Dental Bridges

A Dental Bridge is a form of Restorative Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry that can fill the gap of missing teeth and function as natural teeth. A Dental Bridge consists of an anchor to the surrounding teeth and a false tooth that fits between to fill the gap. A Dental Bridge is permanent, meaning it will not be difficult to eat, as it will not come loose or move around.

The benefits of dental bridges include:

• Restore your smile
• Restore the ability to properly chew and speak
• Maintain the shape of your face
• Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

Three types of dental bridges as an alternative to dental implants:

Tooth-supported fixed bridges

Uses healthy surrounding teeth to attach and support the bridge. These are the most common type of bridge. These are traditional dental bridges and are the most common today.

Removable partial/complete dentures

This artificial tooth sits on top of the gums where the missing teeth were and need to be taken out to clean the false teeth.

Resin bonded bridges

Also known as a Maryland bridge, this is used for replacing your front teeth and is attached to your healthy adjacent teeth with metal or porcelain wings on each side. This dental bridge is specifically used for your front teeth, as they could not withhold the strong impact of chewing much like your back wisdom teeth.

Your first visit with your dental professional will include a fitting for your bridge. You will be given a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums and is to be worn while the permanent bridge is sent to the dental laboratory to be made. During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new bridge will be checked and adjusted to your prepared teeth. Multiple dental visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite to fit properly, avoiding giving you any mouth sores. This is dependent on each individual’s case. After a couple weeks, the bridge is cemented into place.

Chagger Dental strongly emphasizes the importance of keeping the remaining teeth healthy and strong as the bridge depends on the surrounding teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash daily help prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist or oral care professional can demonstrate how to properly brush and floss teeth. Dental bridges can last up to 15 years, with good oral hygiene and regular checkups.

If you think you are a candidate for a dental bridge, speak to your dental care professional at your next visit to discuss which dental treatment option is best for you.

A fixed dental bridge (i.e., a non-removable bridge, cemented into place) is an important procedure option for those with missing teeth. If a missing tooth is not replaced, then problems such as trouble chewing and speaking, as well as shifting teeth, may occur. The dental bridge cost may seem expensive, but dental insurance can significantly reduce the cost. A Delta Dental insurance plan typically covers 50% to 80% of the total your dental bridge cost depending on specifics of your dental plan.

The dental bridge cost procedure is dependent on a variety of factors, but here is a general cost estimate based on internal data from Delta Dental:

• Average out-of-network cost for dental bridge for a three-unit bridge (i.e. two crowns and a poetic) to replace one missing tooth is $3,965.