Affordable Dental Bridge

Tooth Replacement with Dental Bridge

That missing tooth can be easily replaced with a dental bridge. It does not matter if it is a back tooth or a tooth in the front. Dental bridges can replace the missing tooth and restore your smile. Your new smile might even look better than your old smile. YES!!! A Dental Bridge can be that good. Do you need to replace one or two or three or “four” missing tooth? a Dental bridge is still a very good solution for you regardless

What is a Dental Bridge?

A Dental Bridge is a fixed prosthesis made up of crowns and false teeth (Pontic). The Dental crowns are placed over the adjacent teeth and the false teeth (aka  pontics) are placed in the gap between them to replace the missing tooth. The anchoring teeth can be real teeth or implants.

The anchoring teeth on both sides have to be strong enough to support the bridge for it to work. If you’ve lost several teeth in a row, you can also have a bridge with more than one false tooth.

A Dental Bridge consists of two parts​

• Anchor Crowns The anchor crowns (also known as retainer crowns) are two (or more) dental crowns that are cemented on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. The two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth. A traditional bridge is supported by natural teeth on both sides and on one side in a cantilever bridge. The abutment teeth are an Implant in a Dental Implant Bridge
• Pontic / Artificial teeth This is the artificial (or false) teeth placed between or beside the anchor crowns to serve as replacement for the missing tooth or teeth. Depending on the clinical situation and the number of missing teeth, a dental bridge can have one or more pontics. A dental restoration made off several dental crowns joined together but without any pontics (because there are no missing teeth) is also considered as a dental bridge

Why would I Need a Dental Bridge ?

A missing tooth and all the negative effects of a missing tooth to your oral health is the main reason you will need a bridge. If you lose an adult tooth, some form of replacement is essential so you can continue to chew and speak normally. A Dental bridge is one such option to help replace missing teeth and help support your lips and cheeks.

 What happens if you do not replace a Missing tooth?

Once you lose one tooth, your risk of further tooth loss increases significantly below are some of the things that can happen because of a missing tooth:

• Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
• Teeth were designed to complement each other. When one tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding it have nothing to lean on and will tilt toward the open space. This often leads to tooth decay and even further tooth loss

• Missing teeth can also cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Bridge for Replacing Missing Teeth?

Yes! There are other tooth replacement options such as Dental Implants and Dentures for replacing a missing tooth. Whichever option you decide to choose, there are pros and cons to all of them. 

A Denture is the best option if you are concerned about cost as it is the cheapest option, but it is not a fixed solution for a missing tooth, a Dental Implant is the best option when it comes to longevity and overall performance, but it costs much more than any other tooth replacement option. A Dental bridge I would say is just right there in the middle It is a fixed solution, and it is not as costly as an Implant

6 Advantages of dental bridges for replacing a missing tooth:

• Dental bridges closely resemble natural teeth
• They’re less invasive than dental implants
• Permanently cemented so it’s a fixed prosthesis that you won’t have to take out
• Restores your smile and the ability to speak and chew properly
• Distributes the forces in your bite properly
• Prevents remaining teeth from shifting or tilting out of position

2 Disadvantages of dental bridges for replacing a missing tooth:

• Requires reduction of teeth adjacent to space to hold the bridge
• You cannot floss between the teeth with a regular floss, you need a floss threader

What are the different Types of Dental Bridges?

There are four types of dental bridges . The choice of bridge types depends on where the missing tooth is located and what type of material you want in your mouth. The four most common type of bridges are:

• Traditional Dental Bridge: These bridges consist of one or more pontic teeth that are held in place by crowns that are placed over the healthy teeth on each side of the gap. This is the most common type of tooth bridge and can only be used when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides surrounding the gap of your missing tooth.
• Cantilever Dental Bridge Cantilever dental bridges differ from traditional dental bridges in that they are only anchored on one side. Typically anchored to one or two teeth. They aren’t as common as other bridge types, and they are mostly utilized on the front of the mouth. Because they can put too much strain on a single tooth, cantilever bridges are not recommended for the back of the mouth. A cantilever bridge can save both time and money if it is placed safely. However, there are only a few instances in which this type of bridge can be installed at the back, and it will last long.
• Maryland Dental bridges (also called resin-bonded bridges) Instead of full dental crowns, a Maryland bridge uses little wings as an anchor. The wings are bonded to adjacent teeth. Maryland bridges are the most conservative dental bridge available, and they are often used to replace a single front tooth. They require the least amount of good tooth structure to be removed. Like Cantilever Bridges, chewing force can easily dislodge Maryland bridges, therefore they’re not a good choice for posterior teeth. (We currently do not offer Maryland bridges)
• Implant-Supported Dental Bridges Implant-supported dental bridges use the same structure as traditional bridges; however A big benefit of implant-supported bridges is that they do not require healthy teeth to be altered. Instead, these bridges are supported by dental implants, which are prosthetic titanium tooth roots that are surgically embedded in the jawbone. Implant-supported bridges can support more pontics (replacement teeth) than a traditional bridge. In fact, multiple implants can even support an entire denture and the bridge will require at least two implants.

