Are you missing teeth? Have you been hiding your smile, missing out on favorite foods, or having trouble talking because of an incomplete smile? A dental bridge could be just the solution you’ve been looking for! With a dental bridge, our team can help you restore your smile to full function and beauty, so you can get back to living a full life again.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are known as abutment teeth, and they serve as anchors for the replacement tooth (or teeth). Between the abutment teeth are false teeth fixed to the appliance that “bridge the gap” left by the missing teeth. The number of teeth you can replace with a single bridge will depend largely on the health and size of the abutment teeth. If you have multiple teeth missing, Dr. Kevin and Dr. Monie may recommend using dental implants for additional support.
Dental bridges are constructed from porcelain, or in some cases, porcelain fused with metal. Our dental team will take digital X-rays of your mouth and impressions to ensure that your new prosthetic crowns fit your bite and smile perfectly!
Bridge vs. Partial Denture
Patients missing only a few teeth often benefit most from dental bridges instead of other tooth replacement options. A fixed bridge fits better than a partial denture, for instance, because it stays in place and has a lower profile than the denture. A partial denture consists of false teeth attached to an acrylic base that mimics the look of your gums. These can often feel bulky and uncomfortable, and they take some time to get used to. They also are removable, so you take them out at night and clean them, just like a traditional denture. That also means that they can slip or become loose like a traditional denture. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is fixed in place, so it won’t slip or come loose while you’re talking or eating. They’re also very low profile, so they feel comfortable and much more natural than a partial denture.
Why Should I Replace Missing Teeth?
Replacing missing teeth benefits your confidence and overall oral health. A dental bridge provides a long-term and naturally looking option for replacing missing teeth, which can improve your oral health by:
- Restoring and maintaining your natural bite
- Maximizing the functionality of your teeth
- Preventing shifting of teeth around missing teeth
- Helping to prevent rubbing on gums and gum disease
Cost of a Dental Bridge
When you visit Williamsville Family Dentistry for a dental bridge consultation, we’ll go over your estimated costs before we begin treatment. We don’t want you to put off restoring your smile because of budget concerns, so we’ll work with you on the dental bridge cost to make it a financial reality for you. We’re insurance friendly and accept payments through CareCreditSM. No matter your budget, we want to help you achieve great oral health.
