Tooth Bridges in South Pasadena, CA
A missing tooth impacts your appearance, your chewing ability, alters your speech patterns, and causes surrounding teeth to shift. If you are seeking a reliable, non-surgical way to restore missing teeth, a dental bridge offers an excellent solution. At South Pasadena Dental, we specialize in durable, aesthetically pleasing dental bridges that restore your bite and renew your confidence.
Why Choose South Pasadena Dental for Your Dental Bridge?
- Personalized Treatment: We are committed to providing great dental care and superior results for every dental bridge procedure.
- Tailored Aesthetic Design: Teeth bridges are custom-crafted with lasting, high-quality materials to ensure a long-lasting natural look.
- Emphasis on Comfort: We utilize modern, non-invasive techniques to make the tooth bridge preparation process smooth and stress-free.
- Dedicated, Complete Care: You receive comprehensive dental bridge treatment and follow-up care from your first visit to your final result.
Contact us today to restore your smile.
What is a Fixed Dental Bridge?
A fixed dental bridge is a non-removable dental prosthetic designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It functions by “bridging” the gap left by a lost tooth, immediately restoring your smile’s appearance, stabilizing your bite, and allowing you to speak and chew comfortably again.
The structure of the dental bridge comprises two essential parts:
- Abutment Crowns: They are custom-fitted caps placed over natural teeth on either side of the gap. These crowned teeth provide the support needed to hold the bridge in place.
- Pontic (Replacement Tooth): The artificial tooth that fills the gap. Pontics are made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
At South Pasadena Dental, we focus on taking accurate measurements and using high-quality materials to ensure your tooth bridge is secure and long-lasting.
Key Signs You Need a Dental Bridge
You need a dental bridge when a tooth is lost, as it affects the alignment, function, and comfort of your entire bite. Our dentist reviews signs during a comprehensive dental exam to determine whether a dental bridge is the ideal restorative option for your smile.
- Missing Tooth: A missing tooth creates a noticeable gap that can make you feel self-conscious.
- Difficulty Biting and Chewing: A missing tooth disrupts the even distribution of chewing force. It causes discomfort because it requires chewing on one side only.
- Unwanted Movement of Teeth: Neighboring teeth shift towards the gap created by the missing tooth. It results in misalignment and sites for bacterial buildup.
- Changes in Speech: Missing front teeth affect tongue and lip placement, making it harder to pronounce certain sounds or causing a slight lisp.
- Jaw and Muscle Strain: An uneven bite forces your jaw muscles and joints to work harder, which can lead to headaches or chronic jaw pain.
The Four Types of Dental Bridges
The best bridge solution for your smile is determined by the size of the gap, the health and strength of your neighboring teeth, and your overall oral health condition. At South Pasadena Dental, Dr. Tsibel performs a thorough assessment to recommend the most appropriate and effective type of dental bridge for your case.
- Traditional Fixed Bridge
A traditional fixed dental bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. A replacement tooth (pontic) is held in place by crowns cemented onto the two natural teeth on either side of the gap. It is ideal for replacing a single missing tooth when the neighboring teeth are strong and healthy. It requires reshaping the supporting teeth to fit the crowns.
- Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is used when there is only one natural tooth next to the gap. The false tooth is supported by a single crown or fused crowns on that one side. It is best for areas with low biting force. Usually avoided in the back molars due to a higher risk of fracture.
- Maryland Bonded Bridge
A Maryland bonded bridge is also called a resin-bonded bridge. The pontic is attached to a metal or porcelain substructure, which is bonded to the back surfaces of the neighboring teeth. It is a good option for front teeth, as it requires far less enamel removal than traditional dental bridges.
- Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridge is the most durable option. The bridge is anchored by dental implants placed in the jawbone. It is ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth. It offers excellent strength, stability, and lasting lifespan.
