Bridges

Dental Bridge Near Me: What Are My Options

There are a few primary types of bridges that are placed today:

Traditional Bridge
The most commonly used type of bridge, traditional bridges use a crown on either side of the gap.

Cantilever Bridge
Cantilevers are used when there is only one tooth to support the bridge.

Implant-Supported Bridge
Implants are the most stable of any tooth replacements. Implant-supported bridges bond with the jawbone to provide a tooth-like structure.

Different types of dental bridges can also be made up of various kinds of materials. If you have questions about any of these, feel free to give us a call or set up a free consultation. We’re happy to talk through the options with you.

Porcelain Bridge – Porcelain bridges offer the most realistic option since they appear to have the same surface as teeth. For porcelain bridges, the surrounding teeth require more modifications than for metal. Because of this, porcelain bridges tend to cause more wear and tear to nearby teeth.

Zirconia Bridge – Zirconia bridges, while similar to porcelain, are much stronger than porcelain. They require minimal amounts of tooth alteration, making them an ideal choice for patients with surrounding teeth that are already worn down.

Who can get dental bridges?

For the most part, anyone who is missing between one and three teeth in a row can get a dental bridge. Typically, dentists won’t recommend a dental bridge for those missing more teeth than two or three. Instead, implants tend to be excellent options for those missing more teeth.

There are a few things that can disqualify a patient from being a candidate for a dental bridge. For one, if a patient has developing gum disease, a bridge would not be a long term good option. Additionally, severe tooth decay can prevent someone from being able to get a dental bridge.

Dental Bridge versus Dental Implants

Which one is a better option?

This can be a tough decision. Here are a few general guidelines we follow that may help you decide. If the adjacent teeth around a missing space are already cracked or decayed and require crowns, a bridge is a more practical option. However, a dental implant is almost always the best and most conservative option for tooth replacement because teeth adjacent to the missing space are not affected by the placement of an implant. Choosing to place an implant rather than a bridge also gives the benefit of preserving bone. When teeth are removed, bone dissolves in the space the tooth once occupied. This can result in a sunken-in appearance from a lack of bone support for facial structures. Implants keep bone active and prevent resorption.

Who Can Benefit from Bridges?

Patients who have one missing tooth can benefit from this procedure and if the adjacent teeth next to the missing tooth require extra support, it can also be beneficial. If you choose a bridge, some bone will still be lost in areas and you may develop cavities. 

What is the cost for an implant vs a three-unit bridge for the replacement of one single tooth?

The cost of a single implant is around $3500-$4000 and a 3 unit bridge is around $3300 without any dental insurance coverage. If your specific insurance policy does cover part of your treatment, the cost may be lower for those procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Bridges

In our office, we tend to get asked the same questions often. To help you understand dental bridges further, here are some of the most commonly asked questions we hear.

Can I get a bridge after having a tooth removed?

All Nebraska Family Dentistry locations offer same-day temporary bridges that can fill the gap in your smile. Usually, these temporary bridges are placed in the meantime as the dentist and patient discuss the plan for the tooth’s replacement.

Can the tooth or teeth under a bridge be ruined and get a cavity?

It is possible for teeth holding up a bridge to have severe decay or gum disease. If this is the case, your dentist will sometimes need to remove the bridge to address the underlying issue.

What do I need to know the day of my free consultation?

Your medical history! Be sure to let your dentist know of any pre-existing conditions like heart issues, diabetes, liver disease, etc. Also, your dentist will want to know what your expectations are for treatment, as this will help him or she be sure that you’re satisfied.