Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile — they can affect your ability to chew, speak and maintain proper oral health.
Dental bridges offer a reliable solution to replace missing teeth. This blog is your guide to dental 2bridges, including the different types of bridges, how they compare to dental implants and what to expect in terms of cost. Understanding your options helps to make an informed decision about the best way to restore your smile and oral health.
A dental bridge is a common dental prosthesis device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally “bridges” the gap left by the missing teeth, using the surrounding teeth or dental implants as anchors.
Dental bridges not only restore your smile but also help maintain the structure of your face, prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position and improve your ability to chew and speak.
There are four main types of dental bridges:
Dental bridges and dental implants are both effective solutions for replacing missing teeth, but they serve different purposes and are suited to different situations.
Dental bridges are non-surgical and use adjacent teeth to support a pontic in the gap, and are typically made of porcelain or ceramic. The procedure is typically faster and more cost effective than dental implants, but may not last as long.
A dental implant involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. A crown is then attached to the post, creating a permanent and natural-looking replacement tooth. Implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They come at a higher cost, but can last a lifetime for patients who practice proper oral care.
Here’s a full breakdown of how dental bridges and dental implants compare:
Dental Bridge | Dental Implant | |
Length of Procedure | One to two dental visits completed in a few weeks | Multiple dental visits spread across several months |
Extent of Procedure | Non-surgical | Surgical |
Longevity | 10-15 years | Lifetime with proper care |
Impact on Adjacent Teeth | Filed down to accommodate crowns | None |
Preservation of Bone | No | Yes |
Cost | $1,500 - $3,000 per tooth | $3,000 - $6,500 per tooth |
As with most dental treatments, the cost of a bridge varies based on several factors:
The cost of a dental bridge can be reduced significantly with dental insurance, as many plans cover a percentage of the expenses, though the exact amount depends on the specific insurance plan and its terms.
Most plans fall under one of the following categories:
Be sure to look at the details of your plan to get a full understanding of how much coverage it will provide. Factors like the following will have an influence on costs:
Navigating insurance claims can be complex, so work closely with your dentist’s office to develop a treatment plan with a cost breakdown and better understand your benefits.