Dental bridge
A dental bridge is a great option if you're looking to replace one or more missing teeth. It mimics your natural teeth, providing both oral health and cosmetic benefits.
If you’re needing support with a missing tooth or teeth, visit your local Aspen Dental to see if dental bridges are right for you.
When you’ll need a dental bridge
Your teeth are designed to work together to help you chew, speak and smile. However, if you lose a tooth, the neighboring teeth can shift or become crooked. This can impact your ability to speak and chew.
Not to mention, it can hinder your ability to effectively clean your teeth, putting you at a greater risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Traditional, fixed bridge
Traditional bridges are made up of a collection of crowns (called retainer teeth) and one or more pontics, which are artificial teeth that take the place of the missing ones. In a traditional bridge, the pontic is secured by two or more crowns.
Cantilever dental bridge
Cantilever bridges are similar to a traditional dental bridge, but only use teeth on one side to help secure the replacement tooth. Since this option isn’t as strong as a fixed bridge, cantilever bridges are sometimes used to fill gaps closer to the front of the mouth.
Maryland dental bridge
Maryland dental bridges use metal, porcelain, and/or ceramic wings to bind a replacement tooth to the backs of adjoining, natural teeth. Your dentist may opt for this approach for patients whose health makes them a poor candidate for a more invasive procedure—or as a temporary fix while awaiting a more permanent solution, such as when an implant is healing.
Implant-supported bridge
Small, titanium fixtures surgically implanted into the jawbone hold an implant-supported bridge in place. This type of bridge provides a smile solution that is both predictable and long-lasting. Unlike other bridges, they do not need support from the surrounding teeth. This is oftentimes the preferred solution when multiple teeth in a row are missing.
Scheduling a dental bridge appointment
Successful bridge dentistry can take several trips to the dentist.
Bridge dental work aftercare
After your dental bridge is properly in place, you can return to your daily activities. If anything happens to your bridge due to things like injury, disease or infection, contact your Aspen Dental dentist right It’s important to take good care of your dental bridge to extend its lifespan, and to tend to your surrounding teeth to keep your smile healthy.
To best protect your bridge, we recommend following these oral health best practices:
Dental bridges FAQs
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge contains an artificial tooth that can fill the gap of a missing tooth. The new tooth is secured into place by two crowns on either side of it. Dental bridges can also help restore your smile by preventing any loss of facial structure.
Why might I need a dental bridge?
Dental bridges can be a great remedy for filling missing teeth and preserving your mouth and facial structure. For example, if you’re missing a tooth in the lower jaw, a tooth in your upper jaw may shift down into the new space. This is how your smile can become misaligned, changing the shape of your mouth and putting uncomfortable stress on your teeth and jaw joints.
To prevent these oral health issues, it’s best to address a missing tooth proactively with your Aspen Dental care team—which is where a dental bridge can help.
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
During your first visit, your Aspen Dental care team prepares each tooth on either side of the gap. Afterward, they will make an impression, or a digital scan, of your teeth to craft a bridge that will fit specifically to your smile.
Your dentist will then place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while your permanent dental bridge is being constructed. Once the permanent bridge is finished, it’s time to revisit your local Aspen Dental to have it fitted and adjusted. After everything fits comfortably, the permanent bridge will be secured into place using dental cement.
What affects the cost of a dental bridge?
Because of the varying factors involved, costs for bridges can fluctuate depending on your unique situation. A few things that can impact cost are the number of teeth being replaced, what the bridge is made of, your dental insurance coverage, your dentist’s financing, as well as any additional procedures needed to complete dental bridge treatment.
The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT INSURANCE. Plan members pay periodic membership fees in exchange for access to discounts on certain identified dental services rendered by participating Aspen Dental® providers in accordance with the plan fee schedule. Plan members are obligated to pay dental providers directly for services rendered. Plan details, retail fees and member savings may vary by provider and/or dental office location, please see specific plan terms and conditions for details. Dental membership plans are not qualified health plans under the Affordable Care Act, and do not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under M.G.L.c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is administered by Membersy LLC, a discount medical plan operator. The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state insurance department.