Dental Bridges
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss does not necessarily have to occur as you age. But if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges) or they can be removable (removable bridge).
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it is difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why do I need a bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders because they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Chao or Dr. Nguyen will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either a precious or non-precious metal.
How do I take care of my bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Here you see the zirconia (or white ceramic framework)
This young woman was referred by her periodontist. It was determined that she did not have adequate bone for an implant to replace tooth #8. You can see that her tooth was longer to begin with due to bone loss. Her gums were constantly irritated by the old bridgework. The periodontist performed a “gum lift” on both sides so that we could achieve a more balanced smile. -Actual patient treated by Drs. Chao or Nguyen
Pleasanton Prosthodontics
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We had the privilege of meeting Dr. Chao after consulting with three other prosthodontists, each of whom recommended vastly different—and at times, extreme—treatment plans for our aging mother. From the very first visit, Dr. Chao and her team stood out for their kindness, compassion, and professionalism. Unlike other practices, Dr. Chao took her time to carefully explain the entire process, ensuring we understood every step and how it would be tailored to our mother’s unique needs, especially given her underlying health issues. What truly set Dr. Chao apart was her incredible attentiveness. She listened intently to all of our mother’s concerns and addressed each one with an impressive level of care and thoughtfulness. It was clear that she was not only focused on the technical aspect of the treatment, but also deeply concerned about our mother’s comfort and long-term well-being. The results speak for themselves—my mother’s dentures now feel like a natural part of her, something she hasn’t experienced in over four years. The fit, comfort, and quality are exceptional. Dr. Chao didn’t rush; she meticulously crafted a solution built to last. We are beyond grateful for the life-changing care she provided and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking the absolute best in prosthodontics.
- SamM
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
With the advice of my general Dentist to get serious about my teeth. With this i started out at 80 years old to do something. Did some talking with various firms and Dr. Chao. I decided to try Dr. Chao a small local provider. Extremely satisfied with the upper implants at 84. Again i had the lower implants with the same results. Very pleased at 85 with them all. So i give them a thumbs up and 100% recommendation.
- Ken B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
No additional comments
- Steve M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was happy to replace my old denture at Pleasanton Prosthodontics. Doctor Nguyen is highly skilled in this kind of dentistry. She made my teeth look attractive and my eating more comfortable and enjoyable. Even though it is a bit expensive but ultimately worth it.
- Sasha M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was so lovely and kind - I am so pleased with my teeth. The way Dr. Chao made me feel like I had a winning smile before any work was done cannot be understated. I came here from a referral (via my orthodontist) for veneers and Dr. Chao was so nice about my teeth right from the beginning. I felt so confident and happy while sitting in her chair and trusted her completely with the final product. Everyone on staff was also so lovely and kind. Highly recommend coming here to experience top notch service, care, and consideration.
- Elaine T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had to have a new nightguard made as mine was no longer functional. Dr. Nguyen took her time in adjusting my bite with my new nightguard, and with such care. I have a difficult bite, and she really took the time to listen to me, and left it open for future adjustments as she knew I would most likely need them. I am so happy with the doctors, and all of the staff in this office. It is really a rare find!!!! I feel so blessed to have found my dental home.
- Dee P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff is way, great, real friendly, real talkative, real helpful, respectful, and down the Earth
- Cynthia green
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Amazing staff and doctors!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had been working on a plan for my bridge work for over 20yrs. Dr Chao came up with a good plan that we both agreed to and executed on it. I’m super happy with my new teeth!
- Dimitri K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Super friendly, efficient and knowledgeable
- Linda Chao
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Always superb care
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Hi Had oral cancer an was needing teeth to be pulled it has been many other dentist that dould not work on me do to the radiation treatments I had! Dr.Chao an Tara went over and above to find someone who could help me an for this I will be forever greatfull my journey has yet to begin with a lot of risk but I feel at ease with all these wonderful people going full blast to help me!
- Andrea A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff's are all nice and friendly. Dr. Olivia Nguyen is very accommodating, kind and knowledgeable . Thank you Dr. Nguyen for taking care of me, I'm so glad that you're my dentist!
- Susan D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very nice and professional.
- Jackie C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone is fabulous, and they’re great with information that’s needed for one’s “upgraded” teeth. Happy with mine. Dr. Olivia is smart, lovely and she has great teeth! Her team is warm and pleasant at all times. Thank you, Ladies! Highly recommended.
- Marie G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would say if you fear going to the dentist they might change your. I would gladly recommend them to family and friends.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Nice office, Dr Chao is very gentle and explains everything before each procedure, All the staff is very friendly and helpful.
- Steve F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very pleased with the results of my Prosthidontic treatments. Dr. Chao and her team was a pleasure to deal with!
- Alex V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful care!!! ️️️️️
- Susan R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend Dr. Chao professional and expert care from crowns to implants (for my daughter). She does beautiful work, and I couldn’t tell which tooth was the implant when all was done.
- Kimberly C