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Is a missing tooth leaving a gap in your grin? Dental bridges can bridge the gap with an artificial tooth that aligns with the rest of your smile.
Why should I get a dental bridge?
Losing a tooth can put a damper on your smile and self-confidence. But there’s no need to wait to fix your situation — a dental bridge can fortify the healthy teeth that surround your gap and can replace your missing tooth in just two visits. The bridge prevents your surrounding healthy teeth from shifting and reduces the risk of bone loss or bite problems. Plus, this appliance is permanently fixed into your surrounding teeth, which prevents it from moving around like dentures. You’re just one bridge away from getting your grin back.
No Putty Necessary
Say goodbye to goopy impressions! Our 3D intraoral scanner allows us to capture images and create models of your tooth for a digital, mess-free procedure.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
No Surgery Needed
Undergoing a dental bridge treatment is a minimally invasive, non-surgical process. An implant-retained bridge will require surgery.
Durable & Sturdy
Permanently affixed to your surrounding healthy teeth, bridges can last for years with proper care.
Strengthens Your Smile
Bridges preserve your alignment and keep your other teeth from shifting.
Keeping Bridges In Your Budget
Your Care, Your Terms
You deserve affordable, accessible care. That’s why we provide a variety of flexible financing options to meet your unique needs. Ready to work out a budgeting plan? Reach out to our team to get the conversation started.
The Dental Bridge Treatment Process
Preparation & Impressions
After cleaning and numbing your mouth, your dentist will prepare the teeth next to your missing tooth. These “abutment teeth” will hold your crowns, which will be permanently attached to the bridge. Next, your dentist will take impressions or models of your teeth and send them to a lab to build your dental bridge.
Temporary Bridge
Depending on your needs, your dentist will place a temporary resin bridge to protect your prepared abutment teeth, or two temporary dental crowns. Either way, your prepared teeth will be covered and protected until your permanent bridge can be placed.
Final Placement
Once your final bridge is ready, you’ll come into the office to have the bridge checked for proper fit. Minor adjustments may be made to ensure that your bridge looks and feels natural. Your dentist will then use powerful dental cement to attach the dental crowns and bridge to your abutment teeth, restoring your smile and your bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dental bridges work?
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While every type of bridge is different, dental bridges all share similar characteristics, and work in the same way. A bridge is used to attach one or more false teeth to your existing teeth – locking them into place by using dental crowns (fixed and cantilever bridges) or metal “wings” that attach to the rear of your teeth (Maryland bridges).
Because they won’t move or shift, they’re a great alternative to partial dentures. And since they do not require invasive surgery, some patients prefer dental bridges as an alternative to dental implants.
Are dental bridges permanent or removable?
Dental bridges are considered to be a permanent treatment since they can only be removed by a dental professional and they typically last 10-15 years or longer.
In addition, the tooth preparation procedure for your abutment teeth is not reversible. It requires the permanent removal of enamel from one or more of your teeth, so you may want to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not a bridge is right for you.
Can dental bridges be repaired or replaced?
Yes. Dental bridges, just like all dental prostheses, can become damaged over time, or simply worn down from daily use when chewing, biting, smiling, and speaking. Typically, bridges last between 10-20 years, but the expected lifespan of your bridge may be different depending on the type of bridge, how well you care for your teeth, and a few other factors.
What are dental bridges made of?
This varies, depending on the type of dental bridge you choose. However, most dental bridges are made different ceramic materials.
How much do dental bridges cost?
The cost of dental bridges is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost of your bridge include your overall oral health, the type of bridge you choose, pre-treatment surgeries (like tooth extraction), and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for a dental bridge is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
However, dental bridges are usually covered, at least in part, by dental insurance when they’re used to restore missing teeth. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.
Have more questions?
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Reach out today and take the first step towards a healthier, more radiant smile with Plaza Family Dentistry.