Fill Unsightly Gaps Caused by Missing Teeth
Missing teeth not only negatively affect your appearance and self-perception, but they’re also detrimental to your overall oral health. Missing teeth can make speaking or chewing food difficult and leave space for other teeth to shift around, causing further health issues to develop. But, there is a solution! If you’re suffering from missing teeth, you may be an ideal candidate for a dental bridge.
Dental bridges work by replacing missing teeth with false teeth that are supported by either dental implants, natural teeth, or a combination of both. Sometimes referred to as a ‘fixed partial denture’, bridges are bonded or cemented to your teeth. Unlike dentures, bridges don’t need to be removed for cleanings or during sleep.
The Long-Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a great way to make your smile look and feel normal, healthy, and vibrant again. But improved appearance isn’t the only benefit that bridges have to offer. The following are only a few of the important advantages dental bridges provide for your overall oral health:
Comfort
While unsightly, missing teeth also impact the mouth’s functionality. Those suffering from missing teeth often find that chewing certain foods can be uncomfortable or even painful. And speech can be affected as well, making communication difficult and frustrating. Dental bridges restore functionality to the mouth, so you enjoy the foods you love and speak unencumbered.
Tooth Health
Keeping all of your teeth is crucial for maintaining your facial structure and preventing your teeth from shifting, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorder. Dental bridges fill in tooth gaps caused by missing teeth, effectively preventing teeth from shifting while restoring your facial structure.
Bone Health
Healthy, stable teeth encourage healthy jawbones. As our dental health diminishes so does the health of bone and tissues that support our teeth. Stabilizing your dental health with a dental bridge will slow the rate of bone loss caused by your missing teeth.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
While dental bridges can be an ideal solution for replacing missing teeth, we at Guelph Family Dentistry do not recommend them for just anyone. Every mouth is different, and the right treatment option for others may not be the same for you. The following are a few factors we consider when deciding if dental bridges are right for our patients:
How many teeth need to be replaced?
We recommend dental bridges for those missing between one and three teeth. Any more than that and your bridge may become unstable and begin to lose its structural integrity. For this situation, your doctor may recommend dental implants, or a combination of implants and a dental bridge to restore your missing teeth.
Tooth health
In most cases, a dental bridge requires healthy teeth for support and stability. If your teeth are unhealthy, this could cause the bridge to fail or need to be replaced prematurely.
Other factors
There are all sorts of factors that your doctor will take into account during your consultation that will influence their decision about whether or not to prescribe dental bridge treatment. The only way to know for sure if a dental bridge is the best solution for you is to schedule a call or contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our Guelph Family Dentistry staff.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in Guelph
The cost of a dental bridge can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, expect to pay somewhere between $800 to $1200+. Without insurance, a reasonable figure for a dental bridge could be between $2000 to $3000 and up.
What goes into determining the cost of a dental bridge?
- The type of bridge and the material used to make it.
- The number of teeth that are missing.
- The location and complexity of the procedure.
- The condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Supplies and equipment that are required for your specific treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
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.
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