What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges depend on the teeth on either side of the gap to support the false teeth or tooth. Dental crowns are used to cover the two supporting teeth and the false tooth or teeth in between. Your bridge is custom-made using the highest-quality materials available. Once your bridge is placed, it will blend into your surrounding teeth, restoring the appearance and function of your beautiful smile.
Dental bridges are excellent tooth-replacement options if you are missing a tooth for any reason. Whether you’re missing teeth due to damage, trauma, or tooth decay, replacing missing teeth is essential for your oral health. For some of the best dental bridges Austin, TX has to offer, call Dr. Carmona at Austin Prosthodontics today.
Austin Prosthodontics is one of the leading cosmetic dental practices in Austin. We provide a hands-on, custom-tailored experience to every one of our patients. For unparalleled compassion and expertise, call Dr. Carmona at Austin Prosthodontics today.
What to expect from the dental bridge procedure?
What you can expect from your procedure really depends on the type of bridge you’re getting. Regardless, you should expect multiple appointments for the bridge procedure. At your first appointment, the structural integrity of your surrounding teeth and oral structures are assessed by taking X-Rays. If any existing conditions or concerns are present, Dr. Carmona will treat these before proceeding with your bridge.
Dr. Carmona will prepare the surrounding support teeth for crowns by shaving down some of the enamel. This is a necessary process to ensure that the crown completely covers the underlying remaining tooth structure. Once your teeth are prepared, he will take impressions and match the color of your surrounding teeth so that your bridge fits seamlessly in with the rest of your teeth. While your bridge is being custom made for you in the lab, Dr. Carmona will fit you with a temporary bridge to protect your teeth.
As soon as we receive your bridge from the lab, you will come in for another appointment to have it permanently placed. This fitting process will likely require adjustments to be made. If you are getting an implant-supported bridge, you will need to account for the time to place the implant(s) and let your jawbone heal. Your comfort is our top priority, and we take as much pride in your smile as you do. If anything feels uncomfortable or looks off to you, be sure to say something.
What are the benefits of getting a dental bridge?
Bridges are more cost-effective than other tooth restoration options. Additionally, there are some serious oral health and wellness advantages to replacing missing teeth.
- Restore the appearance of your smile
- Restore the function of your smile
- Prevent surrounding teeth from moving
- Prevent bone loss
- Support existing oral structures
- Restore your ability to speak and chew
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a great way to restore your self-confidence.
How long does a dental bridge procedure take?
Getting a dental bridge will take multiple appointments. The number of appointments you will require will be dependent upon your treatment plan and whether you need any other treatments prior to getting your bridge. For instance, if you need an extraction before you can get your bridge, you will need to wait a few months for the shape of your gum to stabilize before Dr. Carmona can finalize your bridge. You should expect at least two appointments to complete your dental bridge.
How does a dental bridge compare to other tooth restoration options?
Dental bridges are a great tooth replacement option. Instead of replacing all of your teeth like traditional dentures, bridges are fixed crowns that literally bridge the gap left by missing teeth. Bridges are also one of the more affordable tooth restoration procedures.
Types of dental bridges
At Austin Prosthodontics, we are proud to offer a few types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, and implant-supported bridges. No one bridge is objectively better than the others. Instead, you and Dr. Carmona will carefully assess your individual situation and the state of your oral health to determine which type of bridge is best for you individually.
Traditional bridge
Traditional bridges rely on the support of surrounding teeth on either side of the gap to hold the false tooth in place.
Cantilever bridge
A cantilever bridge is like a traditional bridge but instead of relying on two adjacent teeth, the crown is cemented to only one tooth.
Implant-supported bridge
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants to support the false tooth. Generally, Dr. Carmona will use a dental implant for each missing tooth. While this is often considered to be the most secure bridge, it involves two surgeries and is a little more costly than the other types of bridges.
How much does a dental bridge cost in Austin, TX?
The cost of your dental bridge will depend on the type of dental bridge you and Dr. Carmona decide on, but you can expect to spend anywhere between $1000 – $2200. Depending on your dental insurance, some of the cost of your bridge may be covered. To determine exactly how much of the cost your insurance will cover, talk to our patient care coordinator about your plan.
We know that these necessary procedures can be costly, so we are proud to offer payment plans through Lending Club Patient Solutions. Talk to our staff today about getting set up with a monthly payment plan that works with your budget.
What will a dental bridge look like?
At Austin Prosthodontics, we take great care and pride in your smile. We will give your bridge the attention to detail that you deserve to make your bridge look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper care and high-quality craftsmanship, your bridge can last you up to 15 years! We will always make sure that you have the information you need to protect your investment. If you have any questions about your bridge at any point, call our office. We are always happy to help.
To enhance the life of your investment, we recommend you see Dr. Carmona at your Austin dental office regularly for cleanings and exams. Regular preventative care is the best way to preserve your smile and protect your dental bridge.
Are you ready to finally replace your missing teeth and restore your smile and your confidence? Call Dr. Carmona at Austin Prosthodontics today at (512) 910-2864 to schedule your consultation!
