Dental Bridges Pleasanton
Say Goodbye to Gaps in Your Smile
At Brush Country Dental Center, we're proud to help patients achieve and maintain gorgeous, healthy smiles. We know every patient is different, which is why we offer a wide range of treatments to suit the diverse needs of our patients — and dental bridges are among the most popular treatments we offer. A dental bridge is a convenient, effective way to replace missing or damaged teeth, and if you'd like a healthier, complete smile, dental bridges in Pleasanton may be right for you.
Why Choose Brush Country Dental Center for Dental Bridges?
- Local Dentist with Over 20 Years of Experience
- Professional Team That Prioritizes Your Health
- High-Quality, Durable Materials Used for Bridges
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are composed of a replacement tooth, called a pontic, and two supporting crowns on either side of the replacement tooth. The two crowns provide support for the pontic, while the pontic "bridges" the gap between them and completes the smile. Bridges are made from porcelain or ceramic materials. We can use a dental bridge to replace one or more teeth, although multi-tooth bridges may require more than two supporting crowns.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The procedure for dental bridges is fairly simple. Your Pleasanton dentist will carefully shape and contour the teeth on either side of the missing tooth to prepare them for crowns. Once the teeth are prepared, your dentist will take an impression of the area and use that to create your custom dental bridge. We'll fit you with a temporary bridge while your custom bridge is being manufactured.
At your second appointment, Dr. Pruski will remove the temporary bridge, fit your custom bridge, and cement it into place with dental adhesive. Once the bridge is permanently in place, your new smile is complete!
Caring for a Dental Bridge
Caring for your dental bridge is straightforward: just treat it like a normal, healthy tooth! Brush the bridge twice daily just like normal, and don't forget to floss around as well as under it every day. By keeping the bridge and the area around it clean, you're helping to protect the health of your gums, surrounding teeth, and your smile as a whole. With proper care, your bridge will last you for years to come!
Contact Your Pleasanton Dentist Today!
Dental bridges can play an important role in helping you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile, and if you think dental bridges may be right for you, we would love to help. Call us today at (830) 569-2500 to learn more about bridges or to schedule a consultation at our Pleasanton dental office. We can't wait to hear from you, and we're excited to help you achieve a healthy, complete smile!
Dental Bridges FAQs
Are Dental Bridges Covered by Insurance?
Although coverage can vary depending on the provider and plan, many do cover a portion of the cost of dental bridges. So, don’t hesitate to give us your membership information when you call to schedule an appointment. From there, we can read through the fine print, discuss your available benefits, and answer any questions you have before filing the paperwork.
Important reminder: Dental insurance isn’t the only financial solution that’s available at our office. We also offer a Wellness Plan and work with CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier.
What Can You Not Eat with a Dental Bridge?
Although dental bridges are custom-made for each patient and are crafted from only the best dental materials, there are some foods we recommend exercising caution with. A few examples include gummy candies, hard pretzels, peanut brittle, and taffy. Instead, stick to mostly healthy, well-balanced meals that contain plain yogurt, cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and other nutrient-dense foods.
Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?
No, dental bridges cannot develop cavities. Of course, the teeth that are supporting them certainly can. That’s why it’s so important to incorporate healthy habits into your routine, including brushing your teeth twice a day, limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and scheduling a dental visit every six months with Dr. Pruski.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Dental bridges in Pleasanton can replace up to four missing teeth in a row. Any more than that and the stability of the restoration is compromised. Don’t worry, though – that doesn’t mean that you’ll be stuck with a noticeable gap in your smile and compromised bite moving forward. Rather, it means we need to discuss the other tooth-replacement solutions we offer, like dental implants.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
On average, dental bridges last between five and 15 years. One of the biggest factors that will impact the longevity of yours is how well you care for your smile. That’s why we recommend prioritizing healthy habits, like wearing a mouthguard during sports, scheduling a dental visit every six months, and flossing every night before you go to bed. At the same time, avoid doing anything that could compromise the condition of your restoration, like biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, or smoking.
Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?
While your enamel has tiny pores that allow stubborn stains to be lifted, dental bridges do not. The good news is that they also don’t discolor like your natural teeth. In other words, your restoration should always remain the same color.
If there does come a time when you are no longer happy with the appearance of your dental bridge, let us know! That way, we can learn more about your aesthetic concerns and smile goals before determining the best way to proceed.