Long Term Benefits Of Dental Bridges
Achieving both an improved appearance and better oral health, a dental bridge acts as a restorative solution that effectively conceals gaps by utilizing a synthetic tooth supported by dental implants, your natural teeth, or a combination of them. Referred to as a “fixed partial denture,” these bridges are securely attached to your teeth through bonding or cementing, eliminating the need for nightly removal or specific cleaning routines. It is essential to address tooth gaps not only for aesthetic purposes but also to ensure long-term oral well-being. The absence of teeth can create difficulties in speech and chewing, and the existence of gaps may result in neighbouring teeth shifting out of position.
The Benefits Of A Bridge
The loss of a tooth or several teeth can have a significant impact on our confidence and overall comfort. Fortunately, a dental bridge offers a remarkable solution to restore both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile, while also offering enduring benefits for the health of your remaining teeth and the integrity of your jawbone. In essence, let’s delve into the advantages of choosing a dental bridge.
Comfort With Your Teeth
These advantages are immediately noticeable, as they have a direct impact on our current state of being. By opting for dental bridges, you can once again feel and appear normal, regaining the confidence to smile and eat without hesitation, thereby rekindling the love you have for your smile. The absence of teeth can result in discomfort, and gaps can make speaking or eating a difficult and painful experience. However, dental bridges offer a durable solution to address these concerns, providing relief from discomfort caused by missing teeth for over ten years, given appropriate care.
Health Of Your Teeth
The interdependence of your teeth and their contribution to your facial structure should not be underestimated. When teeth are missing, it can disrupt your bite and create gaps that allow neighbouring teeth to shift undesirably. A dental bridge serves as a valuable solution, effectively blocking teeth from moving out of their proper alignment. This preventive measure significantly reduces the risk of decay, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders caused by misaligned teeth.
Bone Health
The vitality and stability of your teeth play a crucial role in maintaining the health of your jawbones. When our dental health deteriorates, it adversely affects the well-being of the bone and tissues that provide support to our teeth. However, by stabilizing your dental health with the aid of a dental bridge, you can significantly decelerate the rate of bone loss caused by the absence of teeth.
How Much Does It Cost For A Bridge At Alpine View?
Determining the cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly based on individual factors. With a typical insurance plan, a dental bridge averages out to about $800 to $1200+. Without insurance, a reasonable ball-park figure for a bridge would be about $2000 to $3000 and up. When considering a dental bridge, various elements come into play, such as:
- Type of bridge and material: The cost of a dental bridge depends on the specific type of bridge required and the materials used for its construction. Different types, such as traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, or Maryland bridges, have varying price ranges. Similarly, the materials employed, such as porcelain, metal alloys, or ceramic, contribute to the overall cost.
- A number of missing teeth: The number of teeth that need to be replaced with a bridge influences the cost. Bridges designed to fill a single missing tooth are generally less expensive than those replacing multiple teeth.
- Location and complexity of the procedure: The location of the dental bridge placement and the complexity of the procedure impact the cost. Bridges in the front of the mouth may require more meticulous aesthetic considerations, potentially affecting the pricing.
- Condition of adjacent teeth: The condition of the teeth neighbouring the gap plays a role in the cost. If the adjacent teeth require additional dental work, such as fillings or crowns, it can affect the overall expense of the bridge.
- Supplies and equipment for treatment: The specific supplies and equipment needed for the dental bridge treatment contribute to the cost. Factors like the quality of materials, laboratory fees, and advanced technology used during the procedure can influence the overall price.
It is important to note that obtaining an accurate quote for a dental bridge over the phone is challenging. Every individual’s dental needs are unique, and an oral examination by a dentist is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment options and provide an accurate cost estimate. If you have dental insurance, the dental practice can assist you in obtaining a quote to submit to your insurance provider, enabling you to understand 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
Dental bridges can be classified into different types, such as permanent and semi-permanent variations. Referred to as fixed partial dentures, bridges fall under the semi-permanent category as they are bonded to existing teeth or implants. To differentiate between a bridge (which is fixed) and a denture (which is removable), a quick observation can be made based on their appearance: bridges typically consist of teeth only, while dentures include pink gums along with the teeth.
Cantilever bridges are utilized when there are no adjacent teeth present on both sides of the area where teeth are missing. However, these bridges have become less commonly used and are not advised for placement in the posterior region of the mouth. The reason behind this is that they can exert excessive force on neighbouring teeth, potentially causing damage. If you have missing teeth located at the back of your mouth, rest assured that there are alternative solutions available to cater to your specific needs.
When it comes to constructing dental bridges, various materials can be employed, such as gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination thereof. In our practice, we predominantly utilize porcelain as the primary material for our dental bridge procedures.
There is often confusion between the terms dental bridge and crown, as they are sometimes used interchangeably. However, it is essential to recognize their distinct roles. Dental crowns serve as prosthetic caps placed over teeth that are broken, chipped, or worn, reinforcing their strength and safeguarding against tooth decay. Conversely, dental bridges are specifically designed to close the gap created by the absence of one or more teeth, effectively bridging the space between them.
The procedure typically spans over two appointments, with each appointment usually lasting under an hour.
It’s important to note that a crown alone cannot fulfill the role of a missing tooth. A crown, which resembles a tooth and provides a natural look, must rely on support from an existing and prepared tooth, a partial tooth with a post, or a dental implant situated inside and below the gum line.
When it comes to dental bridges, Zirconia is a popular material choice. If you would like to explore the various materials available and receive personalized recommendations based on your specific requirements, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our team is more than happy to provide you with detailed information and guidance.
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