Your Ontario Invisalign® Provider
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental appliance that bridges the gap left by missing teeth. It can be used to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth in a row. Bridges are normally made of two dental crowns (one on each of the teeth on either side of the gap), and the false tooth (or teeth) that bridge the space in between.
Choosing the Best Replacement Option For You
Each tooth replacement option and dental restoration has its own set of pros and cons. Your dentist will recommend the best replacement option for you depending on various factors such as your budget, lifestyle, and oral health requirements.
Dental Implants or Dental Bridges?
Dental implants and bridges are both considered long-term solutions for replacing teeth that are missing. One of the main differences between the two is that dental bridges generally have to be replaced after 5 to 15 years, whereas dental implants are able to last a fair bit longer.
Although the procedure for applying dental bridges is significantly less invasive than the process for placing a dental implant (which is a surgery), the recovery time is also shorter. Often, dental implants cost more than bridges and have a smaller chance of being covered by insurance.
Dentures or Dental Bridges?
The main difference between dental bridges and dentures is that dentures are removable, while bridges are fixed to the surrounding teeth.
Most of the time, a dental bridge will be recommended when there are only a few missing teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth.
Dental bridges tend to be a little more costly than partial dentures, but both tooth replacement options are covered by most dental insurance plans.
Why Do Missing Teeth Have to be Replaced?
Lots of dental health issues could arise when missing teeth aren't replaced. It could make it difficult to speak and chew, and as time passes the teeth surrounding the gap could shift out of place, making the problem worse. On top of this, the structure of the jaw around the missing teeth could start deteriorating, leading to facial collapse.
Bridges, implants, and dentures are all different solutions that can help you avoid these issues. They all fill the space left by missing teeth, prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, and help preserve your ability to chew and speak.