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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
The cost of a dental bridge will depend on several important factors.
Any dentist quoting costs without first performing an in-person evaluation is misleading the prospective patient and doing them a disservice.
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.
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.
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