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The Market for Dental Bridges: Global Significance
Dental bridges are among the most popular and reliable means of restoring missing teeth worldwide. The market for dental crowns and bridges reached 4.28 billion dollars in 2024.
Over 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Teeth bridges offer a simple, non-surgical way to bring back your smile and bite. That’s why they’ve stayed popular for so many years.
Today’s dental bridges are more advanced than ever. High-strength materials such as zirconia and all-ceramic designs offer greater durability and a more natural appearance than traditional options. At South Pasadena Dental, we use digital tools to design and craft dental bridges with exceptional accuracy, ensuring a secure fit, reliable function, and long-lasting comfort for every patient.
The Advantages of Restoring Your Smile with a Tooth Bridge
A tooth bridge is beneficial to your oral health and self-confidence. The space left by the missing tooth is restored to make your smile more beautiful.
Functional and Health Benefits
- Prevention of adjacent teeth from shifting towards the gap.
- Restoration of balanced and comfortable chewing and biting.
- Improved speaking because you can pronounce words clearly and naturally.
- Support the facial structure and prevent an unattractive sunken or aged appearance.
Aesthetic and Confidence Benefits
- Completes your smile by filling the gap with a natural-looking, custom-made tooth.
- Makes you feel attractive by restoring your confidence to smile and mingle freely.
The Dental Bridge Restoration Procedure at South Pasadena Dental
Restoring your smile with a fixed dental bridge is a reliable process. We strictly follow a clear multi-step procedure to ensure your custom bridge fits perfectly, feels comfortable, and provides long-term results.
- Comprehensive Assessment and Planning
Your visit starts with a full dental exam and digital imaging. This confirms you are a good candidate for a dental bridge and ensures the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to support it.
- Abutment Tooth Preparation
The area is numbed for comfort. The two teeth next to the gap are gently reshaped to create space for the crowns that will support the tooth bridge.
- Digital or Traditional Impression
After shaping the abutment teeth, we take a digital scan or mold of your prepared teeth and surrounding teeth. This is sent to a dental lab, where your custom bridge is made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Temporary Bridge Placement
A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your smile’s natural appearance. At the same time, a permanent bridge is being made.
- Final Visit and Cementation
Once the custom dental bridge is crafted, the temporary one is removed. We check the fit, color, and comfort, make any small adjustments, and then permanently bond the new bridge into place.
Advanced Technology for Dental Bridge Placement
We use modern equipment to ensure your dental bridge is placed precisely and comfortably. Our technology ensures every tooth bridge looks natural, fits perfectly, and provides long-lasting comfort.
- Digital Impressions (Intraoral Scanners)
We capture an exact 3D model of your teeth and gums using a wand-like scanner, eliminating the need for messy, uncomfortable traditional molds and ensuring a perfect fit.
- CAD/CAM Fabrication
This computerized system allows us to design and mill your custom bridge with exceptional speed and accuracy. The technology translates the digital scan directly into a durable, well-fitting restoration.
- 3D Printing
Used to produce highly detailed dental models and temporary bridges quickly. This enables immediate assessment of the fit and ensures smooth, rapid production of your final restoration.
- Cone Beam CT (CBCT) Imaging
When planning implant-supported bridges or assessing the health of abutment teeth, this technology provides detailed 3D images of bone and soft tissues, enabling precise, guided placement and preparation.
- Dental Lasers
Focused light is used to contour the gum tissue around the bridge site safely. This provides a cleaner fit, less discomfort during the procedure, and faster gum healing.
Schedule your appointment today to get back your beautiful smile.
Dental Bridge Aftercare and Maintenance
Taking care of your new dental bridge is key to keeping it strong and looking great. We give simple, personalized instructions to help it last for many years.
- Brush all teeth, including the bridge and abutment teeth, twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day under the pontic and between the anchor teeth using a floss threader or Waterpik to keep bacteria away.
- Right after placement, stick to soft foods for a few days as your mouth gets used to the new bridge.
