If you’re missing teeth, a dental bridge offers an effective solution. It can restore your smile and your bite. Great, isn’t it? At Atrium Dental, we use this treatment based on your need to ensure functionality for your specific situation. The benefits of this treatment include maintaining your mouth’s natural structure, improving chewing ability, and boosting your confidence with a complete smile. Let’s go deeper.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridge pictures show a dental appliance that can replace one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth (pontic) to adjacent teeth or implants. This fixed appliance fills the gap and prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting.
Dental bridges work well for people who:
- Have strong, healthy teeth or implants on each side of the gap.
- Want a lasting solution without surgery?
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
Different Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, each designed for a different need and situation:
Traditional Bridge
Being the most common type and a permanent solution, it uses crowns on the natural teeth on both sides of the gap to hold the bridge in place. These single tooth dental bridges are good for patients with healthy teeth on each side of the missing tooth. This option provides good stability and works well in areas with normal bite force.
Cantilever Bridge
It is attached to a single tooth next to the missing tooth. Suitable for certain side or back teeth, these temporary dental bridges are good when only one adjacent tooth is available. However, it’s not as strong as other types and cannot endure lots of bite pressure (not good for molars).
Maryland Bridge
Also called a resin-bonded bridge, this removable dental bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework that attaches to the back surfaces of the teeth next to the gap. This design doesn’t require crowns; however, the framework is less durable than crowns. Therefore, these bridges work best for front teeth or low-bite areas, where pressure is minimal.
Implant-Supported Bridge
It is a dental implant-supported bridge. It relies on dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks on nearby teeth. Dentists use implants in the jawbone to provide the bridge with excellent stability. These dental appliances are ideal for multiple missing teeth in one area. This option offers high durability and is beneficial for patients who prefer a long-term solution that won’t affect surrounding teeth. Also, their healing period is longer, but they deliver lasting results.
Dental Bridge Procedure
Our placement process is thorough and ensures a comfortable and lasting fit. Here’s how we do it:
- We start with a full examination of your teeth and gums using X-rays. We assess the gap and surrounding teeth to determine the best type of bridge for your needs.
- If we’re using your natural teeth to support the bridge, we carefully prepare these teeth. We reshape them slightly to make room for crowns that will hold the bridge in place. We use local anesthesia to ensure you are pain-free.
- Next, we take your teeth impressions. These impressions create a mold to design your custom bridge perfectly. Our team sends these molds to a dental lab to be made in a way that matches your natural teeth.
- While your permanent bridge is being made, we place a temporary bridge. It will protect your prepared teeth. This temporary option keeps your teeth secure, protects them from sensitivity, and allows you to eat and speak normally.
- Once ready, we secure the permanent bridge in place. Then, we use a strong adhesive to bond it firmly.
- Finally, we make adjustments to ensure everything feels natural and you have a comfortable, natural bite.
Dental Bridge Before and After
Before the procedure, you may have:
- Gaps in your smile where teeth are missing
- Shifting of nearby teeth, causing alignment issues
- Trouble chewing or discomfort while eating
- Reduced confidence due to visible gaps
After the procedure, you will have:
- A full, natural-looking smile with no gaps
- Improved bite function for easier chewing
- Surrounding teeth staying aligned and secure
- Enhanced appearance, boosting your confidence
Before & After Crowns Services
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
The dental bridge cost differs based on the type, materials, and your needs. For an accurate estimate, contact Atrium Dental directly or call (480) 906-3655. We will provide a breakdown of costs and discuss payment options that work for you.
Are Dental Bridges Covered by Insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover these dental appliances if they are medically necessary. The coverage is typically about 50% of the total cost. However, you better check with your provider for specific details.
Are Dental Bridges Covered by Medicare?
Medicare generally does not cover these dental appliances, as they are considered non-medical procedures. These dental appliances fall outside Medicare’s scope of coverage, which is limited to essential medical needs.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
The lifespan of these dental appliances depends on its type and your oral care routine:
- Traditional and cantilever types typically last 5 to 15 years.
- Maryland types last about 5 to 10 years.
- Implant-supported types can last 15 years.
Remember that regular check-ups and daily oral hygiene can help extend the life of your bridge.
Dental Bridges vs. Implants
Dental bridges and implants both replace missing teeth, but they have key differences:
- Implants anchor directly in the jawbone, making them more stable, while bridges rely on surrounding teeth.
- Implants are often more durable, lasting a lifetime with good care. Bridges may need replacement after 10–15 years.
- Bridges are quicker and require less surgery. Implants need surgical placement and a longer healing period.
