Fill Gaps Caused By 1 To 3 Missing Teeth
A dental bridge restores the appearance and health of your mouth by covering spaces with a false tooth supported by either dental implants, your natural teeth, or a combination of both. Sometimes referred to as a ‘fixed partial denture’, bridges are bonded or cemented to your teeth and do not need to be removed to sleep or to clean them. Filling tooth gaps is important, not just for appearances, but for your long-term oral health. Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak or chew food and, with a gap, other teeth are free to shift around.
Long Term Benefits of our Dental Bridges
Losing a tooth or multiple teeth can have a significant impact on our self-confidence and overall comfort. However, opting for a dental bridge provides an excellent solution to restore both the appearance and natural feel of your smile. Moreover, it brings long-term advantages for the health of your remaining teeth and the overall well-being of your jawbone. In summary, here are the benefits of a dental bridge:
Comfort
These advantages are quickly apparent as they have an immediate impact on us. You can regain a natural appearance and feel, allowing you to smile and eat with confidence, thus restoring the familiar and beloved smile you cherish. Having missing teeth can be uncomfortable and sometimes the gaps can make speaking or eating difficult and painful. Dental bridges offer a durable solution to alleviate discomfort caused by missing teeth, lasting for over ten years with proper care.
Health of Your Teeth
Your teeth play a critical role in supporting one another and maintaining your facial structure. When teeth are missing, it can disrupt your bite and create gaps that allow other teeth to move out of their proper positions. However, a dental bridge effectively prevents teeth from shifting, minimizing the chances of decay, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorder caused by misaligned teeth.
Bone Health
Strong and healthy teeth contribute to the overall well-being of our jawbones. When our dental health deteriorates over time, it can adversely affect the health of the bone and tissues that provide support to our teeth. By stabilizing your dental health through a dental bridge, you can effectively slow down the rate of bone loss associated with missing teeth.
How Much Will A Dental Bridge Cost You?
The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. With 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 bridge would be around $2000 to $3000 and above.
Several factors contribute to determining the cost of a dental bridge, including:
- Type of bridge and material: Different types of bridges (such as traditional, cantilever, or implant-supported) and materials used (such as porcelain, metal, or a combination) can affect the overall cost.
- Number of missing teeth: The number of teeth that need to be replaced with the bridge will impact the cost, as more missing teeth generally require a larger and more complex bridge.
- Location and complexity: The specific location of the missing teeth and the complexity of the procedure can influence the cost, as more challenging cases may require additional time and resources.
- Condition of adjacent teeth: The health and condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap play a role in the overall treatment plan and cost. Sometimes, additional dental work, such as fillings or crowns, may be required to support the bridge.
- Supplies and equipment: The specific supplies and equipment needed for your particular treatment will contribute to the overall cost.
It’s important to note that providing an accurate quote over the phone is challenging, as each patient’s needs are unique. To obtain an accurate cost estimate and explore all treatment options, it is recommended to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral examination. If you have dental insurance, the dental practice can provide a quote for you to submit to your insurance company, 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
Cantilever bridges are used when there aren’t adjacent teeth on both sides of the missing teeth. They aren’t very common anymore and aren’t recommended in the back of the mouth where it can apply too much force to other teeth and damage them. If your missing teeth are in the back of your mouth, there are other solutions available.
The process usually takes two appointments with each appointment lasting less than an hour.
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. We primarily use porcelain for our dental bridge procedures.
Bridges can be made of Zirconia. Ask us for more information and we would be happy to show you what materials are available and what our recommendations are for your specific needs.