Fixed dental bridges (also called fixed partial dentures) are used to replace missing teeth and gum tissue. They are attached to the neighboring teeth and cemented into place.
Is a Fixed Dental Bridge right for you?
If you’re missing a tooth or teeth and if you have sufficient bone, dental implants are most often the best choice. However, a fixed bridge might be the best option if you:
- Have economic or health reasons that prevent you from getting implants.
- Want an option that usually lasts longer and looks and feels better than a removable appliance.
- Don’t mind having adjacent teeth crowned to serve as an anchor.
Metal Vs. Ceramic Framework
Porcelain can be bonded to a precious or a nonprecious metal. Although precious metals such as gold are generally more expensive, some nonprecious metals can tarnish, leaving a slightly dark line near the gum tissue if the porcelain does not fully encase the metal. Zirconia or other very hard tooth colored ceramic may be used instead to provide more translucency and naturalness. These new all-ceramic bridges offer more strength and improved esthetics.
Your Dental Health dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost.
Cost
Dental bridges can range in price from $700 to $2,500 per tooth. Some of the factors that effect price are:
- The potential need for additional procedures (such as fillings or root canals) in one or two of the adjoining teeth.
- The type of material used in the bridge.
- The preparation of teeth involved in the bridge procedure.
- Your insurance coverage.
What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Bridges can:
- Restore your smile
- Restore the ability to properly chew and speak
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
Source: WebMD
A bridge can last more than 10 years, especially if you practice good oral hygiene.
Convenient Offices To Serve You
Colorado Dental Health are located up and down the front range of Colorado, so there is always a dentist close by to serve you. In Denver, we have three convenient locations: Downtown, Midtown and the Denver Tech Center. Our Westminster office serves the northern metropolitan area, and if you are in Boulder, Longmont or Greeley, there is a hometown Colorado Dental Health office at your service. Schedule a visit today.