Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures)

Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures)

Dental bridges are designed to literally bridge the gap left by a missing tooth, or multiple adjacent teeth. The replacement teeth, referred to as pontics, are custom-designed to replicate the ones you’ve lost, and are supported by two crowns on either side that are anchored to nearby healthy teeth. The crowned teeth, or abutment teeth, provide comfort and stability to keep your bridge firmly in place as you bite, chew, and smile. A dental bridge can also be secured to two dental implant posts rather than abutment teeth, allowing you to preserve a maximum amount of the healthy tooth structure that remains.

In addition to improving how your smile looks, a dental bridge also helps to restore your dentition and a healthy bite balance, which can help prevent complications resulting from one or more missing teeth. A bridge can stop remaining teeth from shifting towards the empty gap in attempts to balance out your bite. It can also help you avoid the problems that can result from shifting teeth, such as improper bite pressure, excessive tooth wear, and an increased risk for dental disease and traumatic injury.

When a bridge is supported on dental implants, it provides the additional benefit of helping your jawbone remain strong and healthy by inviting a healthy flow of nutrients. When placed in your jawbone, implant posts mimic your roots and are stimulated every time you bite and chew. This stimulation helps keep the surrounding jawbone strong and reduces the risk of further tooth loss.

What is the cost of a bridge?

The average cost of a dental bridge starts around $2500 and can get much higher depending on the extent of the bridge and the dentist, and they are typically covered only at 50% plus the deductible by dental insurance. But with a general dentist in Doctors Network, the cost starts at only $1300.