Fill Gaps Caused by Missing Teeth
A dental bridge is a dental appliance designed to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and oral well-being of your smile by substituting absent teeth with synthetic teeth that closely resemble natural ones. Often referred to as a ‘fixed partial denture,’ dental bridges are securely affixed to your existing teeth, eliminating the need for removal. Closing tooth gaps holds significant importance, not only for cosmetic reasons but also for the maintenance of your long-term oral health. Missing teeth can impede speech and the ability to chew food, and when gaps are present, neighbouring teeth may shift, potentially leading to bite problems and misalignment issues.
The Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
There’s no need to feel embarrassed about missing teeth, but it’s understandable that they can affect our self-esteem and self-image. That’s why many people opt for dental prosthetics.
If you’re missing more than two or three teeth, partial dentures are worth considering. However, if you need to replace just one or two teeth, a dental bridge is an excellent solution to restore the appearance and function of your smile. Here are just a few of the numerous benefits of dental bridges:
Comfort
Missing teeth not only affect your appearance but can also result in discomfort while eating or speaking. Over time, these gaps may even lead to the shifting or misalignment of your teeth. Dental bridges offer a durable solution to alleviate the discomfort associated with missing teeth
Tooth Health
Missing teeth can alter your bite by leaving space for other teeth to shift around and cause crowding, increasing the risk of decay, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorder. By filling the gap left by missing teeth, dental bridges effectively prevent teeth from shifting around.
Bone Health
Maintaining healthy and secure teeth promotes the well-being of your jawbones. When our dental health declines, it can negatively impact the health of the bones and tissues that provide support to our teeth. Utilizing a dental bridge to stabilize your teeth can help slow down the rate of bone loss.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four common types of dental bridges from which to choose: traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant bridges. The following are a few brief descriptions of what makes each type of dental bridge so unique.
Fixed Bridge
The conventional fixed bridge represents the most prevalent form of dental bridge. It functions by connecting dental crowns on both sides of a missing tooth, with a synthetic tooth placed in between. These dental crowns serve as secure anchors, providing robust support for the artificial tooth and thus creating a highly stable dental prosthesis.
Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever bridges present an appealing choice for individuals seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution. This is because these dental bridges necessitate only one dental crown as an anchoring point. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that cantilever bridges are typically recommended for front teeth, as placing them towards the back of the mouth could potentially place excessive stress on the artificial tooth.
Maryland Bridge
Maryland bridges are similar in construction to fixed bridges, with one important distinction: they do not require the use of dental crowns as anchor points. Instead, Maryland dental bridges use a framework that attaches to the back of existing teeth. This makes Maryland bridges a more affordable, if somewhat less stable, option.
Implant Bridge
Implant bridges share similarities with fixed bridges, with the key difference being that they rely on dental implants as anchoring points instead of dental crowns. This distinction makes implant bridges significantly more stable and durable compared to other bridge types. However, it’s important to be aware that implant bridges entail extensive and potentially costly invasive surgery as a part of the procedure.
The Cost of Dental Bridges in Hamilton
The cost of a dental bridge can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a dental bridge averages out to about $800 to $1200+. Without insurance, a reasonable figure for a bridge would be about $2000 to $3000 and up.
What goes into determining the cost of a dental bridge?
- The type of bridge and the material used to make it.
- The number of teeth that are missing.
- The location and complexity of the procedure.
- The condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Supplies and equipment that are required for your specific treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
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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.
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