Dental Bridges
Dental Bridge Treatment In Garland, TX
Why Do I Need A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge closes the gap in your beautiful smile, just like how a roadway bridge spans a river or ravine. Garland dentist Dr. Boppana recommends this time-tested method to replace a missing tooth for patients who are not a candidate for or do not want dental implants.
How are Dental Bridges Designed?
First Visit
The abutment teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them.
Impressions of the teeth are made to be used as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab.
A temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth.
Second Visit
The temporary bridge will be removed
The new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit.
Depending on each individual’s case further visits might be needed to adjust the dental bridge.
Four Types Of Dental Bridges
Types Of Dental Bridges
There are many variations in dental bridges, these four are the most common bridge types
Traditional Bridge
Made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal. Teeth on either side of the space (called abutment teeth) act as anchors to support up to 3 false teeth (3 tooth bridges) that are reduced and fitted with dental crowns. Traditional bridges are the most popular type of dental bridge.
Maryland Bridge
Also called resin-bonded bridges are made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or plastic teeth and gums supported by the framework. This type has wings bonded to existing teeth for support.
Cantilever Bridge
Used for replacing missing teeth at the back of the arch where there is only one abutment tooth. Cantilever bridges are usually placed by cementing a dental crown to abutment the tooth. However, this is not a standard procedure as it can put much pressure on the other teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Up to five consecutive missing teeth can be replaced with just two dental implants supporting a 5 tooth bridge. In this situation, healthy adjacent teeth are not impacted by crown.
Are You A Good Candidate?
- Anyone who is missing a tooth or teeth is a candidate for a dental bridge.
- If you are missing a lot of teeth, then the dentist might suggest partial dentures rather than a dental bridge.
- If you are looking at an Implant-supported bridge, then Dr. Boppana has to check if you have enough healthy bone volume to support the implant. This is because one of the side effects of tooth loss is bone degradation.
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About The Treatment Process
A traditional bridge requires just two dental visits.
- At first, teeth are prepared for dental crowns, and mouth impressions are taken.
- These impressions are sent to a dental lab, along with instructions on shading to ensure the bridge matches your natural teeth.
- Prepped teeth are protected with temporary crowns while your bridge is being fabricated.
- A temporary bridge is prepared by the dentist to protect exposed teeth and gums.
- In about two weeks temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is cemented into place.
- In addition to the above, in some cases, the patient might have unchecked gum disease, and Dr. Boppana has to treat the gum disease before placing the bridges.
How To Floss Your Bridge
How do I take care of Dental Bridge?
Surrounding teeth act as anchors to hold the bridge in place hence the strength of these teeth is critical for success. Below are some tips
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing
- Maintaining good overall oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and preventing tooth loss.
How Much Does A Dental Bridge Cost?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on a number of factors
- Varies based on the number of missing teeth, 3 tooth bridge (single false teeth and 2 anchoring teeth) or 4 tooth bridge ( 2 false teeth and 2 anchoring teeth), or 5 tooth bridge ( 3 missing teeth and 2 anchoring teeth).
- Porcelain crowns are needed.
- Materials used include composite resin (white-colored), zirconia, gold metal, and metal alloy covered in resin.
- Fabrication process.
- The complexity of placement.
- Additional treatments like deep cleaning (gum disease) may have to be performed before placing the bridges.
Dental implants can last a lifetime, but a dental bridge is typically more affordable initially than multiple dental implants. Many insurance plans cover all or a portion of the cost of a dental bridge. At Perfect 32 Family Dentistry, we offer affordable dental bridge treatment.
At Perfect 32 Family Dentistry, we have a number of payment options. Your dental insurance covers the treatment (coverage varies). Apart from that we offer low or zero-interest treatment financing through Care Credit, and also, if you don’t have dental insurance, you can sign up for our in-office Plan for Health and save up to 30 percent on various treatments.
More Informative Links
More Information can be found at WebMD
More Information can be found at Healthline
More Information can be found at colgate.com
Don’t suffer from missing teeth. Conveniently located near N Shiloh and Apollo Rd Intersection, we serve Garland, Richardson, Plano, and surrounding areas. Visit our dental office in Garland, TX area, or call us at (469) 804-5677 to schedule a consultation.