They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but so is your smile. If something wrong with your teeth prevents you from smiling, it can affect how people see you. The good news is there are ways to help fix your smile. One of the issues you may have is missing teeth. A dental bridge can be used to bridge the gap caused by one or more missing teeth.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?
There are four main types of dental bridges.
Traditional Bridge
The traditional bridge is the most common bridge style and comprises one or more fake teeth held together by a dental crown. These crowns are also known as abutments, and they are cemented onto your teeth next to the missing tooth.
You could get a traditional bridge if you have teeth on either side of the gap. Part of putting the bridge in is removing enamel from the adjacent tooth to place the crown. You will lose the enamel permanently, which is why crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth.
Cantilever Bridge
In a situation where you only have a tooth on one side of your gap, a cantilever bridge will be used. This isn’t commonly used anymore and isn’t recommended in the back of your mouth. It can put too much force on your other back teeth and damage them.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
An alternative to the traditional bridge is a Maryland bonded bridge, and it does not require any enamel to be scraped. In this case, the fake tooth is held in place between two teeth by a porcelain or metal framework. You won’t see the framework because it is bonded onto the back of the teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Another alternative option is an implant-supported bridge. This type of bridge uses implants to support the tooth rather than crowns or frameworks. Generally, the dentist will put in one implant for every missing tooth, and the implant will hold the bridge in its position.
There is also a chance there may be a fake tooth suspended between two implant-supported crowns if it isn’t possible to have an implant for each missing tooth. This is considered the strongest and most stable system and will require surgery to embed the implants and place the bridge.
What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?
At your first visit, the dentist will prepare the teeth adjacent to your gap. This involves removing part of the enamel to make room for a crown. Then, the dentist will make impressions of your teeth which will serve as a model to form your bridge, fake tooth, and crowns. Finally, you will leave the office with a temporary bridge to protect your teeth.
The second visit will see your dentist removing the temporary bridge and putting in your final bridge. They will check it to ensure it has a proper fit. This could require multiple visits, and your bridge will be cemented into place after a couple of weeks.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
The cost of your dental bridge will depend on what type you choose and how much your insurance covers. Traditional and cantilever bridges often cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for each replacement tooth.
A Maryland bridge will cost you around $1,500 to $2,500 for one tooth. Finally, an implant-supported bridge could cost you $5,000 to $15,000 for a bridge with two dental implants spanning three or four teeth.
What Are Some Alternatives to Dental Bridges?
There are four main alternatives to dental bridges.
Dentures
Removable dentures are supported by your gums and rest in the area that used to hold your natural teeth. It’s a lower cost, non-invasive alternative to dental implants, but they can be uncomfortable and unstable.
Dentures are large and bulky and can affect your ability to taste food and limits what you can eat. They also tend to move around whenever you are moving your mouth and can cause sore spots on your gums.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is removable and is held in place by your adjacent teeth via clasps. Partial dentures are less invasive but aren’t as stable as implants. With partial dentures, your ability to eat and speak may be affected.
Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that provides a permanent base for your replacement tooth. These teeth fit, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them a popular solution for missing teeth.
Snap-on Veneers
Snap-on veneers are a set of teeth that are created based on a mold of your mouth. They are designed to pop on over your existing teeth. It does not require any surgery.
Why Shiny Smile Veneers Is an Alternative You Should Consider
Shiny Smile Snap-on Veneers are an easy way to cover up cosmetic issues with your teeth. There are multiple benefits to getting Shiny Smile Veneers over dental bridges or other options.
Cost
You save a ton of money by getting Shiny Smile Veneers. You don’t have to pay to visit the dentist, and your snap-on veneers are much cheaper than other options.
A full top and bottom set of Shiny Smile Veneers will only cost you $570. In comparison, other options will cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000.
No Visits to the Dentist
To get your Shiny Smile Veneers, you don’t have to go to the dentist. You don’t even have to leave your home. Simply order a molding kit, take the mold of your mouth, send it back to Shiny Smile Veneers, and they will mail back your final veneers. You can then snap them on over your existing teeth.
Look Like Real Teeth
Finally, your Shiny Smile Veneers will look just like normal teeth. You can choose whether you want the shade of your teeth to be bright white, pearl, or champagne. Once you snap them on, no one will be able to tell they aren’t real.
Conclusion
If you have missing teeth that are making you feel uncomfortable, we are here to help. Shiny Smile Veneers has helped many people get the smile they desire. So, check out our reviews or begin your smile transformation today.