How long do dental bridges last?

The lifespan of a dental bridge depends on how well it is cared for. If you practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist twice a year, you can expect your dental bridges to last at least 15 years. The average life span of a dental bridge is 7-15 years, but they have been known to last as long as 30 years with proper care.

Is the dental bridge procedure painful?

The dental bridge procedure is relatively easy, and it should be pain-free. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth beforehand, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel some discomfort when the procedure is over and the numbing agent wears off, but this should go away in a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter medication.

Are dental bridges covered by dental insurance?

This will depend on your individual dental insurance plan. Most dental insurance companies do cover dental bridges, although they will not cover 100% of the cost. Our team at Parkside Dental will go over the cost and your options with you before the dental implant procedure.

Am I a good candidate for dental bridges?

Patients who are good candidates for dental bridges typically have one to three missing teeth and have good overall oral health. Before recommending a dental bridge to you, your dentist will give your mouth a thorough examination to make sure there are no causes for concern.

Dental Bridges | Implant Dentist in Westland, MI

Our Westland Dentist Can Replace Your Missing Teeth

Missing a tooth can be a significant blow to your confidence, impacting your smile, speech, and ability to enjoy your favorite foods. Fortunately, dental bridges provide a reliable and lasting solution to restore your smile and maintain your oral health. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other dental issues, a dental bridge can seamlessly fill the gap, blending aesthetics with functionality.

Are you ready to replace your lost teeth? Contact our Westland dentist near you today by calling (734) 261-6060. We welcome new patients at Parkside Dental.

Meet Dr. Daniel Rogers

Dr. Daniel Rogers was born and raised in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry in 1974. He practices all aspects of General Dentistry and specializes in dental implants. Dr. Rogers is a member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, and the Detroit District Dental Society, and has taken many post-graduate courses in the placement and restoration of Dental Implants. In his spare time, Dr. Rogers enjoys boating and working out.

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What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It “bridges” the gap in your smile by anchoring artificial teeth (called pontics) to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. These supporting teeth, known as abutments, provide stability for the bridge, ensuring it stays securely in place.

Dental bridges are crafted to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, restoring both the appearance and functionality of your smile. They’re a popular choice for patients seeking a fixed, non-removable solution to tooth loss, offering a more permanent alternative to dentures.

Different Types of Dental Bridges

Not all dental bridges are the same. Depending on your dental health, budget, and aesthetic preferences, your dentist may recommend one of the following types of bridges. Please also keep in mind that we do not offer all the treatments listed below. Contact our dental office for more information.

Traditional Dental Bridges

The most common type, traditional dental bridges, consists of one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns cemented onto the abutment teeth. These bridges are ideal when you have healthy, natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Best for: Patients with strong, healthy adjacent teeth.
Advantages: Highly durable, natural appearance, and widely available.
Considerations: Requires reshaping of adjacent teeth to accommodate crowns.

Implant-Supported Bridges

For patients missing multiple teeth or lacking strong adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. These bridges offer superior stability and longevity.

Best for: Multiple missing teeth or weak adjacent teeth.
Advantages: Extremely stable, prevents bone loss, and mimics natural tooth roots.
Considerations: Higher cost and longer treatment time due to implant surgery.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever dental bridges are similar to traditional bridges but are supported by a crown on only one side of the gap. This makes them suitable when there’s only one healthy tooth adjacent to the missing tooth.

Best for: Cases with a single adjacent healthy tooth.
Advantages: Less invasive than traditional bridges since only one tooth is crowned.
Considerations: Less stable than traditional bridges, not ideal for back teeth where chewing forces are stronger.

Maryland Bridges

Also known as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, eliminating the need for crowns. They’re a conservative option that preserves more of your natural tooth structure.

Best for: Front teeth or cases where minimal tooth alteration is desired.
Advantages: Less invasive, quicker procedure, and cost-effective.
Considerations: Less durable than traditional bridges, not suitable for heavy chewing.

We do not offer Maryland dental bridges at our Westland dental office. Contact our dentist near you today at (734) 261-6060 to learn more.

