Temporary Bridge Placement
While your permanent bridge is being crafted:
- I’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your exposed teeth and gums
- This prevents sensitivity and maintains spacing between teeth
- You’ll wear this for 2-3 weeks while our Beverly Hills lab creates your permanent bridge
Permanent Bridge Placement
When your custom bridge is ready:
- We remove the temporary bridge
- Try in the permanent bridge to check the fit and appearance
- Make any necessary adjustments
- Cement it permanently into place
The entire process typically takes 2-3 visits over a 2-4 week period.
How Bridges Function: The Science Behind Your New Teeth
The genius of dental bridges lies in how they distribute force:
- The pontic (replacement tooth) is fused to the crowns on either side
- When you bite down, the force transfers through the bridge to your natural teeth
- This prevents other teeth from shifting into the gap
- It also maintains your facial structure and proper bite alignment
Studies from the American Dental Association show that proper force distribution can maintain up to 90% of your natural chewing efficiency.
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FAQ: Your Top Questions About Dental Bridges
How painful is getting a dental bridge?
Local anesthesia makes the procedure virtually painless. Most patients experience only mild discomfort for 1-2 days afterward, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes! After an adjustment period of about a week, you should be able to eat most foods. I recommend avoiding very sticky or hard foods to protect your bridge.
Will my speech be affected by a dental bridge?
Some patients experience minor speech changes initially, but these typically resolve within a few days as you adjust to the new bridge.
How noticeable is a dental bridge?
Modern bridges are incredibly natural-looking. We custom-match the color, shape, and size to your existing teeth. Most people won’t be able to tell which tooth is part of the bridge.
Does insurance cover dental bridges?
Most dental insurance plans cover bridges as a major procedure, typically at 50-80% after deductibles. Our Century City office staff can help verify your coverage before treatment.
Can a bridge be repaired if damaged?
Minor repairs are sometimes possible, but significantly damaged bridges usually need replacement. This is why quality materials and skilled placement are so important.
Ready to Bridge the Gap in Your Smile?
If you’re tired of hiding your smile because of missing teeth, a dental bridge might be exactly what you need. The procedure has helped thousands of my Los Angeles patients regain their confidence and dental function.
Remember, a dental bridge works by creating a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth. Whether you choose a traditional bridge, Maryland bridge, cantilever bridge, or implant-supported bridge, the goal is the same: restoring your complete, beautiful smile.
Ready to learn more about how a dental bridge could work for you? Book your consultation online now at https://rsvp.setmore.com/ and let’s get started on your smile transformation.
Sources:
American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/
Delta Dental: https://www.deltadental.com/
Journal of Prosthodontic Research: https://directivepublications.org/
National Institute of Dental Research: https://www.nadp.org/
Journal of Prosthodontics: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/