As the name suggests, dental bridges bridge the gap when there are missing teeth in the mouth.

What are Dental Bridges?

Ideally used for replacing a single tooth, it is made of two or more crowns for your natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth or gap. The anchoring teeth in the bridge are abutment teeth. Whereas, the false tooth (the one replacing the missing tooth or filling the gap) lies in between the abutment teeth. Therefore, in simpler words, your natural teeth support the bridge. However, dental implants can also play the same role.

This offers a great way of restoring your smile, maintaining the shape of your face, restoring the ability to properly chew and talk, preventing remaining teeth from moving out of position, and distributing the forces of your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.

Dental Bridges Procedure

To complete the fitting of the dental bridge, the patient requires at least two dental visits. The dentist will begin the procedure by reshaping the abutment teeth. During this process, the dentist removes part of the enamel and dentist so there is room for the crown in the middle.

The next step is to take impressions of the teeth. The dentist will send the impressions and measurements to the dental lab to create a dental bridge that fits your mouth perfectly. During the time of the actual dental bridge’s preparation, the dentist will fit you with a temporary bridge to protect the exposed areas in your mouth.

The last step is when the dentist fits you with the dental bridge made by the lab. You will most likely be given some time to monitor if the bridge sets right in your mouth or if adjustments are required. If the bridge is working fine, the dentist will proceed to make it permanent.

Types of Dental Bridges

You will have four basic types of dental bridges as options to restore your teeth. The dentist will recommend a certain type depending on what are your oral needs.

The most common type is the traditional fixed bridge — containing two or more crowns and a filler tooth/teeth, which are all connected.

The cantilever bridge is where there is only one abutment tooth. It is also ideal for people having teeth only on one side of the gap. The Maryland dental bridge or resin-bonded bridge is an option when someone has missing front teeth. Lastly, there is the implant-supported bridge. It is similar to the traditional fixed bridge but it is held in place with dental implants.

There are also removable dental bridges. Unlike fixed bridges, these can replace one or more missing teeth in the same dental arch and there is no need for a tooth on each side of the missing one.

The Cost

The cost can vary depending on your location, dentist, and what type you need. Dental insurance typically covers a percentage of the total fee, but the actual coverage depends on your dental plan. You can contact your dental insurance company to learn more about their policy.

Affordable Dental Bridges in Toronto

Smiles by Design offers affordable dental bridges in Toronto. To learn more about our service or book your appointment with our dentist, call or visit us today.