Fill Gaps Caused By Multiple Missing Teeth
Enhancing both the visual appeal and the overall health of your mouth, a dental bridge is a reliable solution for restoring missing teeth, covering vacant spaces with a fabricated tooth that receives support from dental implants, your natural teeth, or a combination of the two. Often referred to as a “fixed partial denture,” these bridges are permanently affixed to your teeth, either by bonding or cementing, eliminating the need for removal during sleep or for maintenance purposes. Closing tooth gaps holds significant importance, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for the long-term maintenance of oral hygiene. The absence of teeth can lead to difficulties in speech and chewing, while the presence of gaps allows neighbouring teeth to shift freely, potentially causing misalignment.
Enduring Advantages of Dental Bridges
The absence of a tooth or multiple teeth can cause considerable self-consciousness and discomfort. However, by opting for a dental bridge, you can regain a smile that looks and feels normal, while also enjoying long-term benefits that positively affect your remaining teeth and the overall bone health of your mouth. To summarize, let’s explore the advantages provided by a dental bridge.
Ease and Comfort
These advantages are clear and apparent, as they have an immediate impact on our daily lives. Through the utilization of dental bridges, you can regain a sense of normality, both in terms of physical sensation and aesthetic appeal. Restore your confidence to smile and eat without reservation, allowing you to rediscover the smile you cherish and adore. Missing teeth can lead to discomfort, and the presence of gaps can cause difficulties or pain during speaking or eating. Fortunately, dental bridges offer a long-lasting remedy to alleviate these concerns, providing relief from the discomfort caused by missing teeth for more than ten years when proper care is maintained.
Tooth Health
The synergy among your teeth and their impact on your facial structure are of utmost importance. Any missing teeth can disrupt the natural bite pattern, leading to spaces where adjacent teeth may wander. To counteract this issue, a dental bridge provides an effective solution by preventing teeth from shifting erratically. As a result, the risk of decay, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders caused by misaligned teeth is significantly minimized.
Overall Bone Health
Sound and stable teeth contribute to the overall health of your jawbones. As our dental health declines, it can have a negative impact on the bone and tissues that uphold our teeth. By establishing stability in your dental health through the use of a dental bridge, you can effectively slow down the progression of bone loss resulting from missing teeth.
The Cost Of A Dental Bridge in Wellesley
The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly depending on several factors. If you have an insurance plan, the average cost of a dental bridge typically ranges from $800 to $1200 or more. However, without insurance, you can expect a reasonable estimate for a bridge to be around $2000 to $3000 and potentially higher.
Several key factors influence the determination of the cost of a dental bridge:
- Type of Bridge and Material: Different types of bridges, such as traditional or implant-supported, require varying materials and fabrication processes, affecting the overall cost.
- Number of Missing Teeth: The number of teeth that need to be replaced with a bridge will impact the complexity of the procedure and the materials required, thereby affecting the cost.
- Location and Complexity of the Procedure: The location of the missing teeth and the complexity of the bridge placement procedure can influence the cost. Difficult-to-reach areas or additional preparatory work may increase the overall price.
- Condition of Adjacent Teeth: The health and condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap play a role in determining the cost. If these teeth require additional treatments or restoration, it can impact the overall price.
- Supplies and Equipment: Specific supplies and equipment necessary for your individual treatment, such as dental implants or specialized tools, can contribute to the cost.
It is important to note that an accurate quote cannot be provided over the phone, as each case is unique. To obtain precise information about your treatment options and an accurate cost estimate, it is essential to consult a dentist and undergo an oral examination.
If you have dental insurance, the dental practice can provide you with a quote that you can submit to your insurance provider. This way, you can determine your out-of-pocket expenses before making a decision about your dental bridge treatment.
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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
When it comes to dental bridges, there are various options available, including permanent and semi-permanent varieties. Often referred to as fixed partial dentures, bridges fall into the semi-permanent category as they are bonded to existing teeth or implants. Distinguishing between a bridge (which remains in place) and a denture (which can be taken out) is relatively straightforward. Bridges consist solely of teeth, while dentures encompass both teeth and the pink gums portion.
Cantilever bridges are an option when there are no adjacent teeth on both sides of the gap caused by missing teeth. However, these bridges have become less popular and are not recommended for use in the posterior region of the mouth. The primary concern is the potential excessive force they can exert on surrounding teeth, which may result in damage. If you have missing teeth at the back of your mouth, rest assured that there are alternative solutions readily available to address your specific dental needs.
There are multiple material options available for the construction of dental bridges, including gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. At our clinic, we primarily opt for porcelain as the material of choice for our dental bridge procedures.
The terms dental bridge and crown are occasionally used interchangeably, leading to confusion. However, it is important to differentiate between these two dental treatments. Dental crowns are prosthetic caps that are placed over teeth that are cracked, chipped, or worn, providing reinforcement and protection against tooth decay. On the other hand, dental bridges are designed to fill the space caused by the loss of one or more teeth, effectively bridging the gap between the remaining teeth.
Solely utilizing a crown cannot replace a missing tooth. A crown, functioning as a dental cap that mimics the appearance and texture of a tooth, requires support from either a prepared existing tooth, a partial tooth with a post, or a dental implant located beneath the gum line and within the gums.
Zirconia is among the materials that can be utilized for the construction of dental bridges. If you would like to delve deeper into the available material options and receive recommendations tailored to your specific needs, feel free to inquire. We are here to provide you with comprehensive information and assist you in making an informed decision.