Dental Bridges: Solution for Missing Teeth

Dental Bridges:
Your Solution for Missing Teeth

Restore you smile today

If you’ve ever had teeth extracted, you know it can leave unpleasant gaps in your teeth. These gaps can cause trouble chewing, speaking, and keeping your teeth clean. If this is the case, we’ve got the solution you’re looking for: dental bridges.

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What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is just what it sounds like. A dental bridge simply “bridges” the gap created by missing teeth. Using one or more artificial teeth (or pontics), bridges are set upon crowns over the top of a gap. This creates a natural-looking set of artificial teeth to replace the tooth that was previously extracted.

Dental Bridge Near Me:
What Are My Options

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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.

dental implant vs bridge to replace a tooth

Watch the “Is it better to have a dental bridge versus an implant” Video

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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.

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Cost of a Dental Bridge

The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly. Depending upon many factors, a bridge can fall between $500 and $1200 per tooth. A great way to know the cost of a dental bridge is to set up a free consultation with one of our many locations.

As one can imagine, a bridge with one pontic will be less expensive than a bridge with two or more pontics. Also, the price of zirconia will be greater than that of porcelain.

If you’re concerned about being able to afford a dental bridge, don’t worry. Nebraska Family Dentistry offers dental payment plans to offer affordable dentistry.

We also offer CareCredit, dental payment plans, and take payments in several different forms. If you have any questions about affording your dental care, give us a call, and we’ll be glad to talk you through the options.

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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.

Let’s Compare:
Dental Bridge versus Dental Implants

Comparison: Basic Information to help you make an Informed Decision!	Bridge: Used to bridge the gap created by missing teeth.	Implants: The best long-term solution to replace missing teeth.
Longevity:	7 – 30 years	Lifetime
Preservation of healthy adjacent teeth:	No	Yes
Transmission of force to:	Adjacent Teeth	Bone
Prevent bone loss & preserve facial appearance:	Partially	Yes
A requirement for daily flossing:	Yes	Yes
Risk of developing cavities:	Yes	No
Accelerated loss of adjacent teeth:	Yes	No
The time needed to complete the procedure:	2 – 3 Weeks	3 – 6 Months

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.

Who Can Benefit from Implants?

Patients who have one missing tooth, especially a chewing tooth, can benefit from this procedure. Rarely, a patient may not be a good candidate for the successful placement of implants and on occasion, additional surgery may be needed to ensure adequate bone support to the implants being placed.

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.

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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.

Do I need to be a certain age to get a dental bridge?

In most cases, dentists don’t recommend bridges for children. On the other hand, there aren’t patients that are too old for a bridge. Once patients are in their late teens, typically, dentists will be able to place a bridge, since their jaw has nearly completed the growing process.

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.

I’m pregnant. Can I still get a dental bridge?

Dentists don’t recommend getting a bridge for pregnant women in their first trimester. This is primarily because the anesthesia used is associated with many health risks for pregnant women.

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.

How long does it take to get a dental bridge?

Usually, two dental appointments will do the trick. However, each bridge treatment is different, so your dentist will work with you to determine how long it will take.

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.