Dental bridges are used to fill spaces/gaps of missing teeth. Molded as a false tooth, dentists apply dental bridges, also called pontics, and use the placement of other teeth to hold the pontics in the proper position. Typically made from porcelain to blend well with your natural teeth, it can also be made from various materials such as gold. There are many different reasons why a dental bridge is needed—for example, fixing your functional chewing, maintaining a proper face shape, or keeping all teeth in the appropriate placement. 

Dental Bridges at Nate Lewis

Looking to fix your smile and keeping your teeth in good alignment? At Nate Lewis, we offer bridges to replace the whole tooth rather than a crown, which focuses on cracks or chipped teeth. This is a long-term solution that can create a comfortable and functioning shape to restore your smile! Here is what you need to know if you need a dental bridge.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional

A traditional dental bridge is a molded tooth that can be placed where the gap is located. This is the most common type of bridge. Crowns keep the bridge in its proper position and hold onto each abutment tooth. Traditional bridges are made of metal or porcelain fused with metal or ceramics.

Cantilever

These are very similar to a traditional bridge, but instead, the pontic (synthetic tooth) is held in place by the dental crown and only connects to one abutment tooth. This can sometimes be an option for people with teeth on only one side of the gap.

Maryland (resin-bonded)

Maryland dental bridges use two healthy teeth as abutment teeth, one on either side of the gap, just like a traditional bridge. A Maryland bridge, on the other hand, employs a framework of either metal or porcelain framework bonded onto the backs of the abutment teeth. In contrast, a typical bridge puts dental crowns on the abutment teeth.

Implant Supported

Applied in the name of this bridge, dental implants are used in implant-supported bridges rather than crowns or frames. An implant is often surgically implanted for every lost tooth, and this implant holds the bridge in place. However, if it is impossible to place one implant for each lost tooth, the bridge may consist of a pontic hanging between two implant-supported crowns.

An implant-supported bridge often needs two procedures and is said to be the most robust and stable system. First, this includes embedding the implants in the jaw bone and, second, surgery to place the bridge.

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

Materials used, such as composite resin, zirconia, or metal alloy covered in resin, and the number of teeth required to fill the gap can affect the overall cost. In other therapies for gum disease and other dental concerns, geographical areas also can play a role.The price also changes depending on the bridge type you choose:

One pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth are commonly included in traditional or cantilever bridge prices ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

For a bridge supported by two dental implants and covering three or four teeth, the price range for an implant-supported bridge is $5,000 to $15,000.

Improve Your Smile at Nate Lewis DDS

If you are missing some of your teeth, we can replace them using a dental bridge. This is a secure and permanent alternative to wearing dentures. We can work to make a dental bridge look entirely natural after we place it on your teeth. 

To schedule a dental appointment for you or your family simply call 801.438.4561 or fill out an online form and a member of our staff will get back to you quickly. We look forward to meeting you and providing dental care for your entire family.  Come visit Nate Lewis DDS to improve your smile with dental bridges.