If you have lost two or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge can help replace them. Restorative dental care has come a long way in the last two decades, and today, there are better and more precise solutions for getting replacement teeth. Dental bridges have been in use for quite a while, and before you see your NW Albuquerque dentist for treatment, here is a handbook with valuable insights.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is exactly what it sounds like – a bridge includes prosthetic teeth in between with caps or crowns on both sides. These crowns go over the adjacent teeth and hold the false teeth in place. While a wide range of materials is used for dental bridges, including gold, porcelain is the go-to choice as it matches the color of natural teeth.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
- Traditional dental bridge: If you have natural teeth on both sides, you can get a traditional dental bridge, which has crowns on the ends. The abutment teeth are prepared for the crowns, and the bridge is fixed in place, filling the gap.
- Cantilever dental bridge. This is similar to a traditional dental bridge, but cantilever bridges have one crown that’s fixed to one abutment teeth. In other words, the dentist doesn’t need to prepare two teeth but one.
- Maryland dental bridge: The third one is a Maryland dental bridge, which has a similar structure as traditional bridges, but instead of dental crowns, a framework of metal or porcelain is used. The framework is bonded to the back of the abutment teeth. It is important that you have your natural teeth in place to hold the Maryland dental bridge.
- Implant-supported dental bridge: An implant-supported dental bridge, on the other hand, doesn’t rely on your natural teeth to replace missing teeth. The procedure requires getting implants through oral surgery, and the crowns of the implant-supported dental bridge go over the implants using connectors called abutments. While getting bridges on dental implants can take time, as the jawbone must heal and secure the implants, it is still a more permanent and better way to replace missing teeth.
Your dentist will usually discuss all the options and suggest one that’s best for you.
How much will a dental bridge cost?
There are several variables that determine the cost of a dental bridge. The list includes the number of teeth being replaced, the material used for prosthetic teeth, and the difficulty of the placement of the dental bridge. The costs also depend on whether the patient needs additional treatments and procedures. A patient who has gum disease must get treatment for that before placing the bridge, which can add to the cost. Usually, implant-supported bridges cost the most, considering there is implant surgery, and in some cases, the patient may even need a bone graft before getting implants. Depending on your insurance plan, you may not need to pay for the full treatment from your pocket. If your insurance doesn’t cover the costs, ask the clinic if they have flexible payment plans.
Should you consider getting a dental bridge?
The short answer is yes. If your dentist feels that replacing missing teeth is better with a dental bridge, they will recommend it. Not only will bridges restore your smile, but you will also have better chewing and speech functions. A dental bridge also helps maintain the shape of your face and can readjust the bite. Once you get replacement teeth, the remaining teeth will not shift from their positions.
Talk to your Albuquerque dentist to learn whether getting a dental bridge will address your current dental concerns after losing your natural teeth.
