If you’re missing one or more teeth in Corona, dental bridges from Dr. Martinez may be the best option for restoring your smile, particularly if you’re missing multiple teeth in a row. Contact us or call (951) 444-7010 today to see how you can restore your missing teeth with dental bridges from your dentist in Corona.
A dental bridge consists of one or more false teeth that are held in place by two dental crowns. These crowns attach to healthy “abutment teeth” on either side of the gap in your smile, keeping the bridge in place and preventing it from moving.
Bridges can be made from lots of different materials, but porcelain bridges are the most common today. These use tooth-like porcelain to restore your teeth, providing you with a natural-looking, beautiful smile.
Depending on how well you care for your smile, your dental bridge could last up to 10-15 years or longer, making bridges a great long-term investment in your smile.
Cleaning dental bridges requires a few more steps than brushing your natural teeth, but the process is quick and easy to learn.
Bridges look and feel just like natural teeth, and unlike partial dentures, they will never shift or move while you eat or speak.
Not sure what to expect when you get dental bridges? The process is quite simple to understand. Including your initial consultation in Corona, it will usually take about 3 appointments over a period of 3-4 weeks to get your bridges.
At your initial consultation, Dr. Martinez will examine your mouth to assess your overall health and determine whether or not bridges are right for you. He will also discuss your alternatives, such as partial dentures and dental implants. This ensures you choose the right treatment for your own unique situation.
After you’re approved for bridges, you’ll schedule your second appointment. At this appointment, Dr. Martinez will clean and numb your mouth, then trim some enamel away from the teeth that will support your bridge. Then, he will take scans and impressions of your teeth. These will be used by a dental lab to build your bridge. You will be sent home with a set of temporary crowns to protect your newly-trimmed teeth.
The dental lab will build your custom dental bridge and send it to our Corona office. This usually takes 2-3 weeks. Once your final bridge arrives, you’ll come in for your last appointment. Dr. Martinez will remove your temporary crowns and check the bridge to make sure it fits perfectly. If everything looks good, he will attach it to your teeth using powerful dental cement.
Bridges may be a good option if you would prefer a treatment that’s more convenient and long-lasting than partial dentures, but is less expensive than dental implants. As long as your mouth is healthy, you’re likely a good candidate for treatment. Contact us for an appointment in Corona to find out if bridges are right for you.
Dental bridges are generally not designed to be removable. They are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures, which can be taken out and cleaned separately, dental bridges are fixed in place using crowns on the adjacent teeth or dental implants. This fixed nature provides stability and a natural look, allowing patients to speak and eat with confidence. The design of dental bridges aims to restore functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that patients can enjoy a seamless integration with their natural teeth. However, if you have specific needs or concerns, it's always best to discuss them with Dr. Juan Martinez at Corona Smile Shoppe, who can provide personalized advice based on your dental health.
After getting a dental bridge, it's important to give your mouth some time to adjust. Typically, you can eat soft foods and drink fluids immediately after the procedure, but it's advisable to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the bridge is placed for at least 24 hours. This allows the dental cement to set properly, ensuring the stability of the bridge. Once this period has passed, you can gradually reintroduce regular foods into your diet. However, it's wise to avoid hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the bridge. Dr. Juan Martinez will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your situation, ensuring that your new dental bridge serves you well for years to come.
Dental bridges are considered a permanent solution for missing teeth, but it's important to understand that "permanent" in the dental world means long-lasting rather than forever. With proper care, dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, or even longer. The longevity of a dental bridge depends on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and regular dental check-ups. By maintaining a good oral health routine—brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly—you can significantly extend the life of your bridge. Dr. Juan Martinez and the team at Corona Smile Shoppe are dedicated to helping you maintain your dental health and ensuring your bridge remains in optimal condition for as long as possible.
Dental bridges are attached using a combination of crowns and artificial teeth, known as pontics. The process begins with the preparation of the abutment teeth, which involves reshaping these teeth to fit the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Once the abutment teeth are prepared, impressions are taken to create a custom bridge that perfectly fits your mouth. The bridge is then crafted in a dental lab to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance. When the bridge is ready, it is cemented onto the abutment teeth, providing a stable and secure fit. In some cases, dental implants can be used as anchors instead of natural teeth, offering additional support and stability. Dr. Juan Martinez will guide you through the process, ensuring that you understand each step and feel comfortable with your new dental bridge. At Corona Smile Shoppe, the focus is on providing high-quality, personalized dental care that meets your individual needs and preferences.