Types of Materials Used for Dental Bridges

• Porcelain – natural tooth like appearance
• Zirconia – strong and durable with acceptable appearance

• Gold – strongest option often used on a back tooth where it is less visible
• Non-precious metal (Silver color)
• Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) – mixture of porcelain and metal

What Does a Dental Bridge Cost in Houston

The cost of a Dental Bridge can vary depending on a number of factors. Typically, the type of Dental Bridge and the material used to make the bridge has the most impact on the total cost of the Bridge. Prices in the Houston area ranges from:

• A Traditional Dental bridge (3 unit) can cost between $1500 – $3000 per unit in the greater Houston area. They are usually priced based on the number of teeth (units) involved; a three-unit bridge to fill the gap created by a single missing tooth uses one false tooth and two anchoring crowns. Depending on the materials used (porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-metal or all-ceramic), traditional or cantilever bridges can cost $500-$3,000 or more per unit, or $1,500-$6,000 or more total for a three-unit bridge; but they average about $700-$1,500 per unit or $2,100-$4,500 for a three-unit bridge. A four-unit bridge (two false teeth, two anchor crowns) can cost $2,000-$12,000
• A cantilever Dental Bridge costs between $1500 – $3000 per unit. They are priced similar to a traditional dental bridge

• A Maryland (or resin-bonded) bridge typically costs about $250-$550 for each wing and $500-$1,000 per false tooth, or a $1,100-$2,300 for one false tooth with two metal wings.

• An Implant Supported 3 Unit Bridge cost ranges from 3500 – 11,000 in the greater Houston area. The number if implants needed are usually 2-6, bridge size and type of materials, and any other needed procedures will influence the total cost of an implant supported bridge

What to expect during a traditional dental bridge procedure?

You’ll typically need at least two appointments to fit a Dental Bridge. However, with the advent of same day crowns, you may need one where the office is able to mill the crowns in the office. Whether you need one or more appointments, dental bridge procedure typically involves:

• Abutment teeth preparation: During your first appointment, our Dentist will numb your mouth with local anesthesia and the proceed to shape the abutment teeth. This involves shaping a very small portion of the enamel, to make room for a cap /crown.
• Impressions: The Dentist will then take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth. A dental laboratory uses the mold or scan as a model to create your bridge, false teeth and crowns. You’ll have a temporary bridge to protect the exposed areas in your mouth while the lab fabricates the real bridge. If it’s a same day crown patient can typically wait for a couple of hours to have their new crown designs and milled in office
• Permanent bridge placement: During your second visit, our Dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent bridge. 

How Soon after Tooth Extraction can a tooth be replaced with a Dental Bridge?

Almost immediately in most cases. A tooth can be safely pulled and replaced with a dental bridge. In some cases however, it may be best to wait a couple of weeks sometimes up to 6 weeks depending on what the Dentist feels is best for the gums and the tooth extraction site to heal completely before a dental bridge is fitted. In these scenarios, the tooth can still be prepped and the patient will wear a temporary bridge while healing is ongoing. This is to prevent gaps under the bridge if the permanent bridge has being seated before healing is complete and the gums then recede leaving an awful space under the bridge. 

Common problems associated with Dental Bridge

Although dental bridges are an excellent way to restore missing teeth, issues sometimes occur, as with any dental procedure. If you’re concerned about the risks of dental bridges, these are some of the most prevalent dental bridge issues.

• Infection or decay under the dental bridge A dental bridge is supported by a healthy tooth which may still get infected or decayed if the patient does not maintain a good oral hygiene
• Sensitivity under dental bridge Because the tooth enamel had to be shaped down a little bit to fit the bridge, it’s normal to feel some sensitivity around your teeth and gums for a few days after having a dental bridge placed. If sensitivity lingers for more than a couple of weeks, Please contact our office for a Post Op.

• Food Getting caught under the dental bridge Another important reason to keep good oral hygiene is the possibility of food getting stuck in the small spaces between the pontic and gum. Not only is this uncomfortable; it will soon start to smell bad and breed bacteria that cause decay. A floss threader or a water flosser will help you dislodge any food caught under your dental bridge and you should floss it daily.

• Dental bridge feels tight It may take some time to get used to the feel of your new tooth bridge. It may feel tight – even painful – at first because there is extra pressure on the supporting teeth. If this feeling doesn’t settle down after a week or so, feel free to mention it to your dentist. It might be necessary to adjust the bridge as needed.

