What are The Different Types of Tooth Bridges: Their Cost & Advantages

What are The Different Types of Tooth Bridges: Their Cost & Advantages

June 1, 2023

Missing a tooth or teeth can cause dental complications. Some of these complications include shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, increased risk of gum disease, and jaw bone shrinkage. Therefore, visiting our dentist at 22031 for tooth replacement is essential. There are different tooth replacement options. One of them is dental bridges. This piece will take you through what they are, their types, and why you should look for a dentist who fixes dental bridges to replace your missing tooth.

What are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a dental restoration appliance used to replace missing teeth. In short, a dental bridge is a false tooth, also known as a pontic, held in place by abutment teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.

Why Do You Need a Dental Bridge?

As mentioned earlier, having a missing gap can cause oral problems. For instance, your teeth exert pressure on each other during biting and chewing. When there’s a missing gap or gaps, the pressure exerted will make the teeth shift out of place. This shifting can be painful, cause biting problems, alter your uniform smile, and cause speech problems.

So, when you visit our dentist in Merrifield, VA who installs tooth bridges, they will examine your teeth and explain whether dental bridges are suitable for your teeth. Dental bridges will be recommended if:

  • You simply don’t want dental implants.
  • Don’t have the financial capability to pay for implants.
  • You have teeth that require dental crowns, making them abutment teeth.

Therefore, dental bridges can address the following issues:

  • Maintaining the shape of your face.
  • Restoring your uniform smile.
  • Restoring your pronunciation and speech.
  • Helps in restoring your chewing function.
  • Preventing your remaining teeth from becoming crooked or misaligned.
  • Readjusting your bite when chewing to distribute the biting and chewing forces evenly to prevent exerting too much pressure on specific teeth.

What are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

a) Traditional Dental Bridges

This type of dental bridge comprises a false tooth or teeth held in place by tooth crowns that have bonded onto each of the abutment teeth. The traditional dental bridge is the most common because it can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.

b) Maryland Dental Bridges

Maryland dental bridges also rely upon two natural abutment teeth, like traditional dental bridges. What makes the difference is that Maryland dental bridges utilize a framework of either porcelain or metal bonded onto the backs of the abutment teeth. Like traditional bridges, you need to have natural teeth on each side of the missing tooth.

c) Cantilever Dental Bridges

Cantilever dental bridge is held in place by a crown bonded by only one abutment tooth. The advantage of this type of dental bridge is that you only require only one natural tooth.

d) Implant-supported Dental Bridges

As the name indicates, implant-supported bridges utilize dental implants instead of frameworks or dental crowns. Ideally, one dental implant is placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in place. The main advantage of this type of dental bridge is that it is the strongest and most stable tooth replacement option. Unfortunately, the healing period is longer as it requires two surgeries; one is to embed the implants in the jawbone, and the second is to place the bridge.

What is the Cost of Getting Dental Bridges?

The cost of dental bridges is dependent on the following:

  • The complexity of the procedure.
  • Where you go for the procedure- towns are more expensive.
  • If there are additional treatments.
  • Material used.

The cost is also dependent on the type of tooth bridge you choose:

  • Implant-supported bridges- cost around $5,000-$15,000 for a bridge with two implants.
  • Maryland dental bridges- cost $1,500- $2,500 for a pontic with the framework bonded to the abutment teeth.
  • Traditional and cantilever bridges generally cost $2,000- $5,000 for a crown and a pontic for each abutment tooth.

What are the Benefits of Getting Dental Bridges?

Below are the advantages of getting tooth bridges:

  • Gives your smile a natural look.
  • Helps you chew food better.
  • Prevents shifting of teeth due to the missing gap.
  • Restores your ability to speak normally.
  • Maintains your normal facial structure by preventing the loss of the jawbone that held your missing tooth.

Get Dental Bridges Near You

A dental bridge can be an effective and long-lasting option for missing teeth. If you need clarification on getting tooth bridges near Fairfax, VA, our dental professional at Drummond Dental Care can help you determine the most suitable tooth replacement option. So, schedule a visit with us to get dental bridges in Merrifield, VA!

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