Dental Bridges in Jasper, AL
Generally speaking, a bridge connects one piece of land to another, allowing passage across some sort of gap. A dental bridge functions similarly. However, it connects to two healthy teeth on either side of a missing tooth and fills the gap between them. Several types of dental bridges are available, but for many years, a traditional bridge was the best way to replace a missing tooth or a small number of teeth. However, modern dental technology has given us more stable and secure ways to replace missing teeth thanks to dental implants. An implant-supported bridge provides a strong tooth replacement solution that doesn’t put pressure on your other healthy teeth.
Understanding Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a way to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. They traditionally consist of two dental crowns that connect to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap and a replacement tooth that fills the gap, known as a pontic. Bridges are made of different materials, such as metal, porcelain, zirconia, acrylic, or even a combination of materials, such as porcelain fused to metal (PFM) bridges. With proper care and oral hygiene, bridges can last 50 years, making them a durable solution to missing teeth.
Before we place a bridge, we’ll treat any existing oral health issues, such as cavities or gum disease, to ensure they don’t impact the longevity of your prosthesis. Once your bridge is in place, you can care for it just like your natural teeth. While the bridge itself won’t get infected, it’s important to keep your mouth healthy so the bridge lasts as long as possible.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several varieties of dental bridges, each useful in different situations. When you visit Bivona Family Dentistry, we’ll determine which type of bridge is best for your tooth replacement plan. We may even be able to create your bridge with our in-house CEREC machine. This technology allows us to provide same-day tooth replacement solutions for eligible patients, meaning we can complete the entire process in one appointment.
Traditional Bridge
This tried-and-true uses adjacent teeth to support a replacement tooth. The adjacent teeth are crowned, and these crowns hold a solid crown in the middle, which sits gently on your gums. Because it uses dental crowns for support, a traditional bridge requires us to shave down those supporting teeth, reducing some of the tooth structure so the bridge’s crowns fit perfectly.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but only uses one dental crown for support. Think of it like a balcony that only connects to a building on one side. Cantilever bridges are less common than traditional bridges but are useful in scenarios where two healthy teeth aren’t available.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge doesn’t use crowns and, therefore, doesn’t require any enamel removal. It connects to your other teeth with porcelain or metal “wings” that we cement to the back of your adjacent teeth. This option is more useful at the front of the mouth, as it is not strong enough to handle the bite forces in the back of the mouth.
Implant Bridge
This type of bridge also does not use dental crowns because it is supported from below by dental implants or mini dental implants. The implants are connected directly to your jawbone, giving this bridge stronger support.
In many cases, we don’t need to use an implant for every missing tooth. Let’s say you’re missing four teeth: we may be able to support the bridge with just two implants. Because the implants are anchored to the jawbone, this option provides superior stability and functionality than a traditional bridge.
Roundhouse Bridge
Bridges typically replace 1 to 4 missing teeth, but a roundhouse dental bridge can replace all your teeth on the top or bottom arch. It’s a remarkable alternative to traditional dentures. In fact, we wish that everyone in the world who lost all their teeth could replace them with this innovative prosthesis. The horseshoe-shaped bridge is supported by 10-12 implants that provide exceptional stability and long-lasting outcomes. The system is designed to last a lifetime. To help ensure your bridge lasts as long as it should, we provide a free Waterpik to encourage proper oral hygiene.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Approximately 178 million Americans—about half the country—are missing at least one tooth. Although living with a missing tooth is possible, replacing it as soon as possible has many oral health and lifestyle benefits.
- Increased confidence: Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and a gap in the teeth can adversely affect your appearance. The aesthetic changes brought on by missing teeth can impact your confidence and self-image, making social situations less enjoyable. By replacing your lost teeth, you won’t have to worry about hiding your smile in pictures or stifling a hearty laugh.
- Better chewing function: The more teeth you’re missing, the more difficult it is to eat foods like raw fruits and vegetables, steak, and sticky or crunchy desserts. Replacing your teeth will allow you to eat all your favorite meals again.
- Clearer speech: A gap in your teeth can lead to speech issues, making it difficult for others to understand you. A bridge can restore your ability to communicate clearly and confidently.
- Improved oral health: Replacing your missing teeth prevents your remaining teeth from shifting into the gap. An implant bridge has the added benefit of replacing your missing tooth roots with implants. These stimulate your jawbone, preventing the bone and tissue deterioration that comes with missing teeth.
Revitalize Your Smile With Dental Bridges
Dental bridges have been a viable tooth replacement solution for decades, and now, with the help of dental implants, they’re more stable and functional than ever before. At Bivona Family Dentistry, we’ve helped thousands of individuals in the Jasper community bridge the gaps in their smiles—you’ve likely spoken to someone with a dental bridge and never knew it!
To learn more about dental bridges and which type is right for your situation, schedule a visit at Bivona Family Dentistry. Our team is eager to help you revitalize your smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a dental bridge starts with numbing the adjacent teeth. We then prepare them by reducing some of their structure, similar to getting a crown. Using our advanced CEREC technology, we can often fabricate and place your custom bridge on the same day. We securely adhere your bridge to the adjacent teeth, permanently replacing the missing tooth or teeth.
If you have a recently extracted tooth, we may provide a temporary bridge to allow for healing, which we can also make on the same day with CEREC.
Once the bridge is in place, regular home care is essential to maintain its longevity and keep your mouth healthy.
The final cost will depend on several factors, such as:
- Which type of bridge you choose
- How many teeth we’re replacing
- If you need any additional procedures
- How many implants you need (if you choose an implant-supported bridge)
At your initial visit, we will give you a clear idea of treatment costs so you’re never in the dark. Our knowledgeable team will review your insurance and financing options so you can make an informed choice about your dental future.
Insurance coverage for dental bridges can vary. Many plans cover a significant portion of the cost if you need a tooth extracted, while some may offer coverage even without an extraction. Our insurance experts will review your policy and work with your provider to maximize your benefits.
It usually takes a couple of weeks for a dental bridge to start feeling normal in your mouth. Initially, you may notice some discomfort or slight sensitivity as your mouth adjusts to the new bridge. With regular eating and speaking, the bridge will gradually feel more natural. Practicing good oral hygiene and following our aftercare instructions can help speed up the adjustment period.