Comprehensive Guide to Dental Bridges and Their Types
Discover everything about dental bridges, including their types, procedures, costs, and benefits. Learn how these effective dental restorations can restore your smile and confidence through customized solutions supporting a variety of dental needs. Perfect for those considering tooth replacement options, this guide provides comprehensive insights into enhancing oral health and aesthetics.
Complete Overview of Dental Bridge Procedures and Options
A bright, healthy smile centers around well-maintained teeth, which are crucial for making favorable first impressions. Ensuring optimal dental health involves daily brushing, flossing, balanced diet, and restorative treatments when necessary. Dental bridging stands out as an effective method to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. In this article, we explore what dental bridges are, their costs, the procedure involved, and the different types available.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. Losses may occur due to decay, accidents, or health issues. The bridge spans the gap, creating a complete, natural-looking smile.
Preparation of a personalized, color-matched dental bridge involves custom crafting to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. The bridge comprises two main parts: pontics (artificial teeth filling the gap) and abutments (supporting teeth). Skilled dentists ensure each piece fits perfectly and matches your dental architecture.
What is the cost of dental bridging?
Cost varies based on location and provider reputation. On average, traditional bridges cost between $500 and $1,500, while bonded bridges typically run around $2,300. Some clinics may charge from $2,000 to $5,000 for comprehensive fixed bridges, including crowns and pontics.
How is a dental bridge installed?
The process begins with examination and planning. Next, the dentist numbs the area and prepares supporting teeth by shaping them and taking impressions or scans. A temporary prosthetic maintains the gap during fabrication. The lab creates a custom-fit permanent bridge, which is then cemented in place, ensuring proper bite and fit. Final adjustments and polishing complete the procedure.
Types of dental bridges include:
Cantilever Bridge: Supported on one side only, suitable for specific cases with a tooth on one side of the gap.
Maryland Bridge: Uses a metal wing bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, ideal for front teeth replacements.
Implant-supported Bridge: Anchored onto dental implants, used for multiple missing teeth when jawbone integration is complete.
Traditional Bridge: Features crowns on both supporting teeth with pontics in between, most common for two adjacent missing teeth.
