What Is a Dental Bridge?

At our Hermosa Beach dental practice, we offer advanced prosthodontic solutions, including dental bridges, to restore missing teeth with precision and care. A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, bridges are securely bonded, providing a durable solution that replicates the look and function of natural teeth.

Components of a Dental Bridge

  • Pontics: Artificial teeth that fill the gap left by missing teeth.
  • Abutments: Natural teeth or implants that anchor the bridge.

Dental bridges not only restore oral function but also prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, ensuring a complete and confident smile.

Types of Dental Bridges

Our Hermosa Beach dental specialists offer two main types of dental bridges to suit various needs and preferences:

Tooth-Supported Bridges

Tooth-supported bridges rely on natural teeth for support. These teeth are prepared and fitted with crowns to anchor the bridge in place.

Best For:

  • Patients with healthy teeth adjacent to the gap.
  • Those seeking a non-surgical solution.

Tooth-supported bridges are a reliable option for patients who prefer a less invasive procedure or aren’t candidates for implant surgery.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors instead of natural teeth. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the bridge.

Best For:

  • Patients with multiple missing teeth.
  • Those who want to preserve adjacent natural teeth.
  • Individuals seeking a highly durable, long-term solution.

Implant-supported bridges also help maintain jawbone health by stimulating bone tissue and preventing bone loss.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer numerous benefits, making them a popular choice for tooth replacement:

  • Restore Functionality: Chew, bite, and speak naturally.
  • Enhance Appearance: Custom-designed to match your natural teeth, creating a seamless smile.
  • Prevent Shifting: Filling gaps prevents adjacent teeth from drifting out of alignment.
  • Boost Confidence: A complete smile enhances self-esteem and comfort in social settings.

With proper care, dental bridges can last 10–15 years or longer, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for missing teeth.

The Dental Bridge Process

mature couple smiling with dental bridges, showing off their amazing smiles. The process of getting a dental bridge typically involves two to three appointments:

1. Consultation and Evaluation

During your first visit, we’ll perform a thorough evaluation to determine the best type of bridge for your needs. This includes assessing the health of your natural teeth or implants, discussing your goals, and creating a personalized treatment plan.

2. Tooth Preparation and Impressions

If you’re receiving a tooth-supported bridge, the abutment teeth will be reshaped to accommodate crowns. For implant-supported bridges, we’ll coordinate with your dental surgeon to ensure optimal implant placement.

Digital impressions will be taken to design a bridge that fits perfectly and looks natural. These advanced scans eliminate the need for traditional impression trays, providing greater accuracy and comfort.

3. Bridge Placement

Once your custom bridge is ready, it will be carefully placed and adjusted for fit, comfort, and aesthetics. When you and our team are satisfied with the results, the bridge will be securely bonded in place, restoring your smile and oral function.

Maintaining Your Dental Bridge

Proper care is essential for keeping your dental bridge functional and beautiful for years to come. Follow these tips to maintain your bridge:

  • Brush and floss daily, paying special attention to the area around the bridge.
  • Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean underneath the bridge.
  • Avoid chewing hard foods or objects to prevent damage.
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor your oral health.

With diligent care, your bridge can provide reliable and lasting results.

Why Choose Our Prosthodontists?

Choosing the right provider for your dental bridge is essential to achieving outstanding results. At South Bay Prosthodontics, we specialize in full mouth rehabilitation, a customized approach that combines restorative and cosmetic dentistry to restore oral health, functionality, and aesthetics. We focus on precision, comfort, and personalized care to deliver high-quality restorations, addressing complex dental issues, rebuilding damaged teeth, and replacing missing ones to enhance your overall oral health.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Custom Solutions: Each bridge is designed to match your natural teeth and meet your unique needs.
  • Advanced Technology: Digital impressions ensure precise fit and comfort.
  • Comprehensive Care: From consultation to placement, we focus on your satisfaction and long-term oral health.

Our expertise and commitment to excellence ensure your dental bridge enhances both the function and appearance of your smile.

Restore Your Smile with a Dental Bridge

Missing teeth? Restore your smile’s function and beauty with a dental bridge. Call our Hermosa Beach dental office today at (310) 374-8901 to regain confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dental bridges are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. Modern dental bridges are crafted using advanced materials such as porcelain or ceramic, which can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. The design ensures that your smile looks natural, and the bridge restores both the function and appearance of your teeth. If you are in Hermosa Beach, you can expect a highly aesthetic result tailored to your unique smile.

Dental bridges are fixed restorations, meaning they are securely bonded in place. However, they are not considered “permanent” because, over time, wear and tear may require them to be replaced. Typically, dental bridges can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care. If you are in Hermosa Beach and seeking a long-lasting solution, implant-supported bridges offer a highly durable option that can last longer compared to traditional bridges.

Yes, there are alternatives to dental bridges for replacing missing teeth:

  • Dental Implants: Considered one of the most permanent solutions, dental implants replace both the tooth root and crown, providing a stable, natural-looking result.
  • Partial Dentures: Removable appliances that replace missing teeth and are supported by adjacent teeth.
  • Full Dentures: Used when all teeth in a dental arch are missing.
  • Resin-bonded Bridges (Maryland Bridges): These are less invasive and often used for replacing a single tooth in the front of the mouth.

In Hermosa Beach, if you’re looking for a solution that offers long-term benefits and preserves jawbone health, dental implants or implant-supported bridges may be an excellent choice.

The cost of dental bridges can vary depending on the type of bridge and materials used. In Hermosa Beach, California, the typical cost for a dental bridge ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth, with implant-supported bridges being on the higher end. Factors that affect the cost include:

  • The type of bridge (traditional, Maryland, or implant-supported).
  • The materials used (porcelain, metal, or a combination).
  • Whether additional treatments like tooth preparation or implant placement are needed.

It’s best to consult with a Hermosa Beach dentist for a personalized estimate, as they can evaluate your specific needs and provide a treatment plan that fits your budget.