Missing teeth affect your smile, facial appearance, oral health, and chewing and speaking abilities. They also increase the risk of oral issues like misalignment and jawbone recession. Fortunately, various dental restorations focus on restoring smiles and function. Read on to learn about dental bridges.
What are Dental Bridges?
When you miss a tooth or two, the dentist can use a dental bridge to close the gap. A tooth bridge consists of a false tooth and crowns held in place by the teeth on either side of the hole. It can be created from porcelain, resin, zirconia, or metal. Your dentist can custom-make it to fit perfectly in your jaw and appear natural.
What are the Types of Dental Bridges?
Tooth bridges rely on the teeth next to the gap created by missing teeth for support. Therefore, these teeth must be healthy. However, it is possible to have dental bridges not attached to adjacent teeth for support. Your tooth bridge dentist can recommend either of the bridges below.
> Traditional Bridges
This bridge consists of two crowns stuck to artificial teeth. The crowns are attached to the teeth on both sides of the gap. These bridges are ideal when the teeth near the gap are healthy and robust.
> Cantilever Bridges
The bridges are anchored by a crown on one side of the gap. They are suitable for restoring teeth on the front side of the mouth.
> Maryland Bonded Bridges
These crowns use a metal or porcelain framework to anchor the tooth instead of crowns. Teeth adjacent to the gap are preserved during the process.
> Implant-Supported Bridges
When restoring several missing teeth, the dentist will use these bridges. They attach the bridges to dental implants for maximum support.
What is the Step-By-Step Procedure for Getting Dental Bridges?
The process of dental bridges varies depending on the type of bridge and the number of teeth being restored. You can expect the steps below during a dental bridge procedure by our dentist at 78734:
- The dentist will examine your mouth to determine suitability for the procedure. They will check for decay and gum disease and then provide appropriate treatments. Next, they will take X-rays to select the most suitable type of bridge. If you need an implant-supported bridge, they will
- They will then numb the area around the gap using anesthesia. If necessary, they will administer a sedative to calm you for the procedure.
- The dentist will prepare for a bridge by filing down one or two healthy teeth used to support the bridge.
- Next, they will take scans or a mold of the gap and surrounding teeth to enable bridge creation.
- If you need an implant-supported bridge, the expert will fix posts in the jawbone of the missing tooth. This surgical procedure will be done after the administration of anesthesia and sedatives.
- They will place a temporary pre-made bridge on the gap. It will protect the prepared teeth and restore function for a short time.
- Once the new bridge is ready, you will visit the dentist for it to be permanently cemented.
What is the Cost of Getting Dental Bridges?
Generally, the cost of dental bridges varies from $1,500-$15,000. The exact price depends on the number of teeth replaced, the material used, and the bridge type. It also varies based on the additional treatments and the complexity of placement. Our dentist in Austin, TX will evaluate your mouth and determine the exact cost of your treatment.
What are the Benefits of Getting Dental Bridges?
Restoring your smile with dental bridges ensures you the benefits below:
- Bridges replace missing teeth restoring your ability to speak and eat with ease.
- Implant-supported bridges stimulate jaw bone growth, helping maintain your face’s natural shape.
- They prevent teeth next to the gap from shifting and becoming misaligned.
- Bridges restore self-esteem and confidence affected by tooth loss.
- These restorations are permanently fixed in place. Therefore, they do not move when you eat or speak.
- The dental bridge procedure is fast and pain-free with effective results.
Get Dental Bridges Near You
Improving your gapped smile with dental bridges is one of the best choices. The restorations have several benefits and are suitable for patients of all ages. Are you looking to get a tooth bridge dentist near Lakeway, TX? Schedule an appointment for dental bridges in Austin, TX at Lake Travis Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today!
