For many Kitchener residents, a dental bridge is a great way to restore confidence to your smile and comfort to your bite. But, before you opt for this restoration, there are some crucial things you should know. Keep reading to learn five facts about dental bridges and determine if they are right for you!
1. They Replace Missing Teeth
The primary function of a dental bridge is to restore a missing tooth. A false tooth (also called a pontic) is used in place of your missing tooth, which is supported by crowns on the neighbouring teeth. In order to work, a bridge relies on surrounding teeth, meaning this replacement option doesn’t work in every circumstance. However, bridges are good for missing teeth in several circumstances, including:
- Patients who want a fixed and unremovable solution.
- Patients who are not candidates for dental implants.
- Patients who are missing 1-3 adjacent teeth and have healthy supporting teeth.
- Patients with good oral hygiene habits.
2. They’re Faster Than Implants
If you are trying to decide between a dental bridge and an implant, you are not alone. Both these tooth replacement options offer their own pros and cons. However, implants can take up to a year to complete from start to finish, while dental bridges might only take a week or two to complete. So, if you are looking for a fast tooth replacement, dental bridges are generally the preferred option.
3. Cost (and Coverage!) Varies
Several factors can influence the cost of your dental bridge, including the bridge type, crown material, and complexity of the problem. When you schedule a consultation with Chiu Dental, we’ll guide you through all the financial costs of your treatment, including navigating your insurance plan. Most insurance policies offer coverage for these replacements, making them a most cost-effective option compared to implants. Are you wondering how much of your procedure your insurance plan will cover? Contact Chiu Dental for more information and our team will be ready to help. All our services follow the Ontario Dental Fee Guide, and we offer comprehensive fee cost estimates.
4. Proper Hygiene is Crucial
While bridges are a quick and cost-effective option, here’s what you need to keep in mind: proper dental hygiene is crucial. In order to perform correctly, your dental bridge relies on the strength and stability of your neighbouring teeth. Without proper brushing, flossing, and general oral care, these teeth might decay, which weakens the strength of your bridge overall. We recommend dental bridge floss threaders and water flossers to minimize build-up and plaque over time.
5. They Won’t Last Forever
While they are a great tooth replacement option, it is important to remember that dental bridges are not permanent. Typically, bridges last between 10 and 15 years and might fail sooner if you neglect proper hygiene or regular dental appointments.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Book with Chiu Dental today! From comprehensive dental exams to advanced dental bridges, our experienced team is ready to turn your dental health into our first priority. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Jody Chiu and her teamspecializes in gentle, friendly, and family-focused dental care located in the heart of the Kitchener and Waterloo area. Call 519-884-0887 or use your online scheduler to book your first appointment today!