Permanently Replace Missing Teeth
A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic that is custom-made to replace your missing teeth, restoring the full mouth functionality and the natural appearance of your smile.
Sometimes referred to as a ‘fixed partial denture’, a dental bridge is bonded to your existing teeth. So bridges don’t need to be removed for cleaning or maintenance.
Why Should You Get a Dental Bridge?
While unsightly, a missing tooth affects more than just your appearance. Missing teeth leave space for other teeth to shift around, eventually leading to serious dental issues, such as crowding and a misaligned bite.
These issues impact the ability of your mouth to function properly, as well as your ability to practice good oral hygiene, possibly resulting in tooth decay or gum disease.
This is why we recommend a dental bridge to permanently replace missing teeth.
Patients missing more than three teeth should consider partial dentures. But, for those missing only one to three teeth, a dental bridge is a convenient restorative dental solution that will keep your smile whole and your mouth functioning properly.
The following are only a few of the many advantages dental bridges have to offer:
Comfort
Missing or misaligned teeth not only impact your appearance– they can also cause a great deal of discomfort. Difficulty eating and speaking are the most common issues we see but crooked or crowded teeth can also cause irritation to the inside of the mouth. Dental bridges prevent misalignment and replace missing teeth, effectively preventing these issues.
Tooth Health
Maintaining thorough oral hygiene is all but impossible with crooked or crowded teeth. Without proper care, serious dental health issues like tooth decay and gum disease can develop. Dental bridges fill the tooth gaps that allow teeth to shift over time, thereby keeping teeth spacing nice and even, so proper maintenance is possible.
Bone Health
Healthy, stable teeth encourage healthy jawbones. As our dental health diminishes so does the health of bone and tissues that support our teeth. Stabilizing your teeth with a dental bridge will slow the rate of bone loss, or prevent it altogether.
Types of Dental Bridges
Fixed Bridge
The traditional fixed bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It works by bridging dental crowns on either side of a missing tooth with a false tooth in between. The dental crowns act as anchors supporting the false tooth, creating a very stable dental prosthetic.
Cantilever Bridge
While less common than fixed bridges, for certain patients, cantilever bridges can save both time and money. These dental bridges only require one dental crown as an anchor point, requiring less hardware and alterations to existing teeth than standard bridges. However, cantilever bridges are only advised for use for the front teeth, as placing them in the back of the mouth can put too much strain on the prosthetic tooth.
Maryland Bridge
Maryland bridges are similar to fixed bridges, with one important distinction: they do not require the use of dental crowns as anchor points. Instead, Maryland dental bridges use a framework that attaches to the back of existing teeth. This makes Maryland bridges a more affordable and affordable– if slightly less stable –option.
Implant Bridges
Instead of dental crowns, implant bridges use dental implants as anchors. This makes implant bridges far more stable and resilient than other types of bridges. However, implant bridges require extensive and potentially expensive invasive surgery. This type of bridge is only recommended for patients who may benefit from both a dental bridge and dental implants.
The Cost of Dental Bridges in Mississauga
The cost of a dental bridge will vary from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a dental bridge averages out to about $800 to $1200+. Without insurance, a reasonable figure could be anywhere from $2000 to $3000 and up.
What goes into determining the cost of a dental bridge?
- The type of bridge and the material used to make it.
- The number of teeth that are missing.
- The location and complexity of the procedure.
- The condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Supplies and equipment that are required for your specific treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam at our Mississauga dental office to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to your provider to find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