Caring for Your Dental Bridges

Proper care and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your dental bridges. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles from around the bridge.

Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods: While bridges are designed to withstand normal biting forces, excessive pressure from chewing on hard candies, ice, or sticky foods can damage the bridge. Opt for softer foods and cut tougher items into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule regular check-ups with your Westland, MI, dentist to monitor the condition of your dental bridges and overall oral health. Professional cleanings and examinations are vital for detecting any potential issues early on.

Maintain a balanced diet: A healthy diet contributes to your overall oral health. Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as they can increase the risk of tooth decay and compromise the integrity of your bridges.

Dental Bridge Benefits

Dental bridges have a lot of benefits for our patients, including:

Restore your smile: Dental bridges are crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful and complete smile. By filling in the gaps left by missing teeth, dental bridges provide a natural-looking solution that enhances your overall facial aesthetics.

Improve oral functionality: Missing teeth can make it challenging to bite and chew properly. Bridges help restore your ability to eat a wide variety of foods, ensuring optimal nutrition and preventing further oral health issues.

Maintain facial structure: The loss of teeth can lead to the sagging of facial muscles, making you appear older. Dental bridges help preserve your facial structure by preventing the collapse of surrounding teeth and supporting the underlying bone structure.

Boost self-confidence: With bridges, you can regain the confidence to smile, speak, and socialize without feeling self-conscious about gaps in your teeth. Restoring your smile can have a significant positive impact on your overall self-esteem.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

The dental bridge procedure involves preparing the adjacent teeth, called abutments, by reshaping them to support the bridge. A custom-made bridge, consisting of replacement teeth (called pontics) and crowns for the abutment teeth, is then placed over the prepared teeth with dental cement, restoring both function and aesthetics. The bridge is cemented in place, providing a fixed solution for missing teeth. After getting a dental bridge, proper care is essential for longevity.

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

While the costs of your dental bridge will vary based on several factors, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000. Factors that will influence the total cost include:

Geographical location
Materials used
The type of dental bridge
Number of teeth that need to be replaced
A dentist’s expertise and experience
Dental insurance plan
Additional procedures

Are you ready to schedule a consultation? Contact our dentist in Westland at (734) 261-6060 today.

Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

Ideal dental bridge candidates include patients with:

Healthy Adjacent Teeth: The abutment teeth must be strong enough to support the bridge.
Good Oral Health: Candidates should have healthy gums and no active dental infections.
Sufficient Bone Density: For implant-supported bridges, adequate jawbone density is required for implant placement.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Patients must be willing to maintain proper oral hygiene to ensure the longevity of the bridge.

Real Results

Bridge Refresh

Parkside Dental smile transformation before

Bridge Replacement

Single Tooth Replacement

Upper Jaw Rehabilitation

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Zirconia Implant Prosthesis

Porcelain Maryland Bridges

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Frequently Asked Questions

Many dental insurance plans partially cover dental bridges, especially if deemed medically necessary. Coverage varies by provider and plan, typically ranging from 50% to 80% of the cost. Check with your insurance provider for specific details and eligibility.

Dental bridges are a fixed, long-term solution, but not permanent. With proper care, they last 10 to 15 years or more. Implant-supported bridges may last longer due to their stability. Regular dental checkups help extend the longevity of your restoration.

Minor damage to dental bridges, like chips or cracks, can often be repaired by a dentist. Severe damage may require replacement. Prompt dental care prevents further issues and extends the bridge’s life.

Dental bridges typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care, but not a lifetime. Implant-supported bridges may last longer due to their durability. Regular oral hygiene and dental visits maximize their lifespan.

Schedule an Appointment at Parkside Dental

Missing teeth don’t have to define your smile or your confidence. A dental bridge offers a reliable, attractive, and functional solution to restore your oral health and enhance your quality of life. Don’t let gaps in your smile hold you back—take action today to reclaim your confidence.

Contact our Westland dentist today at (734) 261-6060 to explore your tooth replacement options.

Dental Bridges in Westland, MI