Bridge the Spaces Created by the Absence of 1 to 3 Teeth
Restore your smile and enhance your oral health with a dental bridge, a solution that not only improves aesthetics but also strengthens your mouth’s function. This approach involves placing a replacement tooth, supported by dental implants, natural teeth, or a combination of both. Known as a ‘fixed partial denture,’ these bridges are securely bonded or cemented in place, so there’s no need to remove them for sleep or cleaning. Beyond cosmetic improvements, filling gaps left by missing teeth is crucial for your overall dental well-being. Gaps can affect your speech and eating, and may cause surrounding teeth to shift out of alignment over time.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Losing one or more teeth can lead to self-consciousness and discomfort. A dental bridge not only restores your smile’s natural look and feel but also offers lasting benefits for your overall oral health. Beyond renewing your smile, here are the key advantages of choosing a dental bridge:
Comfort
The immediate benefits of a dental bridge are often felt right away. With a dental bridge in place, you can smile, speak, and eat with confidence, as the bridge effectively closes the gap created by missing teeth. Gaps left untreated can make eating and speaking more difficult, and can even cause discomfort. With a dental bridge, these issues are alleviated, allowing you to enjoy everyday activities without discomfort for years to come, provided you maintain it properly.
Tooth health
A dental bridge not only restores your smile, but it also plays a crucial role in preserving the health of your remaining teeth. When teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty spaces, leading to misalignment or additional dental problems. A dental bridge helps maintain the position of your natural teeth and prevents them from shifting out of place, keeping your bite intact and your remaining teeth healthy.
Bone health
Healthy, stable teeth are essential for the health of your jawbone. As oral health declines, so too does the condition of the bones and tissues that support your teeth. A dental bridge can help slow down the process of bone loss caused by missing teeth, providing long-term stability for your jaw and preserving your bone health.
The Cost Of A Dental Bridge in St. Thomas
The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. With insurance, the typical cost for a dental bridge is around $800 to $1200 or more. Without insurance, the price can range from $2000 to $3000 or higher.
What Decides the Cost of a Dental Bridge?
- The type of bridge and the materials used.
- The number of missing teeth.
- The complexity and location of the procedure.
- The health of the teeth adjacent to the gap.
- The special tools and equipment needed for your treatment.
It’s important to note that accurate pricing can only be provided after a consultation. Every patient’s dental needs are different, so a personal evaluation is necessary to give you a proper quote. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a cost estimate to help you determine your out-of-pocket expenses before proceeding with treatment.
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 come in both permanent and semi-permanent varieties. Also known as fixed partial dentures, bridges are securely attached to existing teeth or implants. The main distinction is that bridges are designed to stay in place, while dentures are removable. Additionally, bridges are made solely of artificial teeth, while dentures feature a pink, gum-like base for added support.
A cantilever bridge is used when there are no adjacent teeth on both sides of the gap. Although less commonly used today, they can still be an option. However, they are typically avoided for back teeth, as they can place excessive pressure on surrounding teeth, potentially causing damage. For missing teeth in the back of the mouth, other treatment options are often preferred.
Typically, the dental bridge process involves two appointments, each lasting under an hour.
Dental bridges can be made from gold alloys, non-precious metals, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. We mainly use porcelain for our bridge procedures, as it offers a natural look and durability.
While dental bridges and crowns are both types of restorative treatments, they serve different purposes. A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, strengthening it and preventing decay. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is designed to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth, essentially bridging the space between healthy teeth.
A single crown cannot replace a missing tooth by itself. It requires support from either an existing tooth, a partial tooth with a post, or a dental implant beneath the gum line to ensure a secure fit and proper function.
Yes, zirconia can be used to create dental bridges. It’s a strong, durable material, and we’d be happy to discuss whether it’s the right choice for your dental needs.
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