• Dental bridge feels loose If your dental bridge feels loose straight after it’s been fitted, your dentist will need to re-cement it. If you feel your tooth bridge moving around, book an appointment straight away so it can be fixed before any damage occurs. Over time, the dental cement that holds a tooth bridge in place may start to fail and this may cause an old bridge to feel loose or even fall off. It may be possible to re-cement it if the supporting teeth are still in good condition; otherwise, it will have to be replaced.

Post Operative Care Dental Bridge

• Following the first appointment for a dental bridge procedure, a temporary bridge will be placed on the tooth or teeth involved. This will protect them while the custom restoration is being made.

• After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment.  Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

• On rare occasions, temporary crowns come off.  Call us if this happens and keep the temporary so we can re-cement it.  It is very important for the proper fit of your final restoration that temporaries stay in place.

• It’s normal to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity after each appointment.  Your gums may be sore for several days.  Rinse three times a day with warm salt water (a tsp of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit) to reduce pain and swelling.  Use medication only as directed.

• To help keep your temporary in place, avoid eating sticky foods (especially gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.  It’s important to continue to brush normally, but floss very carefully and remove the floss from the side to prevent removal of the temporary crown

• Temporary crowns are composed of a composite material that may feel a little rough and the shade may not be exact. Your final restoration will be shaped and shaded better than the temporary to match your other teeth in both color and function.
• The use of temporary cement is for easy removal on your next appointment. Don’t floss your temporary as this may cause it to dislodge. If your temporary comes off between appointments, slip if back on and call us for an appointment.
• Many crowns fit below the gum line. Therefore, you may experience some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of that area during the procedures. Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible.
• After the final cementation of your fixed restoration, it may take a few days to get used to the new crown or bridge. If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, be sure and call for an appointment for a simple adjustment.
• After the procedure, your diet should be soft foods. Try to avoid hard or chewy foods. After the numbing goes away you can resume diet as normal.

Financing Options for Replacing Tooth with a Dental Bridge

We offer multiple payment options in a bid to make payment and the overall Dental experience a pleasant one. Even though we are affordable, and our prices are low cost. We understand sometimes, patients do not have the cash at hand to make the payment for the services required there and then. Sometimes you have to wait out the pay period but tooth ache or whatever Dental Emergency you have does not really understand.

Hence, we accept multiple forms of payment including credit cards to enable our patients make payments with their bank at no additional charges. We also accept Health and savings card. We do offer Third party financing like Care credit that would provide funding for qualified patients at 0% interest rate for 6 Month – 12 months Same as cash. Be sure to contact our office and we can discuss better whatever options we have to help you, we work with our patients

Does Insurance Cover Dental Bridge

Most insurances cover Dental bridge to replace a missing tooth however not all Insurances does. Those that cover may only pay for a Dental bridge if the tooth being replaced was lost while you had an active insurance coverage. Keem Smile Dentistry is an In Network Dental Provider with more than 150 dental insurance Carriers including major carriers like Cigna, MetLife, Delta Dental and many more.

How long will my dental bridge last?

Bridges and crowns are strong and durable, but not invincible. Bridges are designed to be a fixed solution, but how you care for them can have an impact on their longevity. With proper care, a porcelain dental bridge can last up to10 years or even a lifetime. A broken can be easily fixed or replaced as long as the tooth supporting the bridge is still in a good condition so taking care of the tooth supporting the bridge is the secret of a Dental bridge longevity

Can food get under a dental Bridge?

Yes. Food can get under Dental bridge. Usually, there is a micro space under the dental bridge that tiny particles of food can slip under. While it may not be visible to an unsuspecting eye, tiny food particles can easily get under the bridge and if not cleaned properly can start to cause a foul smell under the bridge and in worst case scenarios, can cause decay to the tooth supporting the bridge and hence failure of the bridge. Flossing under the bridge daily with a floss threader or water pick is essential to the longevity of the bridge.

How do I care for my Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is simple to maintain. Brush and floss it the same way you brush and floss your natural teeth. Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and high-quality toothpaste is the ideal practice for at-home dental care. Flossing should be done at least once a day. You should also continue to go for your regular dental checkups and cleaning. While your dental bridge is decay-resistant, you must still take care of your natural teeth. This is important for the structural integrity of the Dental bridge.

while ceramic bridges won’t discolor or stain, they may chip or become loose. Therefore, you’ll need to take proper care of them by avoiding chewing on extremely hard items such as ice cubes or boiled sweets

Still have questions?

You don’t have to live with an unfinished smile that makes you self-conscious and makes your life difficult. There is a low-cost, minimally invasive dental option that can restore your smile to full functionality and beauty. To learn more about dental bridges, contact Keem Smile Dentistry to schedule a consultation.