A dental bridge is typically created by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) between dental crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Depending on your situation, your dentist may recommend different types of dental bridges.

They include:

The dental bridge procedure consists of multiple steps, which typically include the following:

Initial Consultation

Assessing the overall health of your mouth is the most important step in the dental bridge procedure. Your dentist will utilize specialized dental tools such as a dental mirror and probe to carefully examine your teeth for signs of decay, trauma, and gum disease.

After evaluating the examination results, your dentist will provide personalized advice on the most suitable type of dental bridge for your specific situation. 

In addition, they will address any concerns regarding the procedure, including estimated costs, insurance coverage, payment options, and the risks and benefits of dental bridges. 
 

Preparing the Abutment Teeth

While this step is not necessary for Maryland and implant-supported bridges, it is important to note that traditional and cantilever bridges require the preparation of the abutment teeth. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic before the tooth preparation to numb the gums surrounding the abutment teeth.

During the procedure, your dentist will use a dental drill to carefully remove small portions of enamel from the abutment teeth on either side of the tooth gap. This creates enough space for the dental crowns to fit securely onto the teeth. 

For implant-supported bridges, dental implants will be surgically placed into your jawbone. The implants will require several months to heal and fuse with the surrounding bone tissue.

Taking Impressions of the Teeth

The next step involves taking impressions of your teeth. This crucial step ensures that your dental bridges will fit comfortably in your mouth while maintaining a natural look and feel. Your dentist may use one of two methods to take impressions: the traditional putty-like material approach or the more modern digital scanner approach.

The traditional method involves filling a dental impression tray with a putty-like material, such as silicone or alginate. Your dentist will place the tray into your mouth, allowing the material to be set for a while. After removing the tray, they will inspect the impression for accuracy and necessary details.

Alternatively, the digital scanner method involves using a hand-held scanner to capture images of your mouth and teeth. These images are used to create an accurate 3D model of your mouth and teeth, eliminating the need for putty-like material.

Fitting the Dental Bridge

Once your impressions have been taken, they will be sent to a specialized dental laboratory where your custom dental bridge will be fabricated. In the meantime, your dentist will create a temporary bridge to protect the abutment teeth and exposed gums. The temporary bridge will be held in place using temporary cement and can be easily removed once the permanent bridge is ready for placement.

When your permanent dental bridge is ready, your dentist will schedule an appointment to examine the placement site and abutment teeth for any issues before removing the temporary crown. Next, the permanent dental bridge will be carefully placed to ensure a snug fit in the missing teeth gap. 

Your dentist will check your bite to ensure that the bridge aligns with your natural teeth and that your bite is comfortable. Once satisfied, the dental bridge will be cemented in place using dental cement, which may be hardened with a curing light to create a strong and durable bond between the bridge and your teeth.

Follow-up Appointments

Your dentist may schedule follow-up appointments to assess the condition and proper functioning of your dental bridge and its natural appearance. During these appointments, they may take dental x-rays to evaluate the abutment teeth and surrounding bone structure. Additionally, your dentist may adjust your bite to ensure that your teeth come together evenly.

Your dentist will provide oral hygiene instructions for caring for your dental bridge at home, such as brushing and flossing techniques to keep the bridge clean.

There are several benefits to getting dental bridges. They include:

• Boost your confidence: Missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment and anxiety in social situations. Dental bridges can enhance your smile by improving the appearance of your teeth. As a result, this minor dental procedure can significantly boost your confidence as you interact with others.
• Restore functionality of the teeth: Missing teeth can significantly impact your ability to chew, resulting in digestion problems and malnutrition. By replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, you can enjoy a variety of foods that may have been challenging to eat before, which can also lead to improved overall nutrition.
• Improve your speech: Missing teeth can create gaps that result in whistling sounds and pronunciation difficulties when speaking. However, dental bridges can effectively fill these gaps, leading to a significant improvement in speech.
• Maintaining facial structure: Missing teeth can lead to jawbone deterioration, bone loss, and bite misalignment as adjacent teeth shift to occupy the gap. This can ultimately cause a sunken facial appearance. By filling the gap left by missing teeth, dental bridges can maintain a symmetrical facial structure and jawbone density.

The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly and is influenced by several factors, including the type of bridge chosen, the materials used, the extent of the dental work required, and the location of the dental practice. Additionally, the cost of a dental bridge may also be impacted by your insurance coverage.

Here are some approximate fees for each type of dental bridge:

• Traditional dental bridge: A traditional dental bridge typically costs between $500 to $1,500 per tooth, which can vary depending on several factors, such as the dental practice, the complexity of the procedure, the materials used and your dental insurance benefits
• Cantilever dental bridge: The cost of a cantilever dental bridge typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 per tooth and may vary depending on factors such as the dental practice's location, the complexity of the procedure, the materials used, and your dental insurance benefits
• Maryland dental bridge: The cost of a Maryland dental bridge typically ranges between $500 to $1,500 per tooth, depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the materials used, the specific dental practice chosen, and your dental insurance benefits
• Implant-supported bridge: Implant-supported bridges can cost $3,000 to $6,000 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the materials used, the dental practice, and your dental insurance benefits.

While dental bridges are a popular and effective tooth replacement option, it is important to note that there may be alternative solutions better suited to your situation, budget, or insurance coverage. It would be best to discuss all available options with your dentist to determine the best course of action. Here is a comparison between dental bridges and other common tooth replacement options.

• Dental Implants: Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves inserting a small titanium post in the jawbone that supports a dental crown. Dental implants can last longer than dental bridges and require less maintenance. However, they are often more expensive than partial dentures and require a longer treatment timeline
• Partial dentures: Partial dentures are designed to replace a few missing teeth. While they are cheaper than dental bridges, they are less stable and may not be as natural-looking
• Removable bridges (Nesbit Appliance): Removable bridges are similar to partial dentures. However, they are more stable since they are reinforced with a metal framework and attached to the remaining teeth using metal clasps. While they are cheaper than dental bridges, they require more maintenance, and they aren't as long-lasting