- Manage any mild soreness or sensitivity that develops with over-the-counter medication as required for relief.
- Use a custom-fitted night guard if you have been diagnosed with bruxism (teeth grinding) to protect the bridge from excessive pressure.
- Schedule and attend regular dental check-ups for professional cleaning and monitoring of the bridge and its supporting anchor teeth.
What is the Cost of a Dental Bridge?
The cost of a dental bridge is estimated to between $1,500 and $5,000; depending on the type of tooth bridge you choose. A traditional dental bridge usually ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for a pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth. Maryland dental bridges cost between $1,500 and $2,500 for one pontic. Price increases for an all-porcelain bridge than for a metal or porcelain-fused bridge. Teeth bridges can be affordable as dental insurance does help cover part of the total cost.
There may be additional cost such as:
- Aftercare – This would include a prescription, if necessary.
- Treatment options – These can include a local anesthesia and extra fees that may arise from an emergency or after-hours appointment.
- Diagnostic costs:
- Exam – A dental exam will always be done first.
- Digital X-ray – An X-ray will be required to determine where the decay is located. X-rays typically cost between $60 – 150.
Key Factors Determining the Total Cost of Dental Bridges
- Bridge Type and Complexity: The chosen bridge type is the main factor determining the total cost of the procedure. A multi-unit implant-supported bridge takes more surgical time and lab time to fabricate than a traditional bridge.
- Number of Units: The cost increases with the total number of pontics (replacement teeth) and crowns (abutment anchors) needed to fill the gap/s.
- Material Selection: Costs vary based on durability and aesthetics. For example, an entire ceramic restoration (zirconia) is the strongest and most natural-looking choice but costs more.
- Preparatory Procedures: Any necessary supporting treatments, such as tooth extractions, gum treatment, or a core buildup to strengthen the anchor teeth, will increase the treatment cost.
- Coverage and Financing: Your final out-of-pocket payment is influenced by the extent of your dental insurance coverage and whether you utilize one of our available financing or payment plans.
Call for a personalized quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Bridges
How long can I expect my dental bridge to last?
You can expect your dental bridge to last between 5 and 15 years with proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups. Teeth bridges made with high-quality materials, such as porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia, often last 15 years or more.
Do I need any special tools to clean under the bridge?
Yes, you need special tools to clean under the bridge. Because the pontic (false tooth) is fused to the crowns, you cannot floss normally. Use specialized tools like a floss threader, Superfloss, or a water flosser (Waterpik) to clean the area between the pontic and the gumline to prevent bacteria buildup.
Can a dental bridge get a cavity?
No, a dental bridge itself cannot get a cavity because it’s made of artificial, non-tooth material. However, the natural abutment teeth (the teeth that hold the crowns) are susceptible to cavities and gum disease if they are not properly cleaned, which could compromise the entire dental bridge.
What are dental bridges typically made of?
Dental bridges are typically made from porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), which provides strength and a natural look. However, all-ceramic (porcelain) or zirconia bridges are increasingly getting popular because they offer superior aesthetics, are metal-free, and provide excellent strength, especially for patients with metal allergies.
Will the dental bridge look natural?
Yes, the dental bridge looks natural. Your tooth bridge is custom-designed and fabricated in a dental lab to match the color, shape, and alignment of your existing natural teeth. The all-ceramic and zirconia options offer the best light-reflecting properties, making them indistinguishable from natural teeth.
What are the main alternatives to a dental bridge?
The main alternatives to a dental bridge are dental implants and removable partial dentures. Implants are more durable and preserve jawbone health. Partial dentures are less invasive but do not offer the same stability as a fixed bridge.
What happens when a dental bridge needs to be replaced?
If a dental bridge needs to be replaced, the old restoration is removed. The underlying abutment teeth are then re-evaluated and prepped again. If they are still healthy enough, a new impression is taken, a new tooth bridge is fabricated, and it is placed.
