Have you had questions like what is a permanent dental bridge? Well, a simple answer is that they are among the solutions to the gaps between teeth. Missing a tooth is a cause of many health and psychological problems. You may feel uncomfortable smiling in a public place. Additionally, you may have a difficult time eating hard foodstuffs. The solution to these problems is a dental bridge, which comes in and bridges the gaps left by missing teeth.
There are a lot of facts and misconceptions surrounding dental bridges. Let’s get down to the details and discuss what bridges are, and the risk and cost that comes with pontics. We’ll also discuss why you might need them.
Table of Contents
What Are Dental Bridges
A dental bridge, which also called a pontic or a false tooth, is a replacement tooth that fills the space left when teeth go missing. Typically, materials that make bridges include metal, nylons, and acrylic. You can have a dental bridge replace either one, many, or all of your teeth.
Pontics don’t normally stand on their own. They require abutment teeth to keep them in position. These are natural teeth lying on either side of a pontic, thereby providing support. However, some false teeth, such as dental implants don’t require dental crowns to hold them in place.
Types of Dental Bridges
The way dental bridges fill a gap forms the basis of their classification. Pontics fall in four major categories, namely:
Traditional
The traditional bridge is the most popular type of false teeth. Dentists prefer it when the gap is between two natural teeth. However, this type may also fit well if the tooth gap has implants on either side. A dentist can then cement the abutment teeth using dental crowns and place the pontic. From then onwards, traditional dental bridges start providing numerous benefits to its host. Some of the advantages include a long lifespan if well maintained, and a lightweight tooth for comfortable chewing.
Cantilever
Cantilever pontics come into play when there is a single abutment tooth. Therefore, dental crown support is only provided from one tooth. The other end of the dental bridge is only cantilevered. A lot of design goes into this type, as small miscalculations can comprise chewing comfort. If fitted well, cantilevers can be the cheapest way to seal a tooth gap.
Maryland
Maryland, also called a resin-bonded bridge, is quite similar to traditional pontics, given that both require abutment teeth on either side of a tooth gap. However, they differ in how a dentist places the pontics. While the tradition uses dental crowns for support, Maryland uses a metal wing. The metal frame fits behind the natural teeth. With time, it may discolor, hence making Maryland a temporary solution.
Implant-supported
Dental implants don’t require abutment teeth to support the bridge. Instead, a dentist places an implant in the gum. They can then place a pontic using the implant to keep it in place. Of course, a large gap requires more implants. While dental implants require relatively more time, it’s among the best solutions to teeth gaps. Its ability to leave the teeth on either side of a tooth gap undisturbed makes it ideal.
How Much to Pay for Dental Bridges in Houston Texas
The amount a dentist will charge you will be, first of all, dependent on the type of bridge you require. Dental implants cost more compared to other bridges. Here is a breakdown.
Cost of Traditional, Cantilever, And Maryland In Houston Texas
Straight to the point, these three types cost $3000 on average in Texas. This price covers a single pontic. Further details reveal that the average cost of the these three bridges is inclusive of the abutment teeth. For example, paying $3000 for a traditional pontic cover the enamels supporting abutment teeth. However, the cost can go all the way up to $5000.
Cost of A Dental Implant in Houston Texas
An implant supported bridge cost prices a little higher, and it averages $5000 per implant. The relatively high price may be because a single implant can hold more than one pontic. Additionally, dental implants are more durable compared to other bridge types. The maximum this pontic placement type can hike to is $15000.
Cost of Teeth-In-A-Day in Houston Texas
Dental patients without a single tooth can have a dental procedure to replace them. Since placing dental implants for each pontic is too expensive, a professional dentist can place a bridge using as little as four implants. Therefore, this procedure is also called an all on 4 dental implants. On average, it can cost $30000.
This summary captures the dental implants cost break down.
Factors Determining Dental Bridge Cost
The figures above are averages. As a patient, you can influence the price by introducing new variables. Some of the determinants of the charge for pontics include:
- Presence of dental disease: If a dentist has to first deal with some dental issues such as bone grafting for dental implants, the price goes up.
- Size of the gap left by absent teeth: The greater the opening, the higher the cost. Large space may also require special procedures, thus hiking the price of the surgery.
- The material used to make the pontic: Generally, gold pontics are relatively expensive. They happen to be more durable compared to other materials such as composite resin.
Why Your Dentist May Recommend Dental Bridges for You
As mentioned, gaps between teeth can rob you of the ability to eat and smile as often as you would wish. A dentist can recommend pontics citing their many benefits, including:
- Dental bridges restore your chewing power and comfort, which allows you to feed properly.
- By filling tooth gaps, a dental bridge reinstate your speech
- Dental bridges restore your ability to smile
- Pontics, especially those supported by dental implants, help maintain the position of natural teeth
- A bridge prevent a face from aging prematurely
Risks Associated with Dental Bridges
Every type of dental bridge comes with some risks. Indubitably, the risks can be minimized by having an experienced doctor perform an impeccable surgery. Other risks will happen after some time even if the procedure was flawless.
Traditional Bridges Risks
Traditional pontics require a minimal cutting of the abutment teeth’s enamel. The enamel never regenerates, and cutting it may cause tooth sensitivity. Dentists solve this problem by protecting the abutment tooth with a crown.
After 10-15 years, traditional bridges require replacement.
Cantilever Bridges Risks
Since cantilever pontics require a single abutment tooth, there is a risk that excessive biting force may dislocate them. To solve the problem, dentists place cantilever bridges on the front teeth.
Maryland Bridges Risks
The major risk of a Maryland bridge is the metal frame’s discoloration causing teeth to darken. Additionally, the pontic may detach due to hard bites.
Dental Implants Risks
Implant-supported bridges are relatively durable and safe. However, having too many dental implants puts a patient at risk of implant rejection. Also, too much plaque under an implant can cause peri-implantitis. This condition involves damage to healthy jawbones.
Most of the risks associated with dental bridges are avoidable and preventable. It takes the effort of both the dentist and the patient to keep the perils at bay. The dentist must perform sound surgery, while the patient must ensure dental hygiene.
Procedure
The procedure to place a dental bridge includes two or more visits to a dentist’s office. A breakdown of the process enlists the following:
First Visit
Here, the dentist prepares the abutment teeth by cutting off some a part of the enamel. They can cover the exposed teeth using a temporary bridge.
Also, the dentist makes an impression of your teeth during this visit. They use the imprints later to model your dental bridge in a lab.
Second Visit
A dentist replaces the temporary bridge with a permanent one. They also check the bridge’s fit, and its ability to withstand biting pressure.
Third Visit
While not mandatory, visiting the dentist a third time may be necessary. This visit entails a check-up to confirm you are comfortable with your pontics. Note that some types of pontics, especially those involving dental implants, may need more visits.
Recovery Time
Once you have your bridge well placed, it should take about a fortnight to get used to it. Within this time, be sure to:
- Eat soft foods
- Maintain maximum dental hygiene as advised by a dentist
- Check for cracks on pontics
With time, you should be able to eat and speak normally with a bridge. It should feel more and more like your natural teeth. With proper maintenance, pontics can serve you for over ten years.
Where to Get Dental Bridges in Houston Texas
Should you be searching for professional dental bridge services in Houston, Texas, your solution is at Voss Dental. Our experienced staff, coupled with excellent customer care, makes us your dental service of choice.
Please consult us on matters relating to dental bridges, dental implants, braces, and root canals. Let’s get you scheduled for an online appointment.