Dental Bridges in San Francisco, CA

A Fixed and Durable Tooth Restoration Solution

Dental bridges are an excellent way to replace missing teeth because they look natural and can last for many years. A fixed bridge remains in your mouth at all times, so you never have to remove your teeth to eat or brush. For all of your restoration needs, the Symphony Dental Studio team creates a custom solution that’s perfect for your smile, health, and budget. Contact our office in San Francisco, CA, today if you have missing teeth and are ready to achieve a complete smile you will love to show off.

What Is a Fixed Bridge?

A fixed dental bridge is a cost-effective tooth restoration option for patients missing one or more teeth. Fixed bridges are applied by placing crowns on the existing teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. These crowns will support pontics, or false teeth, where the teeth are missing. Sometimes, we can bond a pontic directly to an existing tooth.

Fixed bridges are designed to stay in your mouth, whereas removable bridges are not. Removable bridges are held in place with metal clasps and you must remove them to eat or brush your teeth. Many patients opt for fixed bridges because they are more convenient and are less likely to get lost or broken by having to take them out frequently.

Reasons for Getting a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges replace the appearance of missing teeth, but they also serve your smile in other ways. The benefits of choosing a fixed dental bridge include:

Maintain the shape of your face
Prevent existing teeth from shifting out of place
Restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably
Improve your confidence
Prevent wear on existing teeth by distributing chewing force
Decrease the risk of gum disease

Some patients who have worn a partial denture for a while turn to fixed bridges to avoid having to wear removable appliances.

How Is a Fixed Dental Bridge Attached?

The process of receiving a dental bridge often requires several visits. First, we will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap to ensure the crowns fit snugly over them. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area so you do not feel any discomfort. We will take an impression of the teeth, which a dental lab uses to create your custom bridge. We will provide you with a temporary bridge to wear while your final one is being created so you do not have to go without teeth.

Once it is ready, you will return to our office and we will adjust the bridge to ensure it fits properly. Your dentist may use temporary cement at first to let your teeth get used to supporting the new bridge, then permanently cement it at a later time. In other cases, we will use permanent cement at this same visit and you will not need to come back for a second cementing appointment.

How Long Does a Fixed Bridge Last?

A fixed bridge can last for many years but will need to be replaced eventually due to normal wear and tear. With proper oral hygiene and maintenance, your dental bridge can last for 5–15 years or longer. You can increase the lifespan of your bridge by avoiding very hard foods or biting into anything that may damage the bridge.

Keep your bridge clean with daily brushing and flossing, and be sure to get around all areas of your bridge to prevent plaque or bacteria from building up around it. It’s important to attend regular dental appointments so that we can make sure your bridge still fits properly and replace or reattach it if necessary.