BEST CANDIDATES

Missing teeth are not just a problem with appearance — spaces in your smile can heavily impact the health of your mouth. Your mouth is balanced carefully and a gap may affect how well you can use it. In time, gaps may lead to the shifting of teeth, causing problems with your bite (underbite, crossbite, overbite) and gum or jawbone atrophy. To place a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be healthy enough to hold the restoration with good density in the jawbone and gum tissue. Dr. Abraham will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw at your consultation to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure and to help you select the best type of bridge (cantilever, traditional, resin bonded, or Maryland bonded) and material (ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and metal).

WHAT TO EXPECT

Once your supporting teeth are prepped, Dr. Abraham will take digital images and dental impressions so your bridge can be created. A temporary bridge may be used while your custom one is crafted. As soon as your restoration is ready, your mouth may be prepped with a numbing agent. Stronger sedation methods can be discussed for anxiety or trouble with a gag reflex to help keep you calm during the placement. Your dental bridge can be glued into its position or connected to implants, based on the method you and Dr. Abraham selected in your consultation. Dr. Abraham will adjust the position of your bridge so it is comfortable and stable.

FOLLOW-UP

Once your bridge is in place, you should have a noticeable improvement in the function and appearance of your teeth. You may schedule a follow-up appointment at LifeTime Smiles of OC to improve your bridge’s fit if it seems loose or uncomfortable after it is placed. Dr. Abraham or an assistant on his team will teach you how to care for your restoration, including the ways to keep it clean and if you need to avoid any foods. It’s important to regularly clean your bridge and mouth because decay can develop under the bridge. If you properly care for it, your custom bridge may stay in place for several years. You need to continue to attend appointments at LifeTime Smiles of OC to get an annual dental examination and bi-annual cleanings. At your dental exam, Dr. Abraham can evaluate the wear and health of your custom bridge to decide if it should be replaced or repaired.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Restorations like dental bridges are usually covered, partially, by most dental insurance companies. A member of our team will contact your dental insurance to determine how much your insurance will cover. We also offer several payment methods, including financing options, that may be talked about in your consultation with Dr. Abraham. He can also help you choose the best type and material for your bridge to suit your budget and needs.

DENTAL BRIDGE RESTORATIONS

Even if you don’t mind the way your smile looks with a gap, it may turn into bigger issues if it isn’t fixed. Schedule an appointment with dentist Dr. Abraham to get more information about dental bridges and what options will fit your unique needs. LifeTime Smiles of OC is pleased to offer custom dental bridges that can improve the health and appearance of your teeth. Contact our front office in Santa Ana, CA to make your consultation.