Tooth loss is one of the most common dental issues among our adult patients at Prime Family Dentistry. In fact, statistics show that there are more than 120 million adults in the United States who are missing at least one tooth. This can lead to many dental issues including additional tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, facial sagging, and more.
However, the good news is, you don’t have to live with tooth loss. There are restorative procedures including dental bridges.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restorative device consisting of a crown on each side with one or more artificial teeth. The crowns can be placed on the neighboring natural teeth or can be used with a dental implant. to secure the bridge in place. The bridge may be removable or may be permanent. The purpose of a dental bridge is to “bridge the gap” left behind by missing teeth.
Dental Bridge Cost
There are several factors involved in determining the cost of a dental bridge, including:
Complexity of placement
Location of clinic
Experience/expertise of the dentist
Materials used in the bridge
Number of teeth
Additional treatments required
Type of bridges
On average, a traditional dental bridge ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 for two crowns with one artificial tooth. An implant-supported bridge ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 for two crowns and 3 to 4 artificial teeth between.
In some cases, dental insurance will cover a portion of the treatment. Our office staff will be happy to work with your provider to determine your coverage. If cost is a barrier, we offer financing options to make treatment more affordable.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
Both dental implants and dental bridges can be used to replace missing teeth. However, there are a few differences:
Dental implants look, feel, and function more like natural teeth. The implant itself is inserted into the jawbone, acting as a tooth root. This provides the stimulation needed to keep the jawbone healthy. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth or can be used as support for a multi-tooth replacement. Finally, implants have been shown to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Dental bridges are designed to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. A dental bridge may be supported by dental implants or by natural teeth on either side of the gap and may be permanent or removable. Most bridges last 5 to 15 years, but may last up to 20 with proper care and maintenance.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer several benefits for patients who are missing several teeth in a row, including:
Restores smile
Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting
Restores speaking and chewing ability
Maintains natural face shape
If you are missing several teeth in a row and considering a dental bridge, schedule a consultation with the team at Prime Family Dentistry today.
Dental Bridge FAQs
We understand that you may have questions and concerns about dental treatments such as dental bridges. We are happy to discuss these with you at any time during your treatment. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear about dental bridges:
How long do dental bridges last?
On average, dental bridges last anywhere from 5 years to 15 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, a dental bridge may last up to 20 years.
Do dental bridges require special care/attention?
Is it hard to speak with a dental bridge?
At first, many patients find it challenging to speak clearly with a dental bridge- especially if they’re used to not having teeth. However, over time, as you get used to it, speaking becomes easier.
Is it hard to eat with a dental bridge?
At first, most patients prefer to stick to a soft foods diet until they get used to having the bridge. However, you can easily transition into your normal diet as you get adjusted.
