Dental Bridges
Montclair
Dental Bridges Montclair
Each tooth is crucial for effective speech, chewing, and maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth. While tooth loss isn't inevitable with age, replacing lost teeth is essential for maintaining oral function. Thankfully, several solutions are available to address tooth loss.
Dental Bridge
Solutions
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to neighboring natural teeth, known as abutment teeth. Bridges can be either fixed or removable.
Fixed bridges are secured by placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by directly bonding the artificial teeth to them. Removable bridges, on the other hand, are held in place with metal clasps or precision attachments.
If you're missing teeth, you're likely aware of how they impact both your appearance and oral health. Teeth are vital for daily functions such as eating and speaking. Replacing missing teeth is crucial, and fixed bridges are an effective option to restore both function and aesthetics.
Understanding Dental Bridges And Fixed Partial Dentures?
A dental bridge fills the space where teeth are missing. Fixed bridges are permanently attached and can only be removed by a dentist, while removable bridges, or dentures, can be taken out for cleaning. Fixed bridges generally offer greater stability compared to removable options.
Experience Superior Dental Care
Dr. Davidson offers a range of general and cosmetic dental treatments designed to maintain your oral health and enhance your smile. Reach out to us today!
Why Consider A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is essential for both functionality and aesthetics. It supports your lips and cheeks, preventing facial sagging that often occurs with missing back teeth, which can make you appear older. The primary reason for a dental bridge, however, is to maintain dental health.
Missing teeth can disrupt the balance of your bite, leading to increased stress on your gums and surrounding tissues, which can result in various oral health issues. Additionally, gaps from missing teeth can elevate the risk of gum disease, which a bridge can help mitigate. Missing teeth can also affect your ability to speak clearly, as they are crucial for forming certain sounds.
How Is A Dental Bridge Fitted?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Davidson will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Dental Filling FAQs
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Dental bridges offer a non-surgical solution for replacing missing teeth
- They restore complete dental functionality, enabling efficient chewing and speaking.
- Bridges enhance the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps from missing teeth.
- They help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of position.
- Unlike dentures, fixed bridges remain stable and do not shift.
Drawbacks of Dental Bridges
To secure a dental bridge, the adjacent teeth must be reduced in size to accommodate the bridge’s crowns. Additionally, a dental bridge does not address bone loss in the jaw caused by the absence of a tooth root. It’s important to discuss these limitations with your dentist before proceeding with a dental bridge.
Cost of Dental Bridges
The price of dental bridges can vary widely based on the type and placement, typically starting at around $5,000. Bridges designed to replace a single tooth may be less costly if they are anchored by the two adjacent teeth.
Longevity of Dental Bridges
With proper care, a dental bridge can last between 5 and 15 years, with the average lifespan being 8 to 10 years. Regular dental checkups, professional cleanings, and diligent at-home care can help extend the durability of your bridge.
Number of Teeth a Bridge Can Replace
Dental bridges commonly replace one or two adjacent teeth. However, a bridge that replaces more teeth may be less stable and put additional stress on the supporting teeth. For replacing multiple missing teeth, implants may be used to provide better support for the bridge
Join Our Newsletter
Receive special discounts and the latest news to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!