Bridges Services in Chino, CA

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by literally “bridging” the gap. It’s anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the space, called abutment teeth, or to dental implants.

Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. Your existing teeth are used to literally create a bridge to cross the area where your tooth is missing. Bridges are made from gold, metal, alloys, or porcelain to ensure that they are strong and durable.

With a dental bridge, you can:

• Restore your ability to chew and speak properly
• Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
• Maintain your face shape
• Rebalance your bite
• Improve the appearance of your smile

Types of Bridges

There are four common types of bridges, and the type of bridge which is best for you will depend on your preferences, your oral health, the location and number of missing teeth, cost, and other factors. Because a bridge requires healthy teeth, gums, and bone for a long-lasting and successful restoration, any dental problems will need to be treated beforehand.

• Traditional Bridges: Supported by natural teeth with crowns
• Cantilever Bridges: Anchored to just one adjacent tooth (less common)
• Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges: Minimal prep, used mainly for front teeth
• Implant-Supported Bridges: Anchored to implants for enhanced strength and stability

During your consultation, Dr. Afifi will assess your oral health, smile goals, and budget to choose the right type of bridge for you.

Bridges vs. Dental Implants

A bridge can be an excellent, durable alternative to dental implants, especially when well cared for. Dr. Afifi may recommend a bridge instead of an implant if:

• You don’t have enough bone structure or aren’t ready for surgery
• There are healthy teeth adjacent to the missing space that already need crowns
• You are looking for a quicker or more affordable solution
• Medical conditions or medications make implant surgery less ideal

Bridge Treatment at Chino Valley Smile Center

The process of getting a bridge usually involves two visits to our Chino dental office.

• Tooth Preparation: The abutment teeth are reshaped and prepared for crowns.
• Impressions and Temporaries: We take impressions and place a temporary bridge while your permanent one is crafted. We use digital impressions and shade-matching techniques to make sure your bridge is both functional and natural-looking.
• Final Placement: Once your custom bridge is ready (usually in one to two weeks), we check the fit, adjust your bite, and cement it in place.

The process of creating a bridge begins by creating abutments out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are recontoured to provide a base for the bridge. After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken of the area which is sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of two crowns on either end to place on the abutments and a pontic, which is the new tooth that replaces your missing tooth.

We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas and look more appealing than having a missing tooth. When the permanent bridge has been created, you will have a follow up visit to set the bridge. It will be placed on the abutments and the dentist will then use an adhesive to make sure that the bridge is set.

Home Care

• Brush and floss daily. Special floss threaders or water flossers help clean under the bridge.
• Visit Dr. Afifi and our team regularly. We’ll check for fit, bite, and clean around the bridge.
• Avoid super-sticky or hard foods that can put stress on the bridge.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth to prevent wear.

With great home care and routine checkups, your bridge can last well over a decade.

You have many options for replacing a lost tooth. During your consultation at our Chino dental office, Dr. Afifi can help you determine which type of bridge is best suited to restore your healthy, confident smile.

The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again. You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your bridge placed. After the initial phase, you will be able to eat whatever you want with no issues.

If you are missing a tooth you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly. Set up an appointment today to restore your smile.