A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic that restores teeth health and appearance by replacing missing teeth with natural-looking synthetic teeth. Sometimes referred to as a ‘fixed partial denture’, a dental bridge is bonded to your existing teeth. So bridges don’t need to be removed for cleaning or maintenance.
Why Get a Dental Bridge?
Filling tooth gaps is important, not just for appearances, but for your long-term oral health. Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak or chew food and allows other teeth to shift around, potentially causing issues with your bite and teeth alignment.
This is why so many patients turn to dental prosthetics.
Those missing more than two or three teeth will want to consider partial dentures. But, for replacing only one or two teeth, a dental bridge is an ideal way to get your smile looking natural and feeling normal again.
The following are only a few of the many advantages dental bridges have to offer:
Comfort
Gaps allow teeth to shift around over time, eventually leading to crowding or crooked teeth. Not only is the result unsightly, but it also causes discomfort and difficulty when eating or speaking. Dental bridges are a long-lasting solution to the discomfort caused by missing teeth.
Tooth health
When teeth are missing, shifting and crowding occur, making thorough oral care all but impossible. Improper cleaning increases the risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorder. By filling the gap left by missing teeth, dental bridges effectively prevent teeth from shifting.
Bone health
Healthy, stable teeth encourage healthy jawbones. As our dental health diminishes so does the health of bone and tissues that support our teeth. Stabilizing your teeth with a dental bridge will slow the rate of bone loss, or prevent it altogether.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four common types of dental bridges to choose from: traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant bridges. The following are some brief descriptions of what makes each type of dental bridge so unique.
Fixed Bridge
The traditional fixed bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It works by bridging dental crowns on either side of a missing tooth with a false tooth in between. The dental crowns act as anchors supporting the false tooth, creating a very stable dental prosthetic.
Cantilever Bridge
While less common than fixed bridges, cantilever bridges can save you both time and money. That’s because these dental bridges only require one dental crown as an anchor point. However, cantilever bridges are only advised for use for the front teeth, as placing them in the back of the mouth can put too much strain on the prosthetic tooth.
Maryland Bridge
Maryland bridges are similar in construction to fixed bridges, with one important distinction: they do not require the use of dental crowns as anchor points. Instead, Maryland dental bridges use a framework that attaches to the back of existing teeth. This makes Maryland bridges a more affordable, if slightly less stable, option.
Implant Bridges
As the name implies, implant bridges use dental implants as anchors instead of dental crowns. This makes implant bridges far more stable and resilient than other types of bridges. However, implant bridges do require extensive and potentially expensive surgery.
The Cost Of A Dental Bridge In Chattanooga
The cost of a dental bridge can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a dental bridge averages out to about $800 to $1200+. Without insurance, a reasonable figure for a bridge would be about $2000 to $3000 and up.
What goes into determining the cost of a dental bridge?
- The type of bridge and the material used to make it.
- The number of teeth that are missing.
- The location and complexity of the procedure.
- The condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Supplies and equipment that are required for your specific treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
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
Sue Baucom
I have always had excellent care at Shallowford Smiles. Everyone is very friendly and makes me feel comfortable. They all know what they are doing and are very good at letting me know what they are doing. I appreciate the text reminders of my appointments also. I can highly recommend Shallowford Smiles and Dr. Wilkerson to everyone.
Isaac
The experience of going to Shallowford Smiles has always been great for me. The staff has always been pleasant & helpful when answering questions. I'm especially grateful for their hygienists (Sarah is awesome!) & how great they are at what they do!
Rhonda Atkins
Dr. Brian Wilkinson has been my dentist for the past 8 years. He is absolutely the very best. Caring and has always been available to help me and my husband during several emergencies. He is always thanking his staff for their work while assisting him. He is so appreciative of them and does an amazing job. Great smile too.
