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Fixed Dental Bridge

A fixed dental bridge is a custom-made set of replacement teeth that fill the space where one or more teeth are missing. The bridge reestablishes your bite and helps preserve the natural shape of your face.

Your dentist will guide you on which type of fixed dental bridge is best for you based on your specific needs.

Why You Need a Dental Bridge

Missing teeth are a serious oral health matter. Teeth were designed to work together. Therefore, when you lose a tooth or teeth the neighboring ones many times drift into the empty pocket. The teeth on the opposite side of your jaw may also shift up or down into this space. 

Consequently, this can alter your bite and put more stress on your teeth and jaw joints, perhaps prompting pain and damage. Teeth that have tilted or drifted are much harder to keep clean. This places those teeth at a higher risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

When a tooth is missing, the jaw bone tends to shrink. So, it might change the support of the lips and cheeks. This can make your face look prematurely older.

How a Fixed Bridge is Placed

A fixed teeth bridge refers to a process in which a dentist uses existing natural teeth on either side of the missing teeth to help hold your bridge in place. Setting a tooth bridgework typically takes several dental visits. 

  • During your initial visit, the dentist prepares the teeth on both sides of the space. Then, the dental bridge is designed to attach to those teeth.
  • After that, the dentist creates an impression or image of your teeth and the gap. That information is collected and sent to a dental laboratory where lab techs follow your dentist’s instructions and produce the fixed teeth bridge.
  • Your dentist will install a temporary dental bridge to protect your adapted teeth while anticipating the fixed teeth bridge.
  • Once your permanent bridge is complete, your dentist will fit, adjust, and cement the dental bridge to your outfitted teeth. This particular type of bridge is permanent and cannot be removed from your mouth without the help of a dentist.

Implant-supported Dental Bridge

Dental implants are used to support a bridge. Implants are titanium metal posts surgically screwed into the jaw. Your jaw bone and the implant will fuse together and secure the implant in place.

  • A key advantage of implants is that they don’t require support from the neighboring teeth.
  • Candidates for implants should have excellent general health and adequate bone to support an implant. For some patients, implants can preserve the jaw where teeth are missing.
  • Implants can be installed in one day or may require multiple visits to your dentist, depending on your treatment plan.

What Material is Used in a Dental Bridge?

Generally, fixed dental bridges are made from titanium metal, ceramics, or even a combination of the two. Your dentist will inform you of the best material for you.

Caring for Your Bridge

A bridge is likely to fail if the supporting teeth or the jaw bone is damaged by dental disease. Follow these tips for good oral health:

  • Brush and floss your teeth three times a day. Brushing and cleaning between all of your teeth help to remove plaque. This is a sticky form of bacteria, always forming on your teeth.
  • Always brush between your teeth and under the fixed dental bridge. There are many different types of flossers, water picks, or tiny brushes available. Your dentist will help you decide which one is best for your bridge.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups, oral exams, and professional teeth cleaning.
  • Routinely eat a healthy diet.
  • Buy oral-care products that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These products have been scientifically proven to be safe and effective in keeping your mouth healthy.
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What are the Benefits of Fixed Bridges?

  • A long-lasting solution that preserves the structure of neighboring teeth
  • Fixed bridge implants function like natural teeth
  • A sturdy device that is built to withstand the force of typical biting and chewing
  • Restoration of healthy chewing, speaking, and laughing without fretting about your dental prosthetic falling out
  • Jawbone preservation
  • A therapy option that is often less costly than replacing all missing teeth with a fixed bridge on implants.

Fixed Dental Bridge Process

To start the process of placing a fixed teeth bridge, we will place dental implants into the jawbone to act as a tooth root and create a solid foundation for the bridge. Dental implants have become a relatively simple dental office procedure, and many times patients can leave with a fixed temporary bridge on the day of surgery. We are delighted to be able to offer this cutting-edge dental treatment.

What are the Factors that Influence the Cost of a Dental Bridge?

The cost of a dental bridge will depend on several important factors.    

  • The number of teeth being replaced
  • Your specific dental treatment goals 
  • The materials used in your dental restoration
  • Surgical elements and the steps needed in your customized treatment

Any dentist quoting costs without first performing an in-person evaluation is misleading the prospective patient and doing them a disservice.

What is the Cost of Fixed Implant Bridges?

The cost of a fixed bridge tooth varies considerably depending upon the jaw area, dentist’s training, implant type, number of implants, and the material utilized for the final restoration. For fixed implant bridges, expect the cost to be between $2,500 and 6,500 per tooth replaced. For instance, a 3-unit implant bridge will cost between $12,000 and $16,000.

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FAQ for Fixed Dental Bridge

Yes, a dental bridge can be done in one day. It is the best option for those who have one or more missing teeth but have healthy teeth on the sides of the empty areas.

Dental bridges can last at least 5 to 7 years, but with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings, the bridge may last more than 10 years.

Yes, dental bridges look like natural teeth, function like natural teeth, and help maintain your natural gums and bone so that they can last long.

As mentioned earlier, dental bridges are like natural teeth and function similarly. Therefore, you don’t have to cut off on any food or beverage after dental bridge treatment. Still, you need to be careful about what you eat and drink to increase the lifespan of the dental bridge.