Dental Bridges Cost

When you have a missing tooth or teeth, your remaining teeth are at an increased risk for coming loose and eventually falling out. This shifting or loss of teeth can make it more difficult for you to eat and even speak. You could also experience pain in your teeth and joints due to the increased formation of bacteria in the pockets of your gums.

One excellent option for correcting this issue is a dental bridge. A bridge is essentially a replacement tooth that fills the gaps between your teeth. Getting fitted for a bridge is relatively easy. The dentist will make an impression of your teeth, cement it to the bridge, and then affix it to your mouth permanently.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for Me?

Your dentist might recommend a dental bridge if you are missing teeth and the surrounding teeth have begun to shift and tilt into the gaps. This can change the shape of your jaw, make you look older, and affect your bite.

When your teeth are chipping or shifting, keeping them clean can also be a challenge. Your inability to maintain the hygiene of your remaining teeth can increase your risk for tooth decay, periodontal disease, and gingivitis.

Types of Dental Bridges

It used to be that different types of dental bridges could be alternatives for each other, and dentists would often use whatever bridges they happened to have in their offices. However, as technology continues to advance, this is no longer the case.

These days, your dentist will weigh the pros and cons of each dental bridge option available to you and help you decide the best one for your overall oral health. There are two main types of bridges: traditional bridges and implanted bridges.

Traditional Bridges

Your dentist might determine that you should be fitted for a traditional dental bridge if you damaged an existing bridge and it needs to be repaired or replaced. This will only be done if the bone has not been compromised. A traditional bridge is often the more cost-effective option.

You might also benefit from a traditional bridge if the teeth adjacent to the area of your mouth requiring a bridge are badly decaying. The reason for this is because those decaying teeth will need to be fully restored and a bridge will give you the maximum opportunity for a healthy mouth.

Implanted Bridges

An implanted bridge might be the better option for you if the rest of your teeth are otherwise healthy and in good condition—and if cost is not an issue for you.

Dental implants can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $20,000 before insurance. The total amount will depend on how many teeth you are having implanted. Although the cost is high, implanted bridges can often be better for the overall health of your teeth and give you a more realistic looking smile.

The other major difference between traditional bridges and implanted bridges is that traditional bridges will need to be replaced at some point, as the bone surrounding the bridge will begin to degrade. An implanted bridge is a permanent fix and significantly more durable than a traditional bridge.

The Care and Maintenance of a Bridge

A dental bridge can be made from ceramic, metal, or a combination of both, depending on where your bridge is made and which material would be better for your mouth.

Once a bridge is placed, it’s permanent. It cannot be removed without a dentist’s help. For this reason, you should always be sure to maintain the hygiene of the bridge so it doesn’t need to be replaced due to degradation by disease.

Taking care of your bridge is very similar to your normal teeth care. Floss between your teeth and under your bridge with a pick. Brush your teeth twice each day, including the areas surrounding your bridge to help remove plaque and bacterial films.

You should plan on coming in for routine teeth cleanings and examines, usually every six months or so. It can also help prolong the life of your dental bridge if you maintain a healthy diet that includes ingesting small amounts of sugar that can speed up the process of tooth decay.

The Costs of a Dental Bridge

It’s difficult to say how much it will cost for your individual dental bridge because the price varies on a case-by-case basis. Factors that can influence how much your bridge will cost include how many teeth are damaged, how long the bridge will be, the health of the bones in your mouth, the type and quality of bridge you are getting, and the material of the new bridge.

In addition, your dental insurance may cover a portion of the costs if it is medically necessary for you to get a bridge. For someone who was uninsured, the total out-of-pocket cost for a dental bridge could range from $500 all the way up to $20,000 if you’re getting a full mouth dental bridge implanted.

Our practice is proud to offer financing and payment options that you might be eligible for. We believe that healthy mouth and beautiful smile is a top priority, and we’re happy to help find a financial solution that works within your budget.

Consult a Dental Bridge Dentist

If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth and have noticeable gaps in your mouth, a dental bridge can be a great way to fix your smile. Not only will you decrease your risk of experiencing pain and gum disease, but you’ll also be protecting your remaining teeth from future damage and decay.

Speak with a dental bridge specialist at New York Dentist today for more information about inserting and maintaining a bridge. You can schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 555-555-5555 or by filling out the appointment request form we’ve provided below.