Fill Gaps Caused by 1 to 3 Missing Teeth
Dental bridges are designed to restore both the appearance and function of your mouth by filling spaces with artificial teeth, supported by adjacent natural teeth, dental implants, or a combination of both. Known as a ‘fixed partial denture,’ a dental bridge is securely bonded or cemented, so it stays in place without needing removal for cleaning or sleeping. Addressing gaps caused by missing teeth is vital for more than just appearance—it helps maintain proper speech and chewing functions while preventing surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty space, which can lead to further oral health complications.
Long-Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can affect your confidence and comfort, making it harder to enjoy everyday activities like smiling, speaking, and eating. A dental bridge not only restores your smile’s appearance but also provides long-term benefits that support the overall health of your remaining teeth and the underlying bone structure of your mouth. Here’s a look at the advantages of choosing a dental bridge:
Comfort
Dental bridges offer immediate comfort by restoring your smile and helping you feel and look normal again. They allow you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence, eliminating the discomfort and self-consciousness that often accompany missing teeth. Gaps in your teeth can make eating and speaking difficult or even painful, but a dental bridge provides a stable, long-lasting solution that can last more than ten years with proper care.
Tooth Health
Your teeth work together to maintain proper alignment and support your facial structure. Missing teeth can disrupt your bite, creating gaps that allow other teeth to shift out of place. A dental bridge prevents this shifting, helping to maintain the alignment of your teeth and reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders associated with misaligned or drifting teeth.
Bone Health
Strong, healthy teeth contribute to a stable and healthy jawbone. When teeth are lost, the bone and surrounding tissues begin to deteriorate. Dental bridges help to stabilize your oral health, slowing the rate of bone loss that can occur when teeth are missing. By restoring the function of your teeth, bridges encourage the preservation of bone health and support the integrity of your jaw structure.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in Ottawa
The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly depending on individual needs. For patients with a typical insurance plan, the cost of a dental bridge generally ranges from $800 to $1200 or more. For those without insurance, the estimated cost can be between $2000 to $3000 and upwards.
What Determines the Cost of a Dental Bridge?
Several factors influence the overall cost of a dental bridge, including:
- Type of Bridge and Material: The choice of bridge (traditional, cantilever, or implant-supported) and the materials used (porcelain, metal, or zirconia) will affect the price.
- Number of Missing Teeth: The more teeth that need replacing, the higher the cost.
- Location and Complexity: The placement and difficulty of the procedure can impact the overall expense.
- Condition of Adjacent Teeth: The health and strength of the teeth supporting the bridge may require additional treatment, influencing the cost.
- Supplies and Equipment: The specific tools, supplies, and techniques required for your bridge will also factor into the overall price.
It’s important to remember that no dental practice can provide an exact quote over the phone, as each case is unique. A consultation with a dentist, including an oral exam, is essential to explore your treatment options and receive an accurate estimate. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a detailed quote for you to submit to your provider, allowing you to determine your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental bridges come in two main types: permanent and semi-permanent. Permanent bridges are fixed restorations that are bonded securely to existing teeth or dental implants and are designed to stay in place. Semi-permanent bridges, often referred to as fixed partial dentures, are also bonded but may be removed by a dentist if necessary.
The key distinction between a bridge and a partial denture is that bridges consist only of replacement teeth, while partial dentures include pink acrylic or metal frameworks that mimic the gums, allowing them to be removed daily for cleaning.
A dental cantilever bridge is used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This type of bridge anchors the replacement tooth on one side, making it a less common choice, particularly for back teeth, as it places extra force on the supporting tooth, which can lead to damage or complications over time. For missing teeth in the back of the mouth, other options, such as traditional or implant-supported bridges, are generally recommended due to their superior stability and support.
Typically, the process of getting a dental bridge requires two appointments, each lasting less than an hour. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the surrounding teeth, take impressions, and fit a temporary bridge. At the second appointment, your custom-made bridge will be placed, adjusted, and permanently bonded.
Dental bridges can be crafted from a variety of materials, including gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these. Porcelain is commonly used due to its natural appearance and durability, making it a popular choice for achieving a seamless, tooth-like look in bridge restorations.
Although the terms dental bridge and crown are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different purposes. A dental crown is a prosthetic cap placed over a damaged, chipped, or weakened tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance, effectively protecting it from further decay. On the other hand, a dental bridge is specifically designed to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent healthy teeth or implants.
No, a crown alone cannot replace a missing tooth. A crown is a cap that resembles a natural tooth but must be supported by a structure beneath the gum line, such as an existing tooth, a tooth with a post, or a dental implant. To fill a gap left by a missing tooth, a dental bridge or implant would be necessary.
Yes, dental bridges can be made from zirconia, a strong and durable material known for its natural appearance and resistance to wear. If you’re interested in zirconia bridges, we can provide detailed information about the materials available and offer our recommendations based on your specific needs and oral health requirements.
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