Dental Bridge

Question 1

What is Dental Bridge?

Answer 1

A beautiful smile is within your reach. If you’re having issues with spaces or gaps in your smile, your dentist in Brooklyn may be your saving grace. This family dentist has the tools, skills and options to give you back your smile.

A smile isn’t the only reason you may need a bridge. Missing teeth can affect biting, chewing and even speaking. A simple, time-tested solution is a dental bridge. Dental bridging is a procedure that eliminates the space between your teeth by placing a literal bridge of fake teeth over it.

Question 2

Like a Real Bridge, Only for Your Teeth

Answer 2

A bridge is made up of crowns and false teeth. The crowns are placed over the adjacent teeth, called abutments, and the false teeth, or pontics, are placed in the gap between them. The anchoring teeth can be real teeth or implants.

The pontics are made of gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of the three. The types of dental bridges are sometimes differentiated based on the material used. Otherwise, it’s based on the location or specific procedure used to place the dental bridge.

The most common reason you need a dental bridge is to fill the space of a missing tooth. The reasons for losing a tooth or having it removed include:

Infection
Tooth decay
Trauma
Gum disease
Crowded teeth

Question 3

Dental Bridge vs. Implant

Answer 3

You can fill the space created by a missing tooth with a dental bridge or an implant. An implant is a fake tooth that fills the gap. The main difference is that it isn’t attached to any other teeth. It’s rooted into your jaw by a titanium post and covered by a dental crown.

This process takes time and requires surgery, but the choice between a dental bridge vs. implant depends on many things — the reason you need it, your medical history and affordability. Your dentist in Brooklyn discusses the options with you before recommending the best option.

Question 4

Types of Dental Bridges

Answer 4

There are three types of dental bridges that your Brooklyn dentist may suggest. The choice depends on where the missing tooth is located and what type of material you want in your mouth. The three common types of dental bridges are:

The most common type places crowns or implants on either side of the space with a pontic in between. The pontic is made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
This procedure isn’t done much, but it’s for when the missing tooth has adjacent teeth only on one side.
Maryland bond. A resin-bonded bridge is made of a false tooth supported by a framework made of metal or porcelain. The false tooth can be made from porcelain, plastic or porcelain fused to metal.
No matter which dental bridge is right for you, the best dentist in Brooklyn is experienced and affordable. Dr. Ella Dekhtyar and her team of skilled professionals can answer all your questions so you can regain a healthy smile.

Question 5

Dental Details

Answer 5

Questions you should ask your cosmetic dentist in Brooklyn include:

How much does a dental bridge cost?
What does the procedure involve?
How long does a dental bridge last?
The dental bridge cost depends on the location of the bridge, the type of material used and where you get the procedure. Depending on your dental plan and coverage, dental insurance usually pays a percentage of this traditional procedure.

The whole process takes a few visits, but it’s not as long as getting a dental implant. On your first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared, which means they’re recontoured to accommodate a crown. After a mold is made of your teeth and gap, you’re given a temporary bridge until the second visit. Then, the temporary bridge is removed and the new permanent bridge is placed and adjusted.

You may need several visits to get the correct fit, but once perfect, the bridge is cemented in place. How long does a dental bridge last? With proper care and good oral hygiene, a dental bridge can last longer than 10 years. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash — plus regular check-ups — can make it last up to 15 years.

Question 6

Know the Facts

Answer 6

The benefits of dental bridging far outweigh the dental bridge cost. When considering a dental bridge vs. implant, the bridge is more affordable than an implant and doesn’t require surgery. It’s a simpler procedure and looks great. Your natural teeth surrounding the gap do have to be altered, but having a dental bridge improves the form and function of your mouth.

A dental bridge restores your smile and your ability to eat and speak properly.