BRIDGES

DENTAL BRIDGES

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges will supply an impressive number of benefits to anyone who decides to have them installed. First of all, they restore a natural look to your mouth and to your smile, and you will have the ability to speak normally again, since there will be no missing teeth. Your normal facial structure will be retained, and bone loss will be prevented in the jaw when you have a dental bridge installed. Of course, you will also regain the ability to chew food and have a normal bite pattern when you have a solid dental bridge installed.

What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?

There are four main types of dental bridges available, and these are known as a traditional dental bridge, a cantilever dental bridge, a Maryland bonded bridge, and the implant-supported bridge. The traditional bridge is the most common type used, and it’s composed of a dental crown which gets attached to the surrounding teeth for stability. The cantilever bridge has a different structure, and uses a single anchor truth, and these are generally used on teeth in the front of your mouth. The Maryland bonded bridge has a structure similar to a traditional bridge, but instead of using a dental crown as an anchor, it uses a porcelain or metal framework instead. The implant-supported bridge is anchored in place with a dental implant that gets installed in your jaw, to provide a rock-solid foundation.

What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?

At your first visit, abutment teeth will be prepared by the dentist, and this involves contouring the teeth by removing some part of the enamel to make room for a crown to be positioned over them. Then impressions of the teeth will be made, and these will serve as a model for producing the bridge, pontic, and crowns. You’ll be given a temporary bridge to wear while the permanent one is being formulated in the lab. At the next visit to your dentist, the temporary bridge will be removed and the new metal or porcelain bridge will be installed and adjusted.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bridges

There are so many benefits to dental bridges, that they have become extremely popular in dentistry. They are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, providing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Patients with dental bridges can chew and speak effectively, because any missing teeth will be replaced. Since you no longer have a missing tooth, there won’t be any tendency for nearby teeth to shift into that open area. Dental bridges are also very easy to maintain, and are comfortable for the patient to wear.

One of the disadvantages of dental bridges is that the abutment teeth on either side of the gap can become damaged over time, and it’s even possible that these teeth are not strong enough to support the bridge and will collapse. It’s also possible for plaque and bacteria to build up on the abutment teeth if good oral hygiene is not observed.

FAQ

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

A typical cost for a dental bridge can range anywhere from $1500 to $5000, depending on the specific type of bridge which gets installed. For instance, a traditional dental bridge will generally range from $2000 to $5000, including the cost for both pontic and crown for the abutment teeth.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

The Cleveland Clinic tells us that dental bridges routinely last between five and seven years. However, if you practice good oral hygiene and conscientiously make all your dental appointments, you can extend the life of your dental bridge significantly.

Can I Eat With a Dental Bridge?

Since a dental bridge functions very much like your normal teeth would, you can eat virtually anything you want, and there are no off-limits beverages either. However, it would be best for you to avoid eating hard foods like nuts or chewing on ice, so as to avoid potential damage to your dental bridge.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Cook in Miami Beach Today!

If you have any other questions about dental bridges, or if you’d like to schedule an initial consultation, contact Dr. Cook in Miami Beach today, so we can set you up with an appointment.