Dental Bridges in Erie, PA

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are a restorative dental procedure that helps replace missing teeth, making your smile appear natural and function properly. People may lose teeth for a variety of reasons: trauma to the mouth, face, or jaw, periodontal disease, or tooth decay. We offer comfortable solutions at our Sleep Dentistry office so that you can replace your missing teeth with dental bridges and experience minimal discomfort.

Dental hygienist discussing dental bridges in Erie, PA

Types of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges have two main components, abutments and pontics. Abutments are supporting structures that help your bridge stay in place and pontics are the prosthetic teeth that sit in place of your gaps. Dental bridges come in different types and whether you use one versus the other depends on the condition of your missing teeth. The most common types of dental bridges are traditional, cantilever, and Maryland dental bridges.

Maryland dental bridge

Maryland dental bridges have metal wings that sit on each side of your prosthetic tooth which are bonded to your natural teeth for additional support. Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland dental bridges don’t require your dentist to shave down any enamel from existing teeth. Instead, these bridges are bonded to your teeth. You will need to have healthy teeth on both sides of your gap in order to be eligible to have a Maryland dental bridge installed.

Traditional dental bridge

Much like the name may suggest, traditional dental bridges are the most common type of bridge. Traditional dental bridges are held in place by abutment teeth on either side of your gap. These abutment teeth help anchor your dental bridge and keep it from moving. Traditional dental bridges are a great option for replacing back teeth and molars.

Cantilever dental bridge

Cantilever dental bridges are only anchored to the mouth with one abutment. These dental bridges are ideal if you’re missing a tooth that only has one tooth next to it or if you only have a single healthy tooth to support your bridge. These are an ideal choice for front teeth, rather than back teeth and molars, because they’re not the best dental bridge when it comes to withstanding pressure from chewing.

If you’re missing teeth and want to replace those gaps with natural-looking teeth, give Sleep Dentistry a call! We provide unique solutions to patients with dental anxiety and phobias, providing comfortable care in every way.

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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dental Bridges

How long does a dental bridge last?

Dental bridges last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. This depends on your dental hygiene and oral care routine. Neglecting to take care of your teeth and dental bridges can shorten their lifespan. If you take good care of your teeth and attend regular dental check-ups, your dental bridge could last up to 15 years.

How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance?

Without insurance, dental bridges can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 in out of pocket expenses. You should call your insurance provider to make sure your insurance covers dental bridges and what out of pocket expenses you may have, if any.

Can a dental bridge be removed and recemented?

If you’ve noticed that your bridge is loose and unsecured, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. Failing to take care of a loose dental bridge can lead to more complications. Removing and recementing a dental bridge is a quick and easy process.

Are dental bridges permanent?

Although dentists do use types of dental bridges that are intended to be temporary until you have a bridge completely installed, most dental bridges are intended to be permanent.

Can a dental bridge be done in one day?

Your dentist is likely capable of installing a dental bridge in one day, but sometimes that’s not always the case. Your dentist may need to take a mold of your teeth and send it out to a lab to get an accurate understanding of your teeth’s structure. In this case, your dental bridge may take two or more visits, however, they’re typically installed in a short time frame.

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