Fill Gaps Caused By 1 To 3 Missing Teeth
A dental bridge enhances the appearance and health of your mouth by filling gaps with a false tooth supported by dental implants, natural teeth, or both. Known as a ‘fixed partial denture,’ bridges are bonded or cemented to your teeth and remain in place without needing removal for sleep or cleaning. Addressing tooth gaps is crucial not only for aesthetics but also for long-term oral health. Missing teeth can hinder speech and chewing, and gaps allow other teeth to shift out of place.
Long-Lasting Benefits Of Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can leave us feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. A dental bridge is an excellent solution to restore your smile’s natural appearance and comfort. Additionally, it provides long-term benefits for your other teeth and the overall bone health of your mouth. Here are the key advantages of a dental bridge:
Comfort
These immediate advantages significantly impact your daily life. With a dental bridge, you can feel and look normal again, allowing you to smile and eat with confidence and reclaim the smile you know and love. Missing teeth can cause discomfort and make it difficult or painful to speak or eat. Dental bridges provide a long-lasting solution to these issues, often lasting over ten years with proper care.
Tooth health
Your teeth support each other and play a crucial role in maintaining your facial structure. Missing teeth can disrupt your bite and create gaps for other teeth to shift into. A dental bridge prevents this shifting, reducing the risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorder caused by misaligned teeth.
Bone health
Healthy, stable teeth promote healthy jawbones. As dental health declines, so does the health of the bone and tissues supporting your teeth. Stabilizing your dental health with a dental bridge can slow the rate of bone loss associated with missing teeth.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in St. Paul
The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, the average cost of a dental bridge ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Without insurance, a reasonable estimate starts at around $4,000.
- Type of Bridge and Material: The specific type of bridge (traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported) and the materials used (porcelain, metal, or a combination) impact the cost.
- Number of Missing Teeth: The more teeth that need to be replaced, the higher the cost.
- Location and Complexity: The complexity and location of the procedure can affect the price.
- Condition of Adjacent Teeth: The health of the teeth adjacent to the gap plays a role in the overall cost.
- Supplies and Equipment: The specific supplies and equipment required for your treatment will influence the final cost.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Dental Bridge:
It’s important to note that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Your dental needs are unique, and it’s essential to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to explore all your treatment options and receive an accurate quote.
If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote for submission to your insurance company, allowing you to determine 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
There are different types of dental bridges, including permanent and semi-permanent options. Often referred to as fixed partial dentures, bridges are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. The easiest way to differentiate between a bridge and a denture is that bridges remain fixed in place and consist only of the teeth, while dentures are removable and include pink gum-like structures along with the teeth.
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 exert excessive force on the supporting teeth, potentially causing damage. If you have missing teeth in the back of your mouth, there are other, more suitable solutions available.
The process typically requires two appointments, with each appointment lasting less than an hour.
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. At our practice, we primarily use porcelain for our dental bridge procedures.
Sometimes, people use the terms dental bridge and crown interchangeably, but they serve different functions. Dental crowns are prosthetic caps placed over broken, chipped, or worn teeth to strengthen them and prevent tooth decay. On the other hand, dental bridges are designed to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
A crown, by itself, cannot replace a missing tooth. A crown is a dental cap that looks and feels like a tooth but needs support beneath the gum line. This support can come from an existing and prepared tooth, a partial tooth with a post, or a dental implant.
Bridges can be made of zirconia. For more information, feel free to ask us. We would be happy to show you the available materials and provide recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
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