Dental Bridges in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we understand that a missing tooth is more than just a cosmetic concern—it can shift your bite, cause bone loss, and make enjoying your favorite foods difficult. A Dental Bridge is a time-tested, reliable restorative solution designed to “bridge the gap” created by one or more missing teeth.

By combining the artistry of custom ceramics with the structural integrity of modern dental materials, Dr. Thuc Luu provides Brentwood residents with bridges that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A traditional dental bridge consists of two or more custom crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap—these are called abutment teeth. These crowns support a false tooth (or teeth) in between, known as a pontic.

Why You Should Replace a Missing Tooth

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth naturally begin to tilt and drift into the empty space. This “dental drifting” can lead to:

• Bite Misalignment: Leading to TMD/TMJ pain and headaches.
• Increased Decay: Shifting teeth create hard-to-reach “food traps,” increasing the risk of cavities in neighboring teeth.
• Facial Sagging: Missing teeth can lead to a loss of support for your lips and cheeks, contributing to a prematurely aged appearance.
• Trusted Resource: Learn more about the consequences of tooth loss from the American Dental Association.

Types of Dental Bridges We Offer

Depending on the location of the missing tooth and the health of your surrounding teeth, Dr. Luu will recommend the best structural design:

1. Traditional Fixed Bridge

This is the most common type of bridge. It involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between.

• Best For: Areas where there are strong, healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.

2. Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth.

• Best For: Areas of low stress, such as the front of the mouth. This is less common today due to potential leverage issues on the supporting tooth.

3. Maryland Bonded Bridge

Instead of using crowns that go over the teeth, a Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain “wing” that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.

• Benefit: It is conservative and requires minimal preparation of the neighboring teeth.

4. Implant-Supported Bridge

If you are missing several teeth in a row, we can use Dental Implants as the abutments instead of natural teeth.

• Benefit: This is incredibly stable and does not require any alteration of your natural teeth.

The Procedure: Restoring Your Smile in Two Visits

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we prioritize your comfort and precision throughout the two-step bridge process.

Visit 1: Shaping and Impressions Dr. Luu will gently prepare the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to allow room for the crowns. We take a precise digital or physical impression of your teeth, which serves as a blueprint for the dental lab. A temporary bridge is placed to protect your gums and teeth while your custom restoration is crafted.

Visit 2: Fitting and Cementing Once your custom bridge arrives, you’ll return to our office. We remove the temporary and “try in” the new bridge. Dr. Luu checks the fit, the shade, and ensures your bite is perfectly balanced. Once the fit is perfect, the bridge is permanently cemented into place.

Maintaining Your Dental Bridge

With meticulous oral hygiene, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer.

• Clean Under the Pontic: Since the bridge is one solid piece, you cannot floss “through” it. You must use a bridge threader or interproximal brush to clean the space between the false tooth and the gums to prevent gum disease.
• Strengthen the Abutments: The bridge is only as strong as the teeth supporting it. High-fluoride toothpaste can help protect the abutment teeth from decay.
• Regular Check-ups: We monitor the margins of your bridge during your six-month exams at Fairview Dental to catch any early signs of wear or leakage.

Why Choose Fairview Dental for Your Bridge?

Dr. Thuc Luu combines over two decades of experience with an artistic eye for detail. When you choose us for your restorative care, you benefit from:

• Custom Shade Matching: We ensure your bridge matches the translucency and color of your natural teeth perfectly.
• Precision Engineering: We utilize high-resolution imaging to ensure a “passive fit” that doesn’t put unnecessary strain on your supporting teeth.
• A Local Brentwood Partner: We are conveniently located in the Shops at Fairview, making it easy for you to get the care you need without the commute.

Reclaim Your Complete Smile

You don’t have to live with the gaps in your smile. Whether you need a traditional bridge or an implant-supported solution, the team at Fairview Dental Brentwood is here to help you chew, speak, and smile with confidence again.