Dental Bridges in Hillsborough, NJ
The teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and digestion, and maintaining an esthetic smile. It is not necessary to lose your teeth as you age, but if you do, we can help you with replacements. Fortunately, there are several options for addressing missing teeth.
Using a bridge, one can replace missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, known as abutment teeth. There are two types of bridges: permanently attached (fixed bridges) and removable (removable bridges).
Why Do I Need A Bridge?
Wearing a dental bridge is important for both your function and appearance. Dental bridges help to support your lips and cheeks, providing greater aesthetics, and helping restore your ability to chew, aiding in better digestion. At Hillsborough Prime Dental, our expert team is here to help should you or a loved one need a dental bridge.
As a result of losing teeth, your mouth may no longer have the support it needs, resulting in your face appearing older. The most important reason for a bridge, however, is your oral health. Each tooth was designed to complement the other, and missing teeth have been found to increase the risk of gum disease. Missing teeth may also cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
What Materials are used?
It is possible to construct bridges using a variety of different materials, including gold, non-precious metals, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either a precious or non-precious metal. Hillsborough Prime Dental will be able to assess your needs and discuss which material choices may be best for you or a loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning an area that has no teeth. They are anchored to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space.
There are four main types of dental bridges: traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
For a traditional or cantilever bridge in Hillsborough, NJ, we will first prepare the teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth are then covered with crowns and the bridge (the false tooth/teeth (“pontic”) is attached to them. Maryland bridges and implant-supported bridges are attached differently.
The lifespan of a dental bridge can vary depending on factors like oral hygiene, the type of bridge, and the materials used, but they typically last 5-15 years or longer.
Caring for your dental bridge involves good oral hygiene practices like brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups. Special flossing tools might be needed to clean under and around the bridge.
Yes, a well-fitted dental bridge made from high-quality materials should blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges are typically fixed and can’t be removed without a dentist’s help. Implant-supported bridges could potentially be removable, depending on their design.
You’ll typically be given a local anesthetic (“numbing”) during the procedure, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. It is possible to experience some sensitivity after the procedure, but this should be limited.
The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly based on factors like the type of bridge, and the materials used. For accurate pricing in your specific situation, schedule an appointment with our team today!
Many dental insurance plans do cover a portion of the cost for bridges. However, it’s best to check with your specific insurance provider to understand your coverage.
