Our Phone Number and E-Mail Address
+ 1 415-499-1717

appointments@evosmile.com

Our Address
750 Las Gallinas Ave, Suite 210

San Rafael, CA 94903

Our Business Hours
Open Monday - Thursday

Closed Friday - Sunday

Home / Dental Services / Restorative Dentistry / Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges
DR. IGOR OCHEV, SAN RAFAEL DENTIST

“How does a dental bridge work to fill my missing teeth?”

A dental bridge “bridges the gap” formed by missing teeth. It can replace up to three, or possibly four consecutive teeth.

Here at EvoSmile, we offer the most common type called a porcelain fixed bridge. On this type, the artificial teeth are fused between two crowns, which are then anchored to the teeth on both sides of the gap. Because a porcelain bridge is custom-made to resemble the look and feel of your natural teeth, it will blend seamlessly with your smile.

DID YOU KNOW?
Dr. Igor Ochev has been honored 10 times as either Best Dentist or Best Esthetic Dentist in Pacific Sun’s “Best of Marin” Readers’ Poll.

“Is a dental bridge the best way to fill my missing teeth?”

The answer depends on the number of teeth you have missing, and whether or not your two anchoring teeth meet the key requirements for a fixed bridge. Dr. Ochev will examine them for their health, strength, and sufficient bone support. If your gap is too large to keep a bridge stable, he’ll recommend better options for you such as a partial denture or dental implants.

A fixed bridge can last a long time because it’s highly durable. As with most dental restorations, it may need to be re-cemented or replaced someday due to normal wear.

6 Reasons for a Dental Bridge

Fill the space of missing teeth

Maintain your facial shape

Prevent your remaining teeth from drifting out of position

Restore your chewing and speaking ability

Restore your smile

Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance

GETTING A DENTAL BRIDGE
What to Expect

Getting a fixed bridge usually requires at least two appointments with us because it’s custom-made in a dental lab, and we may need to fine-tune the fit after your second visit. We take several highly accurate impressions to create your temporary and new bridges. You’ll wear your temporary one for several weeks while the dental lab creates your permanent one.

Your Visit

While your teeth are numb, Dr. Ochev gently prepares your two anchoring teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow for the bridge crowns. He places your temporary bridge with temporary cement and ensures that you’re biting properly.

Your Second Visit

Dr. Ochev gently removes your temporary bridge and then carefully checks, adjusts, and cements your permanent one for a proper fit. Occasionally, he may temporarily cement your new bridge to give your teeth and gums time to get used to it. If this is the case, he’ll permanently cement your new one at your third visit.

Caring for Your New Porcelain Bridge

You’ll receive care instructions at the end of your treatment. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us. To aid in the life of your new bridge, please keep up with your good oral hygiene habits at home and regular checkups with us.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental bridges, we think this medically-reviewed article by the Cleveland Clinic is a great resource.

Our Other Restorative Dental Services

Composite Fillings

You might need one to treat a cavity, repair a cracked or broken tooth, or rebuild worn enamel.

Porcelain Inlays & Onlays

You might need one to treat a larger cavity, or damage to the biting surface or the cusps.

Porcelain Crowns (Caps)

You might need one for a severely damaged tooth, very large cavity, or after a root canal.

Partial and Full Dentures

Custom-made and removable, dentures replace some or all of your teeth in an arch.

Implant Restorations

A crown, bridge, or denture that securely attaches to an implant post in the jawbone.

TMJ Treatment

Pain in your jaw and/or nearby areas like your neck or head might stem from your jaw joint(s).

Patient Savings & Financial Options

At EvoSmile, dental care is empathy care.

Your oral health profoundly affects your overall health. For this reason, we would never want you to hold off on your dental care because of cost — whether or not you carry insurance. This is why we offer the following solutions to ease your worry and your pocketbook.

New Patient Offer

Get a comprehensive dental exam including necessary X-rays, an oral cancer screening, a periodontal exam, a TMJ evaluation, and a regular cleaning.

No Insurance? Save with Us

If you don’t have insurance, you'll want to take a look at our very own savings plans. We designed them with your dental needs in mind.

Financing & Payment Options

If you’re interested in affordable financing and monthly payments, we offer options from CareCredit and Cherry.

Insurance Benefits

We’re an out-of-network dental office that accepts insured patients with PPO plans. Get answers to commonly asked questions.