Dental Bridge

One of the most common dental issues, especially among the older population, is tooth loss. While dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth, this isn’t always an option. Dental implants are expensive and, when you’re replacing more than one tooth, it can be out of the budget.

The most cost-effective way to replace several missing teeth in a row at Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond, TX is with a dental bridge. In this article, we’ll explain more about dental bridges, how they work

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative dental device used to fill in the gap left behind by missing teeth. This device consists of two dental crowns with one or more teeth in between. The crowns may be placed on existing natural teeth on each side of the gap or can be attached to dental implants placed on each side of the gap.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four main types of dental bridges to choose from based on your personal needs and expectations.

Traditional Bridge

The most common type of dental bridge is a traditional bridge. This type of bridge consists of 2 dental crowns with one or more artificial teeth in between. The crowns are placed on the natural teeth on each side of the gap.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but instead of having a crown on each side, there is only one crown. This type of bridge only requires a natural tooth on one side of the gap.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge requires a natural tooth on each side of the gap. However, instead of dental crowns, this type of bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework on the back of the teeth.

Implant-supported Bridge

This type of bridge uses dental implants on each side of the gap instead of dental crowns placed on neighboring natural teeth. This type of bridge typically requires at least 2 visits:

Since this type of bridge requires dental implants, recovery takes at least several months- but this is the strongest and most stable dental bridge.

These bridges come in different materials including porcelain, gold, metal alloys, composite resin, and more. Typically, for dental bridge front teeth, porcelain is used because it looks more like natural teeth than other options.

Reasons for a Dental Bridge

Your teeth are designed to work together as a whole. When you are missing one or more of your teeth, the neighboring teeth may shift or become loose and fall out. This results in jaw pain and other issues such as:

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer several benefits, including:

Restores ability to bite/chew
Restores ability to speak clearly
Improves confidence
Redistributes bite force
Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting
Maintains facial shape and youthful appearance

Dental Bridge Procedure Step-by-Step

The procedure for getting a dental bridge is slightly different, depending on the type of bridge you are getting. For a traditional bridge, you can expect the following:

Some enamel and dentin will be shaved off the natural teeth on each side of the gap to create space for the bridge.
An impression will be made of the space to allow the lab to fabricate your bridge, which usually takes a few weeks. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be placed.
Once your permanent bridge is in the office, we will schedule an appointment to have it fitted and secured in place. In some cases, temporary cement is used to allow you to have time to make sure you can get used to it. Once you are, we can use permanent dental glue.

Aftercare

After getting a dental bridge, it’s important to avoid foods that are hard or chewy for the first 24 hours. Below are some tips to care for your dental bridge:

Avoid the following:

Dental Bridge Lifespan Expectancy

Dental bridges typically last about 5 to 7 years, depending on your oral hygiene habits, diet, and lifestyle. If you have good habits and keep up with dental exams and cleanings, you may be able to make your dental bridge last 10 years or more. In fact, according to dental experts, in some cases, a dental bridge may last a lifetime.

Cost of Dental Bridge

On average, a traditional dental bridge costs between $2,000 to $4,000 for two crowns with one tooth between. Implant-supported bridges are slightly higher, ranging from around $5,000 to $15,000 for two implants with 3 to 4 teeth between.

There are several factors used to determine the cost of a dental bridge, including:

Number of teeth required
Type of bridge/materials used
Complexity of placement in the mouth
Experience/expertise of the dentist
Dental clinic location
Additional treatments

In many cases, dental insurance will cover some of the costs associated with this type of treatment. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage so that you don’t have to. If you do not have insurance or your insurance coverage is not adequate, we will be happy to explain our financing options to you.

We understand the importance of quality dental care and do not believe that cost should ever be a barrier when it comes to treatment options.

Schedule Your Consultation with Glow Up Dentistry Today

If you are missing several teeth in a row, a dental bridge may be the best option for you- but the only way to find out is to schedule your consultation. The team at Glow Up Dentistry will be happy to examine your mouth and determine the best treatment option for you.

We have the experience and expertise to work with patients of all ages and look forward to helping you restore your smile.

Dental Bridge FAQs

The team at Glow Up Dentistry believes that it’s important for patients to understand the procedures. Therefore, we are happy to answer your questions. Below are some of the most common questions that we get asked about dental bridges.

How long does it take for a dental bridge to settle?

Typically, it takes about 2 to 3 weeks for a dental bridge to settle. If you are still struggling with your bridge after this time, contact the clinic right away to get an appointment so that we can find out what is causing the problems.

How to clean a dental bridge?

If your dental bridge is permanent, you will brush and floss like you normally would with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. If your bridge is removable, it should be cleaned like dentures.

Is dental bridge painful?

As a general rule, a dental bridge is not painful. Some patients do report some minor discomfort as they adjust to wearing the bridge- but the pain should not be unbearable. If you do have extreme pain, contact the office as soon as possible so that we can address the issue.

Can you sleep with a dental bridge?

Yes, if your bridge is permanent, you can sleep with it. However, if it is removable, it’s important to remove it before going to bed so that you can clean it and your mouth can rest.

Is it hard to eat with a dental bridge?

Some patients struggle at first, especially if they’ve been without teeth for a while- but it’s really not hard to eat with a dental bridge once you get used to it.

Can I brush my teeth with a dental bridge?

Yes, if your dental bridge is permanent, you can brush your teeth with it in. However, if your bridge is removable, it’s best to take it out to clean it instead.

Can teeth decay under a dental bridge?

If you have a traditional bridge and you do not properly maintain it, bacteria can get under the crown and cause tooth decay. Therefore, proper care and maintenance is critical, which includes brushing/flossing as directed and visiting the dentist every 6 months to check for issues.