16 Oct FAQs about Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer an affordable, aesthetically pleasing method for replacing a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. When considering this treatment option, patients may have a number of concerns. Here are some of the most common questions asked by prospective patients.
- How are dental bridges constructed? Dental bridges replace a missing tooth with a pontic – a prosthetic crown made of materials that closely replicate the appearance of biological tooth enamel. That pontic is secured by dental crowns that are placed on the teeth on either side of the empty space and attached to the pontic.
- What is the treatment process involved in dental bridges? The treatment process that ends in a dental bridge begins with an initial consultation. At this appointment, your dentist will gather information that is necessary for the design of your appliance. Additionally, your surrounding teeth may be prepared for crown placement, which requires removing a thin layer of enamel in order to make room for the crown. When the bridge is ready for placement, you’ll return to the office to be fitted with the appliance. Keep in mind that you can make requests about the appearance of your bridge to ensure that it blends in with your natural smile or improves on it if you’re planning other cosmetic enhancements, like teeth whitening, in conjunction with getting your dental bridge.
- Why do I need to replace my missing tooth with a dental bridge? Some patients may be tempted to postpone tooth replacement, especially if the tooth is not in a highly visible area of the smile. However, doing so can be detrimental to your oral health. When a missing tooth is not replaced, the surrounding teeth are likely to shift and fill in the empty space left behind. This can result in the remaining teeth being subjected to unusual forces that they are not designed to tolerate. Those teeth may be damaged in the process, and misaligned teeth are also unattractive.
- Does insurance cover dental bridges? Most insurance providers offer minimal, if any, coverage for dental bridges. We will work with your insurance company to maximize any benefits you may have, and we accept a variety of forms of payment to cover any out-of-pocket costs you may have associated with the treatment.
Do you have more questions about dental bridges? Contact our office at Aesthetic Dental Partners to schedule a consultation.