Dental Bridges in Encino
Missing teeth can affect far more than your appearance; they can change how you eat, speak, and feel each day. At our Encino dental office, we offer expertly crafted dental bridges designed to close gaps, restore oral function, and bring your smile back to life.
Whether tooth loss was caused by injury, decay, or gum disease, our team is here with advanced techniques and individualized care to help you regain a strong, complete smile you can trust.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It uses artificial teeth, called pontics, to fill the gap, supported either by neighboring teeth or dental implants.
There are a few types of dental bridges, and the best choice depends on your unique dental health:
- Traditional Bridge: Anchored by dental crowns on the teeth beside the gap
- Cantilever Bridge: Attached on only one side when the support is limited
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Secured to dental implants placed in the jawbone for enhanced stability
Bridges don’t just restore your smile; they also help maintain the structure and alignment of your bite.
Do I Need a Dental Bridge?
You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if:
- You’re missing one or more teeth and notice changes in how you eat or speak
- Chewing feels uneven or difficult on one side of your mouth.
- Nearby teeth are shifting or tilting into the open space.
- Your bite has changed, causing discomfort or jaw soreness.
- Gaps in your teeth are impacting your appearance or self-confidence.
- You’ve noticed facial sagging or sunken cheeks due to missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Restore Proper Chewing
Prevent Tooth Shifting
Improve Speech
Preserve Facial Structure
What to Expect During Your Bridge Treatment
Here’s how we make the dental bridge process smooth and stress-free at our Encino office:
1. Comprehensive Consultation
We begin with a full dental evaluation, including digital X-rays or 3D scans. Your dentist will explain the different bridge types and recommend the one that best suits your case.
2. Tooth Preparation or Implant Placement
For traditional bridges, the adjacent teeth are gently reshaped to fit dental crowns.
For implant-supported bridges, titanium posts are placed into the jawbone during a separate procedure.
3. Custom Impressions
We take detailed impressions to ensure your bridge fits comfortably and functions properly. A temporary bridge may be placed while your custom one is fabricated.
4. Final Bridge Placement
Once your permanent bridge is ready, we carefully place and adjust it to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. You’ll leave with a complete, confident smile.
5. Aftercare & Support
You’ll receive personalized instructions on caring for your new bridge, and we’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor its function and your overall oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
