Learn more about restoring your smile with dental bridges from Blyholder Family Dentistry. Call 316-684-4921 today.
If you miss several adjacent teeth due to gum disease, tooth loss, or injury, dental bridges are a simple way to fill in gaps in your smile. In addition, these devices allow you to express yourself more confidently and help relieve any embarrassment you might feel about your teeth.
Many dentists provide dental bridges in Wichita, KS, but you need one who will take the time to create the best possible custom dental bridge for you.
Blyholder Family Dentistry is home to a patient-focused dental staff with over 75 years of combined experience in the industry.
Dental Bridges in Wichita, Kansas
Bridges attach to one or more teeth to span a gap created by missing teeth. The bridge connects to the teeth on either side of the opening and supports a dental prosthetic. Like dentures and implants, bridges consist of durable materials, such as porcelain.
A bridge consists of three parts: the abutment teeth, the crown, and the pontic.
- The abutment teeth are neighboring teeth that the dentist preps to support the bridge
- The crown sits on top of the abutment teeth and supports the pontic
- The pontic is the prosthetic that replaces your missing teeth
The anchor points for the bridge are
dental crowns placed on the tops of abutment teeth, held in place with dental cement.
The dental cement used to secure crowns is permanent, unlike denture adhesive. This means that the patient does not need to worry about applying or removing adhesive.
Types of Dental Bridges
Different types of dental bridges attach to your existing teeth in different ways. Therefore, you should be familiar with the strengths and limitations of each type of bridge so that you can decide which one is right for you.
Fixed Dental Bridges
A fixed dental bridge or traditional bridge attaches to crowns placed on teeth on both sides of the gap. Fixed bridges offer more support to artificial back teeth, which need to stand up to the stresses of chewing.
One drawback to fixed dental bridges is the need for crowns on either side of the gap to anchor the bridge. Applying a crown permanently damages the enamel of the affected tooth.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever bridges are like fixed bridges, except they anchor to teeth on only one side. These devices provide less support than fixed dental bridges. For this reason, cantilever bridges work best for front teeth.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
A Maryland bonded bridge resembles a fixed bridge but uses two structures called wings to support the artificial tooth. Dentists bond these wings to the backs of the neighboring teeth. While these wings do not provide as much support as the crowns in a fixed dental bridge, they cause minor damage to the enamel on surrounding teeth.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
You will typically need to visit the dentist twice for a dental bridge. During the first visit, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create the crowns and pontic. Once the bridgework is complete, your dentist will grind down the enamel on the abutment teeth and apply the bridge.
The first few days after your dentist applies the bridge, you may feel discomfort. If this discomfort becomes distracting or painful, speak to your dentist to receive any necessary adjustments.
Cost of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are often less expensive than implants, depending on what kind of dental bridge you choose. A fixed dental bridge costs between $2,000 to $5,000, about the same as a single-tooth implant. Cantilever bridges cost between $2,000 to $3,000, and a Maryland bonded bridge costs up to $2,000.
Blyholder Family Dentistry can help you manage the cost of a dental bridge. We offer CareCredit and other payment plan options for any patient who worries about costs. Additionally, many
insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of dental bridges in Wichita, KS.
Trust Blyholder Family Dentistry for Quality Dental Bridges in Wichita, KS
Blyholder Family Dentistry uses a range of dental procedures to help our patients recover from tooth injury and tooth loss. In addition, we provide professional examinations and consultations to help you weigh your options for
dental restoration.
Are bridges the right solution for you? Learn more about custom dental bridges in Wichita, KS, and their potential to transform your smile. Call 316-684-4921 today to schedule an appointment with a dentist from Blyholder Family Dentistry.
