Options for Replacing Missing Teeth: An Overview of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an option for replacing missing teeth that creates a literal bridge from one remaining permanent tooth to the next. Traditionally, these bridges consist of a false tooth, or pontic, connected to a crown placed upon adjacent teeth on either side, although similar, but modified types of bridges do exist.

Types of dental bridges available

There are multiple types of dental bridges available, each having its benefits and disadvantages. It is best to speak with a dental professional to identify which type of bridge best fits your need.

  • Traditional bridges: consist of a false tooth supported by crowns placed on the adjacent tooth on each side. Traditional bridges may consist of a series of false teeth and crowns.
  • Cantilever bridges: include a single false tooth and a single crown placed on only one adjacent tooth. These are not considered as durable as traditional bridges.
  • Maryland bonded bridges: involve a single or series of false teeth bonded to adjacent teeth with metal or porcelain wings, as opposed to crown placement.
  • Implant-Supported bridges: are placed on top of surgically implanted titanium screws in the jaw that provide stability and health benefits of natural tooth roots.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

There are many benefits of dental bridges to be considered when choosing an option for replacing missing teeth.

A dental bridge can:

  • Restore physical appearance altered by missing teeth.
  • Restore proper speaking and chewing functions.
  • Prevent shifting of remaining natural teeth.
  • Slow jawbone deterioration and altered facial structure.
  • Protect remaining natural teeth deterioration by more evenly distributing bite force.

Disadvantages of Dental Bridges

While dental bridges provide many advantages, that are disadvantages for any option for replacing missing teeth that also should be taken into consideration.

  • Most types of bridges require healthy natural teeth to be altered for crown placement or wing bondage.
  • Do not prevent jawbone reabsorption, which may need to be addressed with additional measures.
  • Not a permanent solution and may need to be replaced after several years due to breakage, deterioration, or other factors.
  • A dental professional can help you analyze both benefits and disadvantages of dental bridges to help you decide whether they are the best choice for you when considering options for replacing missing teeth.

How to care for a dental bridge

Dental bridges are a low maintenance option for replacing missing teeth, requiring only the daily maintenance of natural teeth, including brushing twice daily, flossing, the use of an antiseptic mouthwash, and regular professional cleanings. Additional care should be given when eating hard and sticky foods, depending on the type of bridge used.

How much does a dental bridge cost?

Several variables are used in determining the price of a dental bridge:

  • Type of bridge.
  • Number of teeth being replaced.
  • Preparative work before bridge placement.
  • Materials used to bridge creation and placement.
  • Geographic location.

Many dental insurance plans will help with a percentage of bridge cost. Your dentist or insurance company may help you better understand your financial responsibility for bridge placement.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Options for Replacing Missing Teeth in Hackensack, NJ

Request an appointment or call Precision Smiles at 201-204-1355 for an appointment in our Hackensack office.

Recent Posts

Speak To Your Dentist About Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

Options for replacing missing teeth are not just about aesthetics - they can restore your ability to chew effectively and avoid bone loss after teeth are gone. Toothless gaps can be filled by dental implants, bridges, or dentures, but if you're looking for more immediate results, there are other options for replacing missing teeth available…

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Why Teeth May Need To Be Replaced

With so many options for replacing missing teeth, tooth replacement may be intimidating. However, not replacing a decayed or missing tooth may have negative effects on your overall dental health. A dentist may recommend tooth extraction and replacement for several reasons. Although these procedures might sound daunting, they will help maintain your dental health for…

When Should You Seek Options For Replacing Missing Teeth?

If you're considering your options for replacing missing teeth, you may want to know when you should make your decision. In short, as soon as you can. Now, this is not always an option nor available at a moment's notice.Depending on the route you go, you're going to have to wait to let things heal.…

Precision Smiles

Share
Published by
Precision Smiles

Recent Posts

Are You a Candidate for Dental Veneers?

Getting dental veneers can improve your smile. These thin shells can also protect the treated…

3 days ago

A Comprehensive Guide of Getting Dental Veneers

If you are tired of feeling self-conscious about your smile, then dental veneers may be…

1 week ago

How to Properly Care for Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells that are often made of strong material. Your dentist will…

3 weeks ago

Clear Braces: A Discreet Way to Straighten Your Smile

Clear braces provide an option that blends in with natural teeth, offering a more subtle…

3 weeks ago

How a Family Dentist Can Address Sleep Apnea

Living with sleep apnea has many health implications. Aside from respiratory and cardiovascular troubles, you…

3 weeks ago

Key Differences Between Dental Veneers and Dental Crowns

Dental veneers and dental crowns are restorations that can change the appearance of your teeth.…

4 weeks ago