Your Smile, Fully Restored
Missing teeth can take a toll, affecting your ability to eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and feel confident in your smile. Dr. Anthony Dailley and the team at Dailley Dental Care in Berkeley, CA, understand how it can impact your daily life. That’s why we offer dental bridges tailored to your needs.
Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, our dental bridges are personalized to restore your mouth’s form and function. We take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and create a treatment plan focused on delivering comfortable, long-lasting results. Regain the freedom to eat what you love, articulate with ease, and smile openly without self-consciousness. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive the customized care you deserve.
When Are Dental Bridges Needed?
Dental bridges are recommended in various situations where one or more teeth are missing. Dr. Dailley may suggest a dental bridge if you have experienced the following:
Tooth Loss: Whether due to decay, injury, or gum disease, missing teeth can affect your ability to chew properly and speak clearly, and can also lead to further dental problems if left untreated.
Preventing Teeth Shifting: When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may gradually shift position, causing misalignment and potential bite issues. A dental bridge helps maintain the proper spacing and alignment of your remaining teeth.
Restoring Bite Function: Missing teeth can make it challenging to bite and chew properly, leading to potential digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies. Dental bridges restore your bite function, allowing you to enjoy a varied diet.
Maintaining Facial Structure: Your teeth play a crucial role in supporting your facial muscles and structure. Missing teeth can cause your face to appear sunken or aged. A dental bridge helps maintain your natural facial contours.
Types of Dental Bridges
At Dailley Dental Care in Berkeley, CA, Dr. Dailley offers several types of dental bridges to suit your specific needs and preferences:
Traditional Bridges: This conventional type of bridge consists of a false tooth (or teeth) supported by crowns on either side. The crowns are placed over the adjacent natural teeth, providing a sturdy foundation for the bridge.
Cantilever Bridges: In cases where there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth space, a cantilever bridge may be used. This design involves a false tooth attached to a crown on the supporting tooth.
Maryland Bonded Bridges: This type of bridge is made of a false tooth with metal or resin wings on each side. The wings are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, eliminating the need for extensive tooth preparation.
Implant-Supported Bridges: For optimal stability and longevity, an implant-supported bridge is anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth. This option is particularly beneficial when multiple teeth are missing.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The process of getting a dental bridge at Dailley Dental Care in Berkeley, CA, typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Consultation and Evaluation: Dr. Dailley will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss your options for replacing missing teeth.
- Tooth Preparation: If you’re getting a traditional bridge, the adjacent teeth will need to be reshaped to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge.
- Impressions and Mold-Making: Dr. Dailley will take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create a model for constructing your custom bridge.
- Temporary Bridge Placement: While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, Dr. Dailley may provide you with a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and allow you to chew and speak comfortably.
- Final Bridge Placement and Adjustment: Once your permanent bridge is ready, Dr. Dailley will carefully place it in your mouth, ensuring a proper fit and bite alignment. Minor adjustments may be made for optimal comfort and function.
Caring for Dental Bridges
Proper care and maintenance are essential for extending the lifespan of your dental bridge. Dr. Dailley and his team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your new bridge, including:
Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing around your bridge is crucial to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Dr. Dailley may recommend specialized tools or techniques to ensure thorough cleaning.
Diet Considerations: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could dislodge or damage your bridge. Maintain a balanced diet, and cut hard foods into smaller pieces before consuming them.
Regular Dental Checkups: Visit Dailley Dental Care regularly for professional cleanings and examinations. Dr. Dailley will monitor the condition of your bridge and ensure it remains securely in place.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
Choosing dental bridges from Dailley Dental Care offers numerous advantages, including:
Restored Smile and Confidence: A dental bridge can fill the gaps caused by missing teeth, restoring your confident smile and improving your overall appearance.
Improved Chewing and Speech: With a complete set of teeth, you can chew your food properly and speak more clearly, enhancing your quality of life.
Preventing Tooth Shifting: By filling the empty spaces, a dental bridge helps maintain the proper alignment of your remaining teeth, preventing further dental issues.
Durable and Long-Lasting: With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges can last for many years, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for missing teeth.