Fill Gaps Caused by Missing Teeth
A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic that restores your smile’s appearance and improves the health of your mouth by replacing missing teeth with natural-looking synthetic teeth. Sometimes referred to as a ‘fixed partial denture’, dental bridges are bonded to your existing teeth so that they do not need to be removed. 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, potentially causing issues with your bite and teeth alignment.
The Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
Missing teeth are nothing to be ashamed of, but they can have a negative impact on our confidence and self-perception. This is why so many turn to dental prosthetics.
Those missing more than two or three teeth will want to consider partial dentures. But, for replacing only one or two teeth, a dental bridge is an ideal way to get your smile looking and feeling normal again. The following are only some of the many advantages of dental bridges:
Comfort
Not only do missing teeth look unsightly— but they can also cause discomfort when eating or speaking. Over time, gaps can even lead to crowding or crooked teeth. Dental bridges are a long-lasting solution to discomfort caused by 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
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 teeth with a dental bridge will slow 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 traditional fixed bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It works by bridging dental crowns on either side of a missing tooth with a false tooth in between. The dental crowns act as anchors supporting the false tooth, creating a very stable dental prosthetic.
Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever bridges are a great option for those looking to save both time and money. That’s because these dental bridges only require one dental crown as an anchor point. However, cantilever bridges are only advised for use for the front teeth, as placing them in the back of the mouth can put too much strain on the prosthetic 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 are similar to fixed bridges, except they use dental implants as anchors instead of dental crowns. This makes implant bridges far more stable and resilient than other types of bridges. But implant bridges do require extensive and potentially costly invasive surgery.
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.
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.
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