Fill Gaps Caused by 1 to 3 Missing Teeth
A dental bridge can effectively restore both the appearance and health of your mouth by filling in spaces left by missing teeth. Using a false tooth supported by dental implants, natural teeth, or a combination of both, a bridge provides a durable solution. Also known as a “fixed partial denture,” this type of restoration is bonded or cemented to your teeth, so there’s no need to remove it for cleaning or sleeping.
Filling these gaps is crucial not only for cosmetic reasons but also for maintaining your long-term oral health. Missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly or chew food properly. Moreover, the absence of a tooth can lead to neighbouring teeth shifting out of position, potentially causing misalignment or bite issues over time.
Long-Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. While a dental bridge can restore your smile and help you feel like yourself again, it also provides significant long-term benefits for your overall oral health, including your remaining teeth and jawbone. Here’s a summary of the key advantages of getting a dental bridge:
Comfort
One of the most immediate benefits of a dental bridge is that it restores both the appearance and function of your smile. You’ll feel more confident smiling and eating, without the discomfort that missing teeth can cause. Gaps from missing teeth can sometimes make it difficult or painful to speak or eat, but a dental bridge provides a durable solution to this discomfort—often lasting more than ten years with proper care.
Tooth Health
Your teeth work together to support one another and maintain your facial structure. When a tooth is missing, it can alter your bite and create space for other teeth to shift. A dental bridge helps prevent neighbouring teeth from moving out of place, reducing the risk of decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and even TMJ disorders that can result from misaligned teeth.
Bone Health
Healthy teeth play a critical role in keeping your jawbone strong. When teeth are missing, the bone in that area can begin to deteriorate over time. By stabilizing your dental health with a bridge, you can slow the rate of bone loss and preserve the health of the tissues that support your teeth. A dental bridge helps maintain your bone health and prevent further complications.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in Bowmanville
The cost of a dental bridge in Bowmanville can vary significantly depending on individual factors. On average, with typical insurance coverage, a dental bridge costs between $800 to $1,200 or more. For those without insurance, a reasonable estimate ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 and up.
- Type of bridge and the material used.
- Number of missing teeth being replaced.
- Location and complexity of the procedure.
- Condition of the surrounding teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Supplies and equipment required for your specific treatment.
What determines the cost of a dental bridge? Several factors contribute to the cost of a dental bridge, including:
It’s important to remember that no dental practice can give an accurate quote over the phone. Your needs are unique, and an in-person consultation is necessary to determine the best treatment options for you. After a comprehensive oral exam, your dentist can provide an accurate cost estimate. If you have dental insurance, the office can offer you a detailed quote to submit, helping you understand your out-of-pocket expenses before moving forward with treatment.
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
Dental bridges come in different forms—permanent and semi-permanent. Bridges are often called fixed partial dentures because they are semi-permanent and bonded to existing teeth or implants. A simple way to tell the difference is that a bridge stays in place (it’s just the teeth), while a denture is removable and includes both teeth and pink gum-like material.
A cantilever bridge is used when there aren’t teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth. Though not very common anymore, cantilever bridges aren’t typically recommended for the back of the mouth because they can put too much pressure on other teeth, potentially causing damage. For missing teeth in the back of your mouth, other options may be more suitable.
The process generally 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. Our practice primarily uses porcelain for dental bridge procedures due to its natural appearance and durability.
While people sometimes confuse dental bridges and crowns, they serve different purposes. A dental crown is a prosthetic cap placed over a damaged or worn tooth to protect it and restore its function. A dental bridge, on the other hand, fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth.
No, a crown by itself cannot replace a missing tooth. Crowns cover and protect a tooth but need to be supported by an existing tooth, a partial tooth with a post, or a dental implant. For replacing a missing tooth, a dental bridge or implant would be required.
Yes, dental bridges can be made from zirconia. If you’re interested, feel free to ask us more about the materials available, and we’d be happy to recommend the best option for your specific needs.