Key Factors that Influence Dental Bridge Cost

A space caused by missing tooth can create further problems and costs down the road if not handled. Learning best ways to deal with the challenge can help in the long run. Dental bridges are increasingly common world over.

What is Dental Bridge?

Dental bridge is an artificial tooth replacement in place of single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. The fake tooth is attached to the middle of the bridge to fill the space of the lost tooth. It bridges the gap by anchoring the pontic (false tooth) to the adjacent teeth, commonly referred to as abutment teeth or dental crowns.

Dental bridges can be made from varied different materials like gold, special alloys, silver amalgam, and ceramics such as porcelain and zirconia. For aesthetic considerations, they are commonly made from porcelain so that they blend in with your natural teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four main types of dental bridges. Understanding the options available to you is important in making the best choice from a doctor’s recommendations.

Traditional dental bridge – It’s the most popular dental bridge, especially when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap. A false tooth or teeth held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto each of the abutment teeth. Traditional bridges can be used anywhere in the mouth, including missing molars, provided you have natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth.

Cantilever dental bridge – For this type of bridge, you only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth. The false tooth is held in place by a dental crown cemented to only one adjacent tooth. It’s not recommended in the back of the mouth where it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.

Maryland dental bridge – Like traditional bridge, Maryland bridge can only be used when you have natural tooth on each side of the gap. Instead of the dental crowns, this type uses a framework of either metal or porcelain which is bonded onto the backs of the abutment teeth. The result is low-risk and strong replacement that looks more realistic.

Implant-Supported dental bridge – Utilizes dental implants instead of the crowns or frameworks. The implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, holding the bridge in position. In cases where one implant for each missing tooth isn’t possible, the pontic may be suspended between two implant-supported crowns. Although considered the strongest and most stable type, it can take even months for the procedure to be completely finished.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Dental bridges can help restore your smile and confidence
• Gain your ability to chew and speak well
• Redistribute the forces in your bite well through replacement of the missing teeth
• Prevent shifting the remaining teeth
• Dental bridging is mostly quick and less invasive than most alternatives

What Does a Dental Bridge Cost?

Typically, a dental bridge may cost slightly less or much more than $1,200, depending on the following variables:

• The actual number of teeth required to fill the gap
• Materials used, such as zirconia or metal alloy covered in resin
• Complexity of the placement
• Additional treatments for other dental issues like gum disease or tooth decay
• Geographic location
• Insurance plan or medical cover