Dental bridges help restore your appearance after losing a tooth and prevent further dental problems. Missing teeth can cause a change in your bite, allow your remaining teeth to shift out of place, cause speech impediments and increase your risk of developing tooth decay or periodontal disease, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Several types of bridges are available to replace missing teeth.
Identification
Dental bridges span the gap that results in your mouth after one or more teeth are lost. A bridge consists of two crowns that attach to the teeth on either side of the gap. A false tooth or series of teeth appear between the two crowns and cover the gap. Porcelain, gold, alloys or a combination of materials make up dental bridges, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Types
Traditional dental bridges construction involves crowns on either side of a false tooth, also called a pontic. Metal bands attach the false tooth to adjoining teeth if you have a resin-bonded bridge, also called a Maryland bridge. These bridges are usually used for front teeth, according to AboutCosmeticDentistry.com. If a supporting tooth exists on only one side of the gap, a cantilever bridge may be used. Only one side of the bridge is anchored to an existing tooth when a cantilever bridge is used.
Preparation
Before the dentist puts the permanent bridge in place, she must prepare the teeth on either side of the gap to receive the bridge by removing part of the enamel and dentin. Removal of these substances allows a proper fit for the crowns that will cover these teeth. The dentist then places putty against the supporting teeth to create an impression that a dental laboratory uses when creating the permanent bridge. Your dentist may place a temporary bridge in your mouth during your visit. The temporary bridge is worn until the permanent bridge is ready.
Placing the Bridge
After removing the temporary bridge, your dentist places the permanent bridge in your mouth. Although the bridge was made from an impression of your teeth, your dentist may need to make some adjustments to ensure proper placement. After making adjustments, the dentist cements or bonds the permanent bridge in place.
Cost
In 2010, the Consumer Guide to Dentistry reported the average cost of a dental bridge as $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth. Costs vary depending on dental insurance coverage, materials used to construct the bridge, preparation of adjoining teeth, the technique used by the laboratory and dentist and your location.
