Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Failing to treat missing teeth when you should could result in the movement of your teeth, causing irregular bites, crooked teeth and even speech impediments. Neglecting proper treatment such as dental bridges could also result in more dental problems such as periodontal disease.

Types of Bridges

1)      Cantilever and conventional bridges—these are fixed bridges and cannot be removed. Your dentist shapes your teeth around the missing tooth or missing teeth and then inserts a crown on the shaped tooth/teeth.

2)      Resin-bonded bridges—for these bridges, you won’t need much preparation. These bridges are mostly used for your front teeth.

About the Procedure

Getting your dental bridges first requires that your dentist assesses the condition of your gums and teeth. If you are a candidate for dental bridges, then you will be given a local anesthetic. Your dentist will then prepare your teeth for the particular bridge that will suit your needs.

Preparation consists of your dentist taking impressions of your teeth and sending them to the dental lab where a technician creates the bridges based on the mold of your teeth. Meanwhile, your dentist will give you a temporary bridge to wear at home while your permanent one is being made in the lab.

Finally, you will return to the dental office to get your temporary bridge replaced with your permanent one.

The Cost of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges range in cost depending on who your dentist is, where your dentist is located, the severity of your case, what additional tools and treatments you may need such as dental fillings, and what kind of material used for your dental bridges.

On average, dental bridges cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per tooth.