
Fill Gaps Caused by 1 to 3 Missing Teeth
Dental bridges are a reliable solution for restoring the health and appearance of your smile by filling gaps left by missing teeth. These bridges use a false tooth supported by dental implants, natural teeth, or both to close the space.
Sometimes called a “fixed partial denture,” a dental bridge is securely bonded or cemented, meaning you don’t need to remove it for cleaning or sleeping. Filling these gaps does more than enhance your smile; it helps maintain your oral health. Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew or speak comfortably, and gaps may cause other teeth to shift, leading to alignment problems.
Long-Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
A missing tooth or teeth can impact your confidence and oral comfort. Dental bridges not only restore the look and feel of your smile but also provide lasting benefits for the health of your teeth and jawbone. Here are some key advantages of choosing a dental bridge:
Comfort
Dental bridges help you regain a natural look and feel, allowing you to smile and eat with confidence. Missing teeth can make it uncomfortable or even painful to chew or speak, but a bridge offers a long-lasting solution. With proper care, bridges can last over a decade, ensuring consistent comfort and functionality.
Tooth Health
Your teeth work together to maintain your bite and facial structure. When a tooth is missing, others may shift into the empty space, leading to bite issues, decay, gum disease, jaw pain, or TMJ disorders. A dental bridge keeps teeth in place, reducing the risk of these complications and supporting overall oral health.
Bone Health
Stable teeth are essential for healthy jawbones. Missing teeth can accelerate bone loss in the jaw and weaken the foundation of your smile. A dental bridge helps stabilize your dental health, slowing the rate of bone loss and preserving the strength of your jaw.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in Vancouver
The cost of a dental bridge varies significantly depending on the patient. With a typical insurance plan, the average cost ranges from $800 to $1,200+. Without insurance, a reasonable estimate is around $2,000 to $3,000 or more.
- The type of bridge and the materials used to fabricate it
- The number of missing teeth being replaced
- The location and complexity of the procedure
- The condition of adjacent teeth supporting the bridge
- The supplies and equipment needed for your personalized treatment
What Factors Determine the Cost of a Dental Bridge?
No dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone as every case is unique. To receive a precise estimate, it’s essential to undergo an oral exam where your dentist can assess your needs and explain your treatment options.
If you have dental insurance, we’re happy to provide a detailed quote for submission to your provider, helping you understand your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
Investing in a dental bridge can restore your smile, improve oral health, and boost your confidence.
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
There are two main types of dental bridges: permanent and semi-permanent. Bridges are often referred to as “fixed partial dentures” because they are semi-permanent and bonded to existing teeth or implants. The key difference between a bridge and a denture is that bridges are fixed and consist only of replacement teeth, whereas dentures are removable and include pink gum-like material.
Cantilever bridges are used when there are no adjacent teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth. They are less common today and not recommended for the back of the mouth, where excessive force could damage the supporting teeth. Alternative solutions are typically recommended for these cases.
The process typically requires two appointments, with each appointment lasting less than an hour.
Dental bridges can be made from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. For most procedures, porcelain is the material of choice due to its natural appearance and durability.
Although sometimes used interchangeably, dental bridges and crowns have different purposes:
- Crowns: Caps placed over broken, chipped, or worn teeth to strengthen and protect them.
- Bridges: Restorations designed to fill gaps created by missing teeth, supported by adjacent teeth or implants.
A single crown cannot replace a missing tooth. While it looks and feels like a tooth, a crown needs support inside and beneath the gumline from an existing prepared tooth, a partial tooth with a post, or a dental implant.
Yes, dental bridges can be made from zirconia. Contact us for more details, and we’ll be happy to discuss the available materials and provide recommendations tailored to your needs.
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