Unfortunately, missing teeth can feel like a constant reminder of what once was, affecting not just your smile but your confidence in everyday interactions. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, trauma, or gum disease, the gap left behind can impact your skills to chew properly, speak clearly, and feel comfortable showing your smile to the world.
Newport Beach dentist Dr. Laura Sharbash understands the importance of restoring both the function and beauty of your smile. With her advanced training and commitment to personalized care, she helps patients throughout Newport Beach regain their confidence with high-quality dental bridges that look and feel natural.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. The bridge is made of artificial teeth called pontics that are attached to your real teeth or dental implants next to the gap. These supporting teeth, known as abutments, are prepared to receive crowns that hold the bridge securely in place.
The process begins with an examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for a bridge. Dr. Sharbash will evaluate the health of your neighboring teeth and gums to ensure they can adequately support the restoration. During the first appointment, the abutment teeth are prepared by removing a small degree of enamel to make room for the crowns. Impressions are then taken to build a custom bridge that matches your natural teeth perfectly.
While your permanent bridge is being crafted in the dental laboratory, you’ll wear a temporary bridge to protect your vulnerable teeth and maintain your appearance. Once your custom bridge is ready, typically within two to three weeks, you’ll return for the final fitting and placement.
Research from the CDC shows that nearly 21% of adults aged 20-64 years have one or more permanent teeth with untreated decay, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, there are several variations of dental bridges that can be used to replace your lost or extracted teeth, including:
Dr. Sharbash will help determine which type of bridge is best suited for you based on the location of your missing teeth and the health of your surrounding teeth.
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages for patients dealing with missing teeth. They restore your efficiency to chew and speak correctly, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of position. This helps maintain proper bite alignment and reduces the risk of developing jaw problems or additional dental issues.
From an aesthetic standpoint, bridges fill empty space in your smile, restoring your confidence in social and professional situations. Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges are fixed in place, so you never have to worry about them slipping or clicking when you speak or eat. Dental crowns can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to hold a filling, and they also serve as the foundation for dental bridges.
The psychological benefits are equally important. Many patients report feeling more confident and open to smiling after receiving their bridge. You can eat your favorite foods without fretting over gaps or discomfort, and the natural appearance of modern bridges means most people won’t even notice you have a restoration.
With proper care, dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. They’re made from durable materials, including:
This ensures that the bridge can resist the forces of normal chewing and speaking. The longevity of your bridge depends on factors like maintaining good oral care habits and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Maintaining your dental bridge requires some adjustments to your daily oral care routine, but the process is straightforward. Regular brushing and flossing remain essential, though you’ll need to use special techniques to clean around and under the bridge. Floss threaders or water flossers can help you clean the areas that regular floss can’t reach.
Avoiding harmful foods can help extend the life of your bridge. Hard or sticky foods like ice, hard candies, or caramel can damage or dislodge the restoration. Cut corn off the cob and slice apples rather than biting into them directly. These minor adjustments in eating habits can significantly impact the longevity of your bridge.
Regular dental visits become even more critical with a bridge. Professional cleanings help eliminate plaque and tartar that can accumulate around the restoration, while routine examinations enable Dr. Sharbash to monitor the health of your bridge and the surrounding teeth. Early identification of any issues can prevent more significant problems and help ensure your bridge lasts as long as possible.
Some patients find that using an antimicrobial mouthwash helps maintain healthy gums around their bridge. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can protect both your bridge and natural teeth from excessive wear. These preventive measures, combined with good daily hygiene, create the best environment for long-term success.
Don’t let missing teeth continue to impact your quality of life and self-confidence. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash combines years of experience with the latest techniques to create dental bridges that restore both function and beauty to your smile. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sharbash brings advanced training and expertise to every case.
Our practice is devoted to delivering personalized care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, ensuring your dental bridge not only fits perfectly but also meets your expectations for appearance and function. Ready to take the first step toward restoring your complete smile? Call us at (949) 760-9212 or schedule your consultation today to discover how dental bridges can revive your oral health and boost your confidence.
