Dental bridges can be expensive. However, they are generally a better choice than keeping a damaged tooth or not replacing a missing one. Research shows that the remaining teeth will actually move when you have a gap. The aim is to reduce the size of the gap but it can cause weakness in the other teeth.
If you have a damaged or missing tooth then you need to find a dentist near me and choose the right bridge or alternative treatment.
Types Of Bridges
A bridge is designed to sit on two healthy teeth, one on each side of the gap. The bridge includes a fake tooth in the middle that restores the look of your teeth and helps to prevent any remaining teeth from decaying. Bridges can be used to replace two missing teeth.
It does more than restore the look of your teeth, it also strengthens the other teeth while retaining the integrity of your teeth structure. Alongside this, it reduces the risk of the gum becoming infected.
Bridges are not the cheapest option. Naturally, the cheapest option is to do nothing and keep your gap. But, you can also opt for dentures or an implant.
As mentioned, the bridge hooks onto existing teeth and fills the space between, whether that’s one or two teeth wide. If you’ve lost more than two teeth the best option is likely to be an implanted bridge.
This is when titanium rods are placed into the bone at each end of the gap. As the area heals the bone will fuse with the titanium. The bridge is fastened to these implanted rods and teeth are attached to the bridge to fill the gap.
It restores your smile and is cheaper than having every tooth implanted.
There are different types of bridges depending on where the missing tooth is. The most difficult one to fit is the front bridge. Because your front teeth do the majority of biting they are under the most pressure and, the bridge may need to span two teeth on either side of the broken one.
Implants
If you don’t feel like having a bridge you can have &n implant done. This is where a new tooth is attached to the titanium rod. Although the most expensive option it is also the most natural and durable Implants can last the rest of your life.
However, while a bridge generally costs less than an implant, you do need to have healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth will need to be filed to accommodate the bridge. That means you’re effectively damaging healthy teeth, making the implant a potentially more attractive option.
Dentures
The cheapest option is to have a denture. This can be done for just one missing tooth or it can be done for several. Dentures are the cheapest option. However, they are not always comfortable and may limit what you can, and can’t eat.
The best solution, and the most costly, is an implant. But, bridges can be aviable choice, you’ll need to speak to your dentist regarding what they think will work best for you.
