What is the Cost of a Dental Bridge?
There are many reasons someone might have a missing tooth: possibly an accident, tooth decay, congenital issues, gum disease, etc. While missing teeth might not sound like a serious issue, they can lead to further problems such as periodontal disease, malocclusions (misalignment of teeth or an incorrect bite), or bone loss. To prevent those problems from becoming more severe is where a dental bridge comes in.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth. There are a few different parts that make up a dental bridge: abutments and pontics. Abutments are small screws that support the dental crowns. Pontics are artificial teeth that replace missing teeth, and they are designed to address the different needs as well as preferences of the patient.
Pros & Cons
Like many surgical operations, there are pros and cons. Dental bridges can provide a natural-looking solution for tooth loss, and they can restore chewing abilities and speech function. With that being said, they can decay if trauma in the area persists, and can weaken the overall dental bridge. Additionally, if your natural teeth are not strong enough to support the bridge, they can fracture.
Material & Lifespan
Dental bridges can be made from a variety of different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, and metal. Your dentist will work with you to determine which material is best for you, as it plays a huge role in durability, aesthetics, and suitability. Porcelain is often the top choice for dental bridges because of its natural appearance. It is ideal for a patient who wants an equal balance of aesthetics and function and is most commonly used for the front teeth. Ceramic is quite similar to porcelain but is made of zirconia and lithium disilicate, which is a high-strength ceramic that is gaining popularity for durability and aesthetic appeal. Metal bridges, which are often made of alloys such as gold, nickel-chronium, or cobalt-chronium, are the strongest. They are less common today due to poor aesthetics, but are still used in specific cases.
A dental bridge can last anywhere between 5 and 10 years, some even longer, with proper care and good oral hygiene.
Cost
The average cost of a traditional dental bridge is anywhere between $2,000 to $5,000, with the price mostly dependent on the type of dental bridge you receive: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported.
- Cantilever $: This pontic is designed for a patient who has only one healthy tooth next to the missing tooth. Therefore, this pontic extends from the crowned tooth, putting much more stress on it. Because of this, it is less common than a traditional pontic.
- Maryland $$: A Maryland pontic does not require crowns on the nearest healthy teeth. Instead, there are two small wings on the tooth that are bonded to the two outside healthy teeth.
- Implant-Supported $$$: This is the most stable and long-lasting option. The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting
- Traditional $$$$: This type of pontic is the most common and is attached to the crown, replacing the missing tooth. They can be made of various materials such as metal or porcelain.
If you have any missing teeth and are interested in the possibility of a dental bridge, please contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.
Related Article: What is a Maryland Bridge?