Dental bridges are a natural-looking solution for the replacement of a missing tooth or several missing teeth. At Comprehensive Dental Care, each dental bridge is custom-made to perfectly fit each patient. This results in a great-fitting bridge that restores a complete and perfect smile. These appliances “bridge” the gap or gaps between teeth — they are secured to the teeth located on either side of the dental bridge gap.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced Gainesville dentist. We will provide you with all of the information you need and help you choose the most effective option for replacing missing teeth and restoring a beautiful smile that you will love.
How Are Dental Bridges Different From Dentures?
Dental bridges are visibly smaller than dentures, but as with dentures, bridges are also designed to replace missing teeth. The difference is that these appliances replace only a small section of missing teeth, whereas dentures replace teeth throughout the entire mouth.
Types Of Dental Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridge
This type is the most common. The traditional dental bridge has dental crowns on the ends and artificial teeth (pontics) in between. The artificial teeth fill in the gap between your teeth. They appear natural and authentic – no one will be able to tell the difference! Tiny connector structures, known as abutments, are used by your Gainesville dentist to bond your crowns to your natural teeth. This type of dental bridge might be the best option for you if you still have healthy teeth on both sides of your gap.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are quite similar in appearance to traditional bridges. However, the only noticeable difference is that cantilever bridges only bond a dental crown to one side of your gap – not both. An artificial tooth then hangs over your gap, covering it. Depending on your oral health, this bridge might be right for you if you only have healthy-looking teeth on one side of your gap. Contact our dentist in Gainesville today to learn more about this kind of dental bridge.
Maryland Bridges
A Maryland dental bridge may also be referred to as a resin-bonded bridge. Instead of dental crowns, this bridge is secured using ‘metal wings,’ bonded to the backside of your neighboring teeth. Our dentist in Gainesville, FL, recommend these type of bridges for a front teeth gap.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges sit on top of dental implants, rather than your natural teeth. These dental implants are fused with your jawbone and can replace any missing tooth roots. Unlike the aforementioned bridge types, implant-supported bridges take the longest. Ultimately, this process can take about three to six months. This technique is best if you find that you have three (or more) missing teeth in a row.
What Does The Process Look Like?
Overall, the dental bridge process may look different for everyone. It depends on the health of your teeth, the location of your gap, how large your gap is, and if you have existing teeth on either side of your gap.
First, your Gainesville dental clinic will want to schedule you for an initial consultation to assess your oral health and to address your concerns. Based on your conversation, your dentist will recommend one of the four bridge types.
The next step is to prepare your teeth. If you are receiving a traditional or cantilever dental bridge, you will get a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and reduce pain. The teeth at either side of your bridge, or your abutment teeth, will then be prepped. Tooth enamel will be removed from these teeth so that your connectors can be placed there.
Dental impressions will then be taken from your mouth. Depending on the dentist office, either a lab technician or computer-aided technology will use your dental impressions as a guide for making your unique, personal dental bridge!
Because it can take almost two to four weeks to make a dental bridge, you will be given a temporary bridge in the meantime. Once your dental bridge arrives, it will be fitted and bonded to your teeth.
The process is similar for Maryland and implant-supported dental bridges. Your teeth will be prepped for the metal wings or dental implants, your dental impressions will be taken, your abutments will be placed and your bridge fitted, and your dental bridge will finally be securely bonded into place.
That’s it! Now it’s time to stun the world with your new, brilliant smile.
What Are The Benefits?
Regardless of the type of bridge a patient receives, the restoration will have significant benefits. The new bridge will restore both functionality and oral health to the patient. Thanks to developing dental technology and recent aesthetic advances, dental bridges are almost indistinguishable from natural teeth. A new dental bridge can help restore your smile and increase the effectiveness of your chewing, speaking, and biting ability.
Get a dental bridge and increase your confidence and appearance today!
Cost And Insurance Coverage
The cost can greatly depend on the type of dental bridge you receive and the current state of your teeth. Maryland bridges are the most cost-effective, and are typically priced around $1,500 to $2,500 for one artificial tooth and the metal wings. Traditional and cantilever bridges can cost $2,000 to $5,000. Lastly, implant-supported bridges are the most expensive because they require more artificial teeth. They can cost about $5,000 to $15,000.
Whether or not your dental insurance will cover your bridge depends on your plan. Call them today to see if your treatment will be covered. Typically, most plans will cover 40 to 50 percent of your dental bridge cost.
Maintenance And Care
It is extremely important to take care of your new dental bridge. Otherwise, you may experience infection, gum inflammation, or cavities. To properly maintain your bridge, you should create an effective oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss your teeth and make sure to clean underneath your dental bridge daily using a floss threader. Be sure to check in with your dentist regularly for cleanings, maintenance checks, and any necessary dental services and procedures. Our Florida DMD recommends that patients who receive dental bridges eat soft foods to avoid further irritation. The majority of patients are able to continue eating solid and hard foods within a week following the procedure.
Contact Our Gainesville Dental Office
At Comprehensive Dental Care, we employ the latest innovations in dentistry within a comfortable office environment — for a high-quality dental care experience that places the patient needs first. During each procedure, we aim to provide gentle, holistic, and personalized treatment.
Alleviate your dental anxiety with our tailored care plans, specially designed for you. Contact our Gainesville dental practice today to schedule an appointment and receive your first dental bridge.
Conclusion
Dental bridges are a great way to maintain your facial shape, repair your smile, and restore your speaking and chewing ability. No matter which of the four types you receive – traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported – dental bridges are also a great way to prevent your other teeth from drifting out of their correct positions.
Talk to one of our Gainesville, FL, dentists today to figure out if a dental bridge is right for you!