Do you have one or more missing teeth? Our Satsuma dentist may recommend a dental bridge. Tooth gaps can have a significant impact on our smile and overall oral health. Patients need to understand treatment options for missing teeth, like dental bridges. Here is more on dental bridges as a tooth replacement option.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are restorative dental treatments widely used to replace missing teeth. Bridges consist of a crown attached to a metal frame placed on the teeth opposite the tooth gap. The teeth used as anchors of the bridge are known as abutment teeth and the fake crowns as pontics. Crowns can be made from gold, porcelain, composite or alloy materials.

Why Do You Need Dental Bridges?

Gum disease, injury, and tooth decay are the common causes of missing teeth. Your teeth can function in perfect harmony when there are all present. If a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth can shift toward the space, leading to the misalignment of teeth. Additionally, this can lead to chewing difficulties, low self-esteem, bite issues, and even pain in your jaw or teeth.

What is the Step-by-step Procedure for Getting Dental Bridges?

What to expect during a dental bridge procedure at Satsuma Family Dental:

• Our dentist in Satsuma, AL prepares the abutment teeth on the first dental appointment by reshaping them. A part of the teeth enamel and the dentist will be removed to make room for the crown.
• Next, an impression of the teeth will be used as a model from which the bridge, crowns, and pontics will be made in a dental lab. A temporary bridge will be placed to protect your exposed gums and teeth.
• During the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and a permanent one is placed. Your new bridge will be carefully checked, and necessary adjustments will be made.

What are the Types of Dental Bridges?

Common types of dental bridges are:

1) Cantilever Bridges

These bridges are mainly used when your existing teeth are only on one side. Cantilever bridges aren’t recommended to replace molars or premolars since too much force on other teeth can damage them.

2) Traditional Bridges

These bridges are made of either metal-infused porcelain or ceramic material. Traditional bridges have two or more crowns and a filler tooth that are all connected.

3) Maryland Bridges

These bridges are also referred to as resin-bonded bridges. They are made from porcelain, plastic teeth, or porcelain fused to metal and are supported by a porcelain or metal framework. They are usually used to replace front teeth. The wings on each side of the bridge are bonded on your teeth.

4) Implant-Supported Bridges

While they are similar to traditional fixed bridges, Maryland bridges are held in place by dental implants.

What is the Cost of Getting Dental Bridges?

How much a dental bridge will cost various factors can determine you. The type of your bridge, the location of your teeth, and your dentist are common factors that will determine the cost. For patients with dental insurance coverage, the policy typically pays a certain percentage of the fee. Additionally, the coverage will also depend on your dental plan.

What are the Benefits of Getting Dental Bridges?

Here are the benefits of having tooth bridges:

• Smile Restoration: Dental bridges will improve your smile by restoring your missing teeth.
• Prevents Shifting: The adjacent teeth gradually shift toward the gap when your teeth are missing. Dental bridges can prevent irreversible misalignment of teeth.
• Preserves Facial Structure: Our jawbone begins to deteriorate after we lose our teeth. Tooth roots stimulate bone cells, and dental bridges can also stimulate the cells and prevent bone loss. Severe bone loss can cause our face to collapse and impair our face.
• Relieves Tooth pain: After tooth loss, it’s difficult to eat certain food substances. You may experience pain in the neighboring teeth as they move toward the open space. Food particles may also gather in the gaps and cause gum infections. Dental bridges will relieve pain while eating.
• Non-invasive: Dental bridge treatment doesn’t require surgery, making it less invasive. The treatment is a cheap restoration alternative to dental implants.
• Enhances Speech: One may have difficulties pronouncing some words or have a lisp while speaking. Dental bridges will enable you to articulate certain words correctly.

Get Tooth Bridges Near You

Dental bridges can improve your smile by replacing one or more missing teeth. They can last between 5 to 15 years and even longer if well cared for. Practice proper oral hygiene to keep your natural teeth healthy and free from infections. In addition, clean the false teeth and the frameworks and make regular dental visits. Are you looking to get tooth bridges near Creola, AL? Give us a call or book an appointment with Satsuma Family Dental to get dental bridges in Satsuma, AL 36572!