- Bridges use nearby teeth for support, while implants stand independently without affecting other teeth.
- Bridges are usually less expensive initially, while implants may cost more upfront but offer longer-term savings due to durability.
Can You Put a Dental Bridge after a Crown?
Yes, you can attach this dental appliance to teeth that already have crowns. This method works well when the crowned teeth are healthy and strong enough to provide secure support for the bridge.
Are Dental Bridges Permanent or Removable?
Most of them are permanent and secured with a strong adhesive to keep them fixed in place. This includes types like traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges. Some implant-supported bridges, however, can be removable. These removable options still provide a stable and secure fit.
Dental Bridges Near Me in Phoenix, Arizona
If you are looking for dental bridges, you have come to the right place. Dr. Foroughi of Atrium Dental in Phoenix, Arizona, offers the best and most affordable services. To discuss your dentistry options with an expert team of dentists, schedule a consultation session at (480) 906-3655, and fill out our online appointment form.
What is a Dental Onlay?
An onlay tooth is a custom-made filling crafted from composite material, gold, or porcelain that precisely fits inside the grooves and covers one or more of the raised cusps of a damaged tooth. It is an intermediate solution between a simple filling and a full crown, offering substantial support and restoring a tooth’s integrity.
What is the Difference between a Bridge and an Onlay?
The primary distinction between bridges and porcelain onlays lies in their purpose and application within dental restoration:
- A bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of crowns for the teeth ( it can be on either side of the gap), with false teeth in between. These elements are connected to form the “bridge.”
- An onlay is used to repair a tooth that has damage or decay but doesn’t require a full crown. An onlay covers one or more of the cusps on the tooth’s surface, fitting precisely to restore the tooth’s shape and strengthen it without covering the tooth’s entire surface.
What are Inlay-Retained Dental Bridges?
When patients reject the thought of implant treatment or traditional retained full-coverage fixed dental prostheses, which need additional tooth preparation, inlay-retained dental bridges might be a feasible option. Patients with good oral hygiene, minimal susceptibility to cavities, and a minimum coronal tooth height of 5 mm are candidates for inlay-retained dental bridges. The inlay-Retained bridge can sometimes be called the Maryland bridge. Which are more conservative than a traditional bridge. The main disadvantage is that they are more prone to debond and have to rebond.
Dental Onlay Before and After
Before
Prior to receiving a dental onlay, a tooth may display significant signs of decay or damage, such as large fillings that have weakened the structure, chips, or extensive wear. This can affect not only the tooth’s appearance but also its function, leading to discomfort or difficulty in chewing.
After
After an onlay is applied, the tooth’s structure is significantly restored. The onlay fits snugly into the damaged area and over the cusps, improving the tooth’s strength and preventing further decay. Visually, the tooth looks more intact and natural, while functionally, it can withstand the forces of biting and chewing, much like a healthy tooth.
Are Onlays Cheaper than Crowns?
In terms of dental crown vs onlay, In Phoenix, Arizona, onlays are generally considered a cost-effective alternative to crowns. While prices vary depending on the dental practice and the materials used, onlays typically require less tooth preparation and material, making them less expensive than crowns. However, it’s important to consult with a local dentist to get an accurate cost comparison, as individual needs can significantly influence the overall expense.
Is an Onlay Better than a Crown?
In terms of onlays vs crowns, choosing between an onlay and a crown depends on the tooth’s condition and the specific dental situation. Onlays are better suited for situations where the tooth’s damage does not warrant a full crown, as they preserve more of the natural structure of the tooth. They are considered a more conservative treatment and can be just as durable as crowns. However, for teeth that are extensively damaged or weakened, a crown may be the better option as it provides full coverage and protection for the tooth.
Is Onlay Covered by Insurance?
In Phoenix, Arizona, whether an onlay is covered by insurance typically depends on the dental insurance plan. Most plans offer some level of coverage for onlays as they are considered a necessary restorative procedure. However, coverage can vary widely, with some plans covering a substantial portion of the cost while others may cover less. It’s advisable to check with your specific insurance provider to understand your coverage options for onlays.
FAQs
It resembles natural teeth and fills the space of missing teeth, blending with surrounding teeth.
Infection symptoms include pain, swelling, bad breath, and gum irritation around the bridge.
Costs vary based on type and materials; contact us for a specific quote.
Yes, they are usually less expensive than implants.
The placement is generally painless with anesthesia, though mild soreness may occur after the procedure.
Costs depend on the type and material, but insurance often covers a portion if medically necessary.
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The bridge they created for me has restored my smile and confidence. Can’t thank them enough for their expertise!