Fill Gaps Caused by 1 to 3 Missing Teeth
Dental bridges restore your smile and oral health by filling gaps with a false tooth supported by dental implants, natural teeth, or a combination of both. As a ‘fixed partial denture,’ bridges are securely bonded and don’t require removal for sleeping or cleaning.
Beyond aesthetics, dental bridges are essential for maintaining proper oral function. They prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of place, which can affect speech and chewing. Replacing missing teeth helps preserve your bite alignment and overall dental health.
Long-Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges restore your smile’s natural look and comfort while offering long-term benefits for your oral health. Here’s how they make a difference:
Comfort
Dental bridges provide a natural feel, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently. By filling gaps, they eliminate discomfort and make daily activities more comfortable. With proper care, dental bridges can last over ten years, offering a durable solution to missing teeth.
Tooth health
Your teeth support each other to maintain proper alignment and facial structure. Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, leading to bite issues and increased risk of decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders. Dental bridges prevent this shifting, preserving the health and alignment of your remaining teeth.
Bone health
Stable teeth are crucial for maintaining healthy jawbones. Missing teeth can lead to bone loss over time. Dental bridges help stabilize your dental structure, slowing down the rate of bone deterioration and supporting overall oral health.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in St. Paul
The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on individual needs. With insurance, the average cost ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Without insurance, prices typically start around $4,000.
- Type of Bridge and Material: The type of bridge (traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported) and the materials used (porcelain, metal, or a combination) influence the cost.
- Number of Missing Teeth: Replacing multiple teeth increases the overall cost.
- Location and Complexity: The location and complexity of the procedure can impact pricing.
- Condition of Adjacent Teeth: The health of surrounding teeth affects preparation and costs.
- Supplies and Equipment: Specific tools and materials required for your treatment will influence the final price.
Factors Affecting the Cost:
Getting an Accurate Quote
No dental practice can provide an exact quote over the phone since every patient’s needs are unique. An in-person consultation and oral exam are necessary to explore your treatment options and provide an accurate estimate.
If you have dental insurance, we can provide a detailed quote for submission to your insurance company, helping you understand your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
Contact Us Today
Schedule an initial consultation and exam to get started on your journey to a healthier smile. During your consultation, we will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and the shape and condition of your bite. Our goal is to understand how your entire mouth looks and functions.
Before planning your treatment, we want to learn everything about the health and aesthetics of your smile, and most importantly, understand your goals. This way, we can tailor our approach to help you achieve the smile you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Permanent Bridge: Fixed to natural teeth or implants, non-removable, and durable.
- Semi-Permanent Bridge: Bonded but removable by a dentist for maintenance.
- Partial Denture: Removable, with artificial teeth set in a gum-colored base and secured with clasps.
Key Differences:
- Permanence: Permanent bridges are fixed; partial dentures are removable.
- Structure: Bridges consist of teeth only; partial dentures include gum-like bases.
- Maintenance: Permanent bridges require regular brushing; partial dentures are cleaned separately.
Cantilever bridges are used when there are no adjacent teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth. These bridges are less common today and are generally not recommended for the back of the mouth, as they can put excessive force on the supporting teeth, potentially causing damage. If you have missing teeth in the back of your mouth, there are more suitable alternatives available.
The process typically requires two appointments, with each appointment lasting less than an hour.
Dental bridges can be made from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. At our practice, we primarily use porcelain for its natural appearance and durability.
While people sometimes use the terms interchangeably, they serve different purposes. Dental crowns are caps placed over damaged teeth to strengthen them and prevent decay. Dental bridges fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the surrounding teeth or implants.
No, a crown alone cannot replace a missing tooth. It requires support beneath the gum line from an existing tooth, a post, or a dental implant. For gaps, a bridge or implant-supported crown is a better solution.
Yes, zirconia is a durable and natural-looking material for dental bridges. If you’re interested, we can show you the available materials and recommend the best option for your needs.
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