Dental Bridges
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace a single tooth or multiple adjacent missing teeth. Traditionally, bridges consist of an artificial tooth and two or more dental crowns, which are fused to the surrounding healthy teeth to fill, or “bridge,” gaps in the mouth. A popular example of both the restorative and cosmetic categories of dentistry, dental bridges can ease damage that missing teeth often cause, including misalignment, tooth decay, issues with speaking and chewing, and more. Not only can bridges restore proper function to the bite, but they can also improve the aesthetic quality of your smile.
Our cosmetic dentist, Justin Roberts, DDS, has placed a number of dental bridges to improve the oral health and function of countless patients. Using advanced imaging technology and durable, beautiful porcelain crowns, we custom-design each dental bridge to fit comfortably in your mouth while looking as natural as possible.
- Dental Bridge Benefits
- Dental Bridge Candidates
- Dental Bridge Procedure
- Dental Bridge Longevity
- Dental Bridge Alternatives
- Dental Bridges Cost
- Dental Bridges and Insurance
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges offer patients who are missing one or more teeth a variety of benefits. One of this treatment’s more prominent advantages over other restorative options is its minimally-invasive approach. Since the bridge is bonded to custom dental crowns that cover natural surrounding teeth in order to secure the artificial tooth, there is no need for surgical intervention or extensive recovery time. Dental bridges also provide a relatively quick solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring oral functionality, filling the gapped space between adjacent teeth, and improving overall comfort when speaking and chewing. Our natural-looking dental bridges and crowns offer patients an aesthetically pleasing way to renew both dental form and function.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Ideal candidates for dental bridges typically include individuals who:
- Are missing one or more teeth consecutively in the same area of the mouth
- Need reinforced strength while biting and chewing
- Prefer a non-surgical restorative dental option
- Do not have sufficient jawbone density for dental implants
- Are in good general and oral health
Dr. Roberts will carefully evaluate each patient’s teeth, gums, and oral structures to determine candidacy for a dental bridge. If this treatment is not the ideal solution, he can recommend an alternative tooth replacement option.
What Does the Dental Bridge Procedure Involve?
After you are determined a good candidate for a dental bridge, the remainder of the process can usually be completed in two office visits. Firstly, Dr. Roberts will determine the best type of bridge to meet your needs. Several types of dental bridges exist, including:
- Fixed dental bridges, the most common variety, which consist of a pontic (or series of replacement teeth) anchored in place by two adjacent crowns.
- Maryland dental bridges, typically used to replace the front teeth, which are bonded to the back of adjacent teeth with metal bands (or “wings”).
- Cantilever dental bridges are designed to replace teeth with only one abutment for support and consist of a single crown; in this case, the artificial tooth extends from the abutment to fill the gap.
Once Dr. Roberts has helped you choose one of the above options, he will thoroughly clean and prepare the abutment teeth for the procedure. A mold will be taken of the treatment area, and Dr. Roberts will match the shade of your teeth to color swatches for natural-looking crowns. You may be given a temporary bridge while the permanent prosthesis is being crafted. During your next visit, Dr. Roberts will place the newly-created bridge into your mouth to ensure a proper fit before bonding it to the abutment teeth. Note that the procedure is not considered especially invasive or uncomfortable.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
High-quality dental bridges made of durable materials can last up to 15 years. In order to reap the full benefits of your dental bridges, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and attending your cleanings and oral exams.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Bridges?
Yes, there are other advanced restorative dental options available to replace a missing tooth or teeth; however, their candidacy requirements and usability vary from patient to patient. One alternative is a dental implant, which is surgically inserted and anchored to the jawbone. Dental implants are usually more expensive and require a certain amount of jawbone density to be eligible. With that in mind, they can provide a superior foundation within the gums and are designed to last a lifetime. For patients in need of replacing most or all of their teeth, there are various denture options suitable for different needs, including implant-supported dentures or traditional full and partial dentures. During a personal consultation, Dr. Roberts can discuss a full array of all restorative dental options available for your unique needs so you can make a well-informed decision.
How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?
A three-unit bridge in our office costs $3600; otherwise, the price is contingent upon a number of factors, such as the type of bridge being applied, the number of teeth being replaced, and more. That said, our team at Roberts Dental Group always aims to make the payment process as stress-free as possible. We will discuss the plan with you and determine the price of your custom restoration during your consultation.
In the meantime, we invite you to explore our financial options. In addition to accepting several forms of payment, we proudly work with CareCredit®, a third-party financing option with low- to no-interest plans to help eligible patients pay for treatment in installments.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Bridges?
Depending on the circumstances of a missing tooth and applicable benefits, some of the costs of a dental bridge may be covered by dental insurance. The team at Roberts Dental Group can review your insurance policy, along with all of our available payment options, to help determine if insurance may cover any part of the expense for your dental bridge.
Please also feel free to schedule your consultation with Dr. Roberts today.