Our skilled dentists and team understand the importance of a full, healthy smile. Dr. Leila Zamiri, Dr. Leila Zamiri, and Dr. Leila Zamiri, specialize in restoring smiles with dental bridges, offering personalized care in a friendly, kind, and caring environment. We’re not your typical corporate office; we pride ourselves on providing one-on-one time with each patient to ensure the best outcomes. Whether you reside in North Long Beach, Houghton Park, DeForest Park, or the surrounding communities, we’re here to serve you with excellence.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are a proven restorative solution designed to replace one or more missing teeth by literally “bridging” the gap in your smile. These custom-crafted prosthetic devices consist of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) that are anchored securely to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Our experienced dentists and team create bridges using high-quality materials that closely mimic the appearance, texture, and strength of your natural teeth.
The bridge structure includes crowns that fit over the supporting teeth (abutments) and the replacement teeth that fill the empty space. This creates a seamless, functional restoration that not only improves your smile’s appearance but also restores proper chewing function and speech clarity. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques and materials to ensure your bridge blends naturally with your existing teeth, providing both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting durability.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are an excellent option for patients who have lost one or more consecutive teeth and want a permanent, non-removable solution. Ideal candidates typically have healthy teeth or implants on both sides of the gap that can serve as stable anchors for the bridge. Dr. Zamiri, Dr. Salcedo, and Dr. Hushein carefully evaluate each patient’s oral health, bone structure, and gum condition to determine candidacy.
You may be a good candidate for dental bridges if you have sufficient bone support, healthy gums, and good oral hygiene habits. Patients who grind their teeth, have extensive decay in adjacent teeth, or have certain medical conditions may need alternative treatments. Our comprehensive examination includes X-rays and a thorough assessment of your bite to ensure bridges are the most appropriate solution for your specific situation. We also consider your lifestyle, budget, and long-term oral health goals when recommending treatment options.
The Treatment Process
The dental bridge process typically requires two to three appointments over several weeks. During your initial visit, our doctors will prepare the abutment teeth by carefully removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns that will support your bridge. This preparation is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Next, we take detailed impressions of your prepared teeth and the surrounding area. These impressions are sent to our trusted dental laboratory, where skilled technicians craft your custom bridge to match the exact color, shape, and size specifications for your smile. While your permanent bridge is being created, we’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth and maintain your appearance and function.
At your final appointment, we’ll remove the temporary bridge and carefully fit your new permanent bridge. Our dentists will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit, bite alignment, and comfort before permanently cementing the bridge in place. We’ll provide detailed care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your bridge’s performance and your overall oral health.
Benefits of Dental Bridge Treatment
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages that extend beyond simply filling gaps in your smile. One of the primary benefits is the restoration of proper chewing function, allowing you to enjoy a full range of foods without discomfort or difficulty. Bridges also help maintain your facial structure by providing support that prevents the sunken appearance that can occur with missing teeth.
From an oral health perspective, bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting into empty spaces, which can lead to bite problems, jaw pain, and increased risk of decay and gum disease. The treatment also restores clear speech patterns that may have been affected by missing teeth. Additionally, bridges provide a confidence boost by creating a complete, attractive smile that looks and feels natural.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
Pros:
- Permanent, non-removable solution that feels like natural teeth
- Restores full chewing capability and clear speech
- Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting out of position
- More affordable than multiple dental implants
- Faster treatment timeline compared to implant procedures
- Excellent aesthetic results with natural-looking materials
- Proven track record with decades of successful outcomes
Cons:
- Requires preparation of healthy adjacent teeth
- May need replacement after 10-15 years with normal wear
- Requires special cleaning techniques to maintain oral health
- Risk of decay or damage to supporting teeth if oral hygiene is poor
- Cannot be repaired if damaged – typically requires complete replacement
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, dental bridges typically last 10-15 years or longer. Our dentists and team have seen many bridges last well beyond this timeframe when patients maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend regular check-ups. Factors affecting longevity include oral hygiene habits, diet, teeth grinding, and the overall health of supporting teeth.
Are dental bridges noticeable?
Our custom-made bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We carefully match the color, shape, and translucency of your existing teeth, making the bridge virtually indistinguishable. We take great care in ensuring your bridge looks completely natural and enhances your overall smile.
Is the dental bridge procedure painful?
The procedure itself is not painful as we use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area completely. You may experience some mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Our team provides detailed post-treatment care instructions to minimize any discomfort.
How do I care for my dental bridge?
Caring for your bridge requires regular brushing and flossing, just like natural teeth. However, you’ll need special floss threaders or water flossers to clean underneath the bridge where food particles can accumulate. We’ll demonstrate proper cleaning techniques and recommend specific products to help maintain your bridge and surrounding teeth.
Will my insurance cover dental bridges?
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bridges, typically covering 50-80% of the cost after your deductible. Our knowledgeable staff will work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits and provide accurate cost estimates before treatment begins.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, once you adjust to your new bridge (usually within a few days), you should be able to eat most foods normally. We recommend starting with softer foods immediately after placement and gradually returning to your regular diet. Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge.
How soon can I get a dental bridge after tooth extraction?
The timing depends on your individual healing process and the condition of the extraction site. Generally, we recommend waiting 6-12 weeks after extraction to allow proper healing before beginning bridge preparation. In some cases, immediate bridges can be placed, which we’ll discuss during your consultation.
What’s the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
Bridges are permanently cemented in place and cannot be removed, while partial dentures are removable appliances. Bridges typically provide better stability, comfort, and chewing efficiency. They also help preserve jawbone structure better than removable options and require less daily maintenance.
Choosing our dentists for your dental bridges in Long Beach means selecting a practice committed to your smile’s health and your overall well-being. Our team’s dedication to providing individualized attention in a warm environment ensures that your journey to a complete smile is as comfortable and satisfying as possible. Contact us at 562-422-6868 to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a fuller, more confident smile.