HOW LONG DO DENTAL BRIDGES LAST?

Well designed dental bridges typically provide patients with decades of service but there are several factors which can cause a bridge to fail prematurely.  If your teeth or implants supporting the bridge are not healthy,  if you clench or grind your teeth, or if you smoke, then your bridge may not give you a long service life.  

WHAT DOES A DENTAL BRIDGE COST?

The costs of dental bridges is based on the time required to fabricate the prosthesis.  Typically bridges that replace more missing teeth take longer to make and therefore are more costly that bridges that replace only one tooth.   Bridges to replace front teeth are also generally more expensive that those that replace back teeth because the esthetic factor is more important in visible areas of the mouth.

WHAT STEPS ARE NEEDED TO MAKE A DENTAL BRIDGE?

The most important steps in dental bridge treatment is a thorough examination and a proper diagnosis. Only then can a detailed treatment plan be made that will insure an outstanding clinical result. After careful analysis of your individual circumstances, it can be determined what kind of bridge would be best for you and what materials would be best to make it from.  Sometimes preparatory work may be necessary prior to starting bridge treatment.  If your bridge is to be supported by implants, then implant placement and healing may take several months before your bridge can be started.  If your bridge is supported by natural teeth, you may need treatment to improve the gum tissue surrounding your teeth prior to bridge fabrication. After your new bridge is fabricated and checked for proper fit and integration into your mouth, it is  permanently fixed in place.  It is critically important that you understand how to care for your bridge so that you have a good long term result.  This and more can be discussed with you at your consultation visit.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE DENTAL BRIDGES MADE OF?

Dental bridges can be fabricated of many different types of materials including high strength ceramic or porcelain fused to gold.  Each material has advantages appropriate for different circumstances.  Dr. Stankewitz has over 35 years of experience providing beautiful, lifelike bridges and he can determine which material is right for your situation.

IS A DENTAL BRIDGE THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR ME?

Only  a thorough exam including models of your upper and lower jaw as well as  detailed x-rays can determine if a dental bridge is right for you.  It’s important to determine if there is an adequate volume of bone surrounding the anchor teeth or implants to support the replacement teeth of your bridge.