Fill Gaps Caused by 1 to 3 Missing Teeth
A dental bridge restores both the appearance and health of your mouth by covering spaces with a false tooth supported by dental implants, natural teeth, or both. Often referred to as a “fixed partial denture,” bridges are bonded or cemented in place and don’t need to be removed for sleeping or cleaning. Filling these gaps is essential not just for looks but also for oral health, as missing teeth can make speaking or chewing difficult and allow other teeth to shift.
Long-Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can affect both your confidence and comfort. A dental bridge not only restores the natural look and feel of your smile but also provides lasting benefits for the health of your other teeth and the bone structure of your mouth. In summary, here are the key advantages of choosing a dental bridge:
Comfort
The immediate benefits of a dental bridge are all about comfort. It helps you look and feel like yourself again, allowing you to smile and eat with confidence. Gaps from missing teeth can make speaking or chewing difficult and sometimes painful. A dental bridge provides a long-lasting solution to this discomfort, typically lasting over ten years with proper care.
Tooth Health
Your teeth work together to support your bite and maintain your facial structure. When teeth are missing, it can cause your bite to change and leave room for others to shift out of place. A dental bridge prevents this movement, reducing the risk of decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders caused by misaligned teeth.
Bone Health
Stable, healthy teeth promote strong jawbones. When dental health declines, the bones and tissues that support teeth can weaken as well. A dental bridge helps stabilize your oral health, slowing the rate of bone loss associated with missing teeth.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in Laurens
The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on the patient. For those with insurance, the average cost typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 or more. Without insurance, a reasonable estimate would be around $2,000 to $3,000 and up.
- The type and material of the bridge.
- The number of missing teeth.
- The location and complexity of the procedure.
- The condition of the teeth next to the gap.
- The supplies and equipment needed for your specific treatment.
What Determines the Cost of a Dental Bridge? Several factors influence the cost of a dental bridge, including:
Remember, every smile is unique, so dental practices cannot provide accurate quotes over the phone. To explore your treatment options and receive a precise quote, it’s crucial to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam. If you have dental insurance, we can offer a quote for submission, helping you understand your out-of-pocket expenses before making a decision.
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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 two main types: permanent and semi-permanent. Sometimes called fixed partial dentures, bridges are bonded to existing teeth or implants and are semi-permanent, meaning they stay in place. The main difference between a bridge and a denture is that bridges only replace the missing teeth, while dentures include both the teeth and pink gum-like material and are removable.
A cantilever bridge is used when there aren’t adjacent teeth on both sides of the gap. Though they are less common today, cantilever bridges are not typically recommended for the back of the mouth because they can place too much force on other teeth, potentially causing damage. If your missing teeth are towards the back, other solutions may be more suitable.
Getting a dental bridge usually requires two appointments, with each visit lasting less than an hour.
Dental bridges can be made from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a mix of these materials. For our procedures, we primarily use porcelain due to its natural look and durability.
Although dental bridges and crowns are sometimes confused, they serve different purposes. A dental crown is a prosthetic cap placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape and strength and prevent decay. A dental bridge, on the other hand, fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants.
A crown alone cannot replace a missing tooth. While a crown resembles a natural tooth, it requires support beneath the gum line from either a prepared tooth, a partial tooth with a post, or a dental implant to be effective.
Yes, bridges can be made from zirconia. If you’d like more information, feel free to ask, and we’ll be happy to discuss available materials and provide recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
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