Missing teeth can make you want to hide your smile – even if it’s only a single missing tooth.
Fortunately, your Oxnard cosmetic dentist has a solution: a fixed porcelain bridge.
Porcelain fixed bridges in Oxnard can fill the space, make eating and speaking more comfortable, and prevent further dental issues. And, of course, they can restore your beautiful smile!
A porcelain fixed bridge in Oxnard is a natural-looking prosthetic typically made up of three parts: a pontic and two abutments.
The pontic is a fake tooth and replaces the missing tooth.
The abutments are adjacent to the space where a tooth used to be. These teeth are prepared for crowns. The crowns are fused to the pontic, creating a three-unit fixed bridge.
There are three main causes of tooth loss:
You can get three types of bridges from your Oxnard cosmetic dentist. What type of bridge you should get depends on the health of adjacent teeth, gums, and jawbone. It can also depend on your lifestyle and habits. Talk to your dentist about your options to see which fits your needs best.
Instead of utilizing crowns on adjacent teeth, this bridge uses porcelain wings. The bridge consists of a pontic with wings on either side. The wings are bonded to the adjacent teeth. This is the least invasive dental bridge.
When you only have one adjacent tooth to the missing tooth, you’ll need a cantilever bridge. The pontic is fused to a single crown (the abutment), which is bonded to a natural tooth and supports the pontic.
The most secure, longest-lasting option is a traditional bridge. This bridge consists of two porcelain abutment crowns fused to a porcelain pontic.
Porcelain fixed bridges offer multiple benefits to patients with missing teeth. These include:
There are several alternatives to a fixed bridge. Here are some we offer.
One of the most affordable options for restoring missing teeth is the removable partial denture. This is like a denture in that there’s a pink base with fake teeth. The partial has clasps that fit around adjacent teeth to keep the partial secure.
Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. They help preserve the jawbone and keep adjacent teeth healthy. The thing that holds most people back from investing in dental implants is the cost. In many cases, they’re still pricier than a porcelain fixed bridge.
A dental implant bridge is similar to a traditional porcelain fixed bridge. However, in this case, your Oxnard cosmetic dentist will place two implants as abutments for the bridge. The bridge will have two crowns to fit over the implants, and a pontic is fused between them.
Your Oxnard dentist will first numb your teeth. Then, they’ll reduce the height and circumference of the abutment teeth.
Once the teeth are the right size and shape, we’ll take an impression of the teeth. The impression is sent to a dental lab, which will use porcelain to fabricate your fixed bridge.
In some cases, we might be able to use a CAD/CAM machine to fabricate your bridge during your preparation appointment. If we can do that, we’ll be able to deliver your bridge the same day.
We’ll remove your temporary bridge and try on the fixed porcelain bridge. Your Oxnard dentist will check around the margins to make sure it fits correctly. He’ll also check the bite to ensure it’s comfortable and in proper occlusion.
If you’re happy with the shade and the bridge fits well, we’ll disinfect the teeth and bond your bridge to them. We’ll finish up by light-curing the bonding material.
A bridge is billed per unit. So, you’ll pay for three units if you have a three-unit bridge (a pontic and two abutments). Each unit’s cost depends on the materials used and the teeth being restored.
If you’re happy with the shade and the bridge fits well, we’ll disinfect the teeth and bond your bridge to them. We’ll finish up by light-curing the bonding material.
Some insurance companies will cover a portion (often 50%) of the cost of a bridge. However, they will only cover that much up to your annual maximum. Once you hit that mark, you’re responsible for the difference plus your 50% copay portion.
With all the benefits of porcelain-fixed bridges, we wouldn’t be surprised if you were ready to start immediately. We recommend first visiting your Oxnard cosmetic dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for a fixed bridge.
Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and dental needs, then give you an idea of which options best suit you. Call us today to schedule your appointment!
Contact us today to learn more about porcelain fixed bridges. Call See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard at (805) 716-6890 or use our online contact form.
Dr. Omid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in Oxnard, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.
From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Omid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.
Dr. Omid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Omid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.
No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Omid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
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