Generally, dental implants are the most recommended tooth replacement option. But dental implants aren’t for everyone. If a patient is at a high risk of implant failure, the periodontist may suggest fixed dental bridges as an alternative. Dental fixed bridges are usually the best alternative to dental implants.
Dental fixed bridge procedures typically start with your dentist preparing the teeth on both sides of the gap. Next, an impression of both your upper and lower arches is taken. These impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory to create a natural-looking dental appliance. teeth and the gap is taken and sent to a dental laboratory to create a natural-looking dental appliance.
Fortunately, while you wait for the permanent bridge, your dentist will make you install a temporary bridge. When your permanent bridge is back from the dental laboratory complete, you will need to return to the dentist to have it fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place. By doing this, your dentist is able to perfect and secure your smile to last a lifetime. Let’s highlight the several advantages and disadvantages of dental fixed bridges.
Advantages of dental fixed bridges
Dental fixed bridges can provide numerous advantages, including:
- They improve the overall appearance of your smile.
- Dental fixed bridges prevent bone loss, thereby preserving normal facial structure.
- Dental fixed bridges improve your speech because missing teeth can impede how fluently you speak.
- These helpful dental appliances make it easier to chew food properly.
- Fixed dental bridges prevent the closest teeth from moving into the empty gap, leading to bite problems and other complications.
Disadvantages of dental fixed bridges
Even though fixed dental bridges have several advantages, they also have some drawbacks. Let’s look at a few:
- Damage to the abutment tooth may jeopardize the bridge structure and placement.
- The crowns from these dental appliances may alter your teeth’s structure, influencing your bite.
- If the crowns do not fit properly, bacteria and plaque can infiltrate and lead to tooth decay.
- The bridge may collapse if the abutment teeth are not strong enough to support it.
- The dental fixed bridge procedure may weaken the abutment teeth. This means you’ll probably need to opt for other tooth replacement options.
Final thoughts
Now that you know what the dental fixed bridge procedure entails, along with its advantages and disadvantages, you may be wondering how much the fixed bridge dental implant costs. The American Dental Association estimates that a low-cost dental bridge costs around $500 per tooth, while more expensive bridges can cost as much as $1,200.
However, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of the dental crown, which secures the tooth to your surrounding teeth. A crown can cost an additional $500 to $2,000 per tooth. Therefore, the entire procedure can cost up to $3,500 or more. We recommend scheduling and attending your appointment with us in order to gain a more accurate cost estimate. Every patient has a dental case that is different and unique to them, therefore, it is important to be assessed and evaluated before coming to a conclusion on a final price. Once you have been evaluated, you will be one step closer to a dental fixed bridge to complete and perfect your smile.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
