A dental bridge is a custom-made appliance that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge is typically made of two or more dental crowns that are attached to neighboring teeth or dental implants, with a false tooth (or teeth) in between to fill the gap.

There are several types of dental bridges available, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bridges. Traditional bridges are the most common and involve using dental crowns to anchor the bridge to neighboring teeth. Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one neighboring tooth available for anchoring. Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework to hold the bridge in place.

Dental bridges are a painless procedure. The area being worked on will be adequately numbed, and most patients report feeling no pain at all. Once the work is done to prepare the teeth for accepting the bridge, a temporary bridge will be fitted. There is only minor discomfort on the first day or two.

The process of applying a dental bridge typically involves two appointments. During the first appointment, the dental professional will prepare the neighboring teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the dental crowns. Impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge is custom-made. During the second appointment, the bridge is fitted and bonded into place using a specialized dental adhesive.

There is no set time that a dental bridge should be replaced. Typically patients will have a bridge replaced due to failure of the dental fixture. They can also be replaced if the teeth used to attach the bridge weaken or become decayed. In this situation, patients can have the decayed teeth removed and fitted with a dental implant as a new supporting structure.

There are two types of bridges, those that are removable and those that are fixed. A fixed bridge is a top option for those that want a worry-free solution to missing teeth that look more natural and won’t fall out. Most patients can expect to get 15 years out of the bridges, sometimes more with proper care.

The cost of bridges depends significantly on what insurance company you have, and what type of bridge you have installed. Those that use dental implants and bridges may not be covered by insurance. Dental implants on average cost $2,500 to $3,500 each, and then the cost of the bridgework. For fixed or removable bridges using your own teeth is typically covered up to 50% by insurance; however, this will vary from plan to plan.

Someone might need a dental bridge if they have missing teeth that are affecting their ability to speak or eat properly, or if they are self-conscious about their smile. Dental bridges can also help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, which can cause further dental problems down the line.