If you are missing any teeth, you probably would like to find a way to close that gap and restore your smile. The solution may be a dental bridge, which consists of two tooth crowns being placed on each end of the gap and a replacement tooth or teeth in between. Dental bridges can be held in place by your real teeth or by implants. To find out if a dental bridge is the best solution for you, let’s learn about the basics.
Benefits
Dental bridges can return your smile and your ability to chew and speak properly. They help maintain your face shape, and prevent your other teeth from moving out of their proper positions. Bridges are also natural in appearance, making it hard for others to tell they are not your real teeth. If you practice proper oral hygiene, your bridge should last ten years or longer.
Types of bridges
• Fixed bridges are the most common, and are fused between two porcelain crowns. They can’t be removed from your mouth.
• Resin-bonded bridges, usually used for front teeth, are made of plastic teeth and gums anchored by a metal frame. The metal bands on each side are adhered to your existing teeth, which must be in good condition.
• Cantilever bridges are used when you have adjacent teeth on only one side of the gap. This type of bridge anchors the false tooth to one side over one or more natural adjacent teeth.
Costs
The price of dental bridges depends on the type used and where you live. Dental insurance usually pays a percentage of the fees, sometimes about half of the entire cost. A general estimate for dental bridge cost ranges from $500-900 per tooth, with additional costs for crowns and other parts of the procedure.
