Fill Gaps Caused By 1 To 3 Missing Teeth
A dental bridge helps enhance the aesthetics and well-being of your oral cavity by filling in gaps with a false tooth. This tooth is supported by either dental implants, your natural teeth, or a combination of both. Bridges, also known as “fixed partial dentures,” are securely bonded or cemented to your teeth and do not require removal for sleeping or cleaning. It is crucial to address tooth gaps, not only for cosmetic reasons but also for long-term oral health. Missing teeth can create challenges in speaking and chewing, and without proper filling, the surrounding teeth may shift out of place.
Long Term Benefits Of Dental Bridges
Feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable due to a missing tooth or teeth is common. However, a dental bridge provides an excellent solution to restore your smile and regain a sense of normalcy. Beyond the immediate benefits, a dental bridge also offers long-term advantages for your remaining teeth and the overall health of your jawbone. Here’s a summary of the advantages of a dental bridge:
Comfortability
These advantages are particularly significant as they have an immediate impact on our well-being. By restoring your smile, a dental bridge allows you to feel and look normal once again. You can regain your confidence while smiling and eating, rediscovering the smile you cherish. Missing teeth can be uncomfortable, and the gaps may create difficulties or even pain while speaking or eating. However, dental bridges provide a durable solution to alleviate such discomfort caused by missing teeth, with a lifespan of over ten years when properly cared for.
Tooth Health
Your teeth play a vital role in supporting each other and maintaining the structure of your face. However, when a tooth is missing, it can disrupt your bite and create space for other teeth to move out of alignment. This shifting of teeth can lead to various issues. Fortunately, a dental bridge serves as a barrier, preventing the movement of teeth and reducing the risks associated with it. By blocking teeth from shifting, a dental bridge helps minimize the chances of decay, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders caused by misaligned teeth.
Health of Your Bones
Healthy, stable teeth encourage healthy jawbones. As our dental health diminishes so does the health of bone and tissues that support our teeth. Stabilizing your dental health with a dental bridge will slow the rate of bone loss from your missing teeth.
The Cost of A Bridge
The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly from patient to patient. When considering a typical insurance plan, the average cost of a dental bridge ranges from $800 to $1200 or more. Without insurance, a reasonable estimate for a dental bridge would be around $2000 to $3000 and above.
Several factors contribute to determining the cost of a dental bridge:
- Type of bridge and material: The choice of bridge type (e.g., traditional, cantilever, Maryland) and the materials used in its construction (e.g., porcelain, metal, ceramic) can influence the overall cost.
- Number of missing teeth: The number of teeth that need to be replaced with a bridge affects the complexity of the procedure and, consequently, the cost.
- Location and complexity: The specific location of the bridge and the complexity of the treatment can impact the cost. For instance, bridges in more visible areas or cases requiring additional procedures may incur higher expenses.
- Condition of adjacent teeth: The health and condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap play a role in determining the treatment plan and associated costs.
- Supplies and equipment: The specific supplies and equipment required for your individual treatment can contribute to the overall cost.
It is important to note that providing an accurate quote over the phone is not possible as each patient’s needs and circumstances are unique. To receive an accurate cost estimate, it is recommended to consult with a dentist, undergo an oral examination, and discuss your treatment options. If you have dental insurance, the dental practice can assist you in obtaining a quote to submit to your insurance provider, allowing you to determine your out-of-pocket expenses before making a decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are various types of dental bridges, including permanent and semi-permanent options. Bridges are commonly known as fixed partial dentures since they are semi-permanent and securely bonded to existing teeth or implants. Distinguishing between a bridge (which remains in place) and a denture (which is removable) is quite straightforward. Bridges consist of the replacement teeth alone, while dentures include the artificial teeth as well as the pink gum-colored base.
Cantilever bridges are utilized when there are no adjacent teeth on both sides of the missing teeth. However, they have become less common and are generally not recommended for the posterior region of the mouth. This is because they can exert excessive force on neighboring teeth, potentially causing damage. If you have missing teeth in the back of your mouth, there are alternative solutions available to address this issue.
With our experienced staff it takes just under an hour.
Dental bridges can be crafted using a variety of materials, including gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these. At our practice, we predominantly utilize porcelain for our dental bridge procedures.
Occasionally, people mistakenly use the terms dental bridge and crown interchangeably. However, it’s important to understand that they serve different purposes. Dental crowns are prosthetic caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth, such as those that are broken, chipped, or worn. They provide strength and protection to the affected tooth, helping to prevent tooth decay. On the other hand, dental bridges are specifically designed to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth, effectively bridging the gap between adjacent teeth.
A dental crown, on its own, cannot function as a replacement for a missing tooth. The term “crown” refers to a dental cap that mimics the appearance and texture of a natural tooth. However, for proper support, a crown requires a foundation either in the form of a prepared existing tooth, a partial tooth with a post, or a dental implant. These supporting structures are necessary to anchor the crown securely beneath the gum line and provide stability.
Zirconia is one of the materials commonly used in the construction of dental bridges. If you are interested in learning more about the materials available for dental bridges or seeking recommendations tailored to your specific needs, we encourage you to reach out to us. We would be delighted to provide you with detailed information and discuss the options that best suit your requirements.
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