Dental Bridges: Everything you need to know.
Missing teeth can make everyday tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling feel difficult. Fortunately, dental bridges offer a reliable, natural-looking way to restore your smile and confidence.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that attach to the natural teeth or the jawbone to literally “bridge the gap” in your smile.
Dental bridges are made up of a few parts:
The abutments are the natural teeth or implants on either side of the missing tooth(s) that support the false teeth.
The pontics are the artificial teeth that attach to the bridge and restore the smile.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
Like any dental solution, bridges have both advantages and potential drawbacks to consider.
Pros:
Provide a natural look.
Improve speech and chewing.
Stop teeth from moving into the gap left by missing teeth.
Cons:
Damaged abutments can weaken the dental bridge.
The bridge can fracture abutment teeth if they aren’t strong enough.
Improper cleaning can lead to gum inflammation or cavities.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridge. The most common type of dental bridge consists of caps or crowns bonded to the natural teeth (abutments) on either side of the gap, and artificial teeth (pontics) that fill the space. Traditional dental bridges are used when the patient has healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever dental bridge. Like traditional bridges, a cantilever bridge uses a crown to place the pontic. However, this type of bridge is used when only one side of the gap has natural teeth.
Maryland dental bridge. A Maryland bridge uses metal wings bonded to the back of neighboring teeth for security instead of crowns. Dentists often use Maryland bridges to replace front teeth.
Implant-supported bridge. This bridge sits on dental implants that attach to the jawbone. Dentists can use implant-supported bridges when a patient has three or more consecutive missing teeth.
Recovery
After a dental bridge is placed, the teeth and gums typically heal in one to two weeks, though recovery may look different for everyone. The new bridge may take longer than that to feel entirely natural and comfortable.
Cost of Dental Bridges
Typically, dental bridges are more affordable than other tooth replacement options and are often covered by insurance. A dental bridge typically costs between $500 and $1,200 per tooth.
We Can Help
For the replacement option that looks natural and lasts for many years, choose dental bridges. With years of experience, Ridge View Dental can help you on your dental bridge journey. Call our office today to set up a consultation.