Fill Gaps Caused by 1 to 3 Missing Teeth
A dental bridge enhances both the appearance and health of your mouth by filling gaps with a false tooth. These bridges are supported by dental implants, your natural teeth, or a combination of both. Often called a “fixed partial denture,” bridges are securely bonded or cemented to your existing teeth, so there’s no need to remove them for sleeping or cleaning.
Closing tooth gaps is essential not only for cosmetic reasons but also for maintaining long-term oral health. Missing teeth can make it challenging to speak or chew properly, and the resulting gaps can cause adjacent teeth to shift out of their proper alignment. This misalignment increases the risk of developing further dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
By filling these gaps, dental bridges help preserve the natural alignment of your remaining teeth, ensuring a stable bite and preventing unwanted movement. If you have one to three missing teeth, visit our Toronto dental office to learn how dental bridges can improve your oral health and restore your confident smile.
Long-Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
Losing a tooth or multiple teeth can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and discomfort. Dental bridges not only help restore the appearance and feel of your smile but also provide long-term benefits for your remaining teeth and the bone health in your mouth. Here are the key advantages of dental bridges:
Comfort
One of the most immediate benefits of dental bridges is the restoration of comfort. With a dental bridge, you can regain the ability to smile and eat with confidence, returning to the smile you love. Missing teeth can cause discomfort and make it painful or difficult to speak and chew. Dental bridges offer a durable solution to these issues, providing relief from the discomfort caused by missing teeth for over ten years with proper care.
Tooth Health
Your teeth work together to support each other and maintain your facial structure. When a tooth is missing, it can disrupt your bite and create gaps that allow other teeth to shift out of place. A dental bridge helps prevent this shifting, reducing the risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders caused by misaligned teeth. By maintaining the proper alignment of your teeth, dental bridges contribute significantly to your overall oral health.
Bone Health
Healthy, stable teeth play a crucial role in supporting your jawbone. When dental health declines, the bone and tissues that support your teeth also weaken. By stabilizing your dental health with a dental bridge, you can slow down the rate of bone loss associated with missing teeth. This preservation of bone structure helps maintain the integrity of your facial features and supports long-term oral health.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in Toronto
The price of a dental bridge can vary significantly from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, the cost of a dental bridge generally ranges from $800 to $1,200+. Without insurance, a reasonable estimate for a bridge is about $2,000 to $3,000 and up.
- Type of Bridge and Materials Used: Different types of bridges and the materials they are made from can impact the overall cost.
- Number of Missing Teeth: The more teeth that need to be replaced, the higher the cost of the bridge.
- Location and Complexity of the Procedure: The specific location in the mouth and the complexity of the procedure can influence the price.
- Condition of Adjacent Teeth: The health of the teeth adjacent to the gap can affect the complexity and cost.
- Supplies and Equipment Needed: Specialized supplies and equipment required for your specific treatment contribute to the overall expense.
What Goes into Determining the Cost of a Dental Bridge?
Remember, no dental practice can provide an exact quote over the phone. Your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral examination to explore all your treatment options and receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to provide you with a quote to submit to your insurance provider, helping you understand 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 various types, including permanent and semi-permanent options. Often referred to as fixed partial dentures, semi-permanent bridges are bonded to existing teeth or implants, making them immovable. In contrast, partial dentures are removable and include both artificial teeth and pink gum-colored bases. The main distinction lies in their permanence: bridges remain fixed in place, while dentures can be taken out for cleaning and sleeping.
Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth gap. This type of bridge is less common today and is generally not recommended for the back of the mouth due to the excessive force it can place on neighboring teeth, potentially causing damage. If you have missing teeth in the posterior region, alternative solutions may be more suitable.
Obtaining a dental bridge typically requires two appointments, each lasting less than an hour. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the adjacent teeth and takes impressions. In the second appointment, the custom-made bridge is fitted and permanently bonded into place.
Dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including gold alloys, non-precious metal alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these. At our practice, we primarily use porcelain for its natural appearance and durability, ensuring that your bridge blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.
While dental bridges and crowns are sometimes confused, they serve different purposes. Dental crowns are prosthetic caps placed over damaged, chipped, or worn teeth to restore their strength and prevent decay. On the other hand, dental bridges are used to fill gaps left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants.
No, a single crown alone cannot replace a missing tooth. A crown is a dental cap that mimics the appearance of a natural tooth but requires support from an existing prepared tooth, a partial tooth with a post, or a dental implant. To effectively fill a gap, a dental bridge or implant-supported restoration is necessary.
Yes, dental bridges can be crafted from zirconia. Zirconia bridges are known for their strength and natural appearance. If you’re interested in zirconia bridges, please contact us for more information. We can discuss the available materials and recommend the best option tailored to your specific needs.
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