Cost of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring aesthetics and functionality. However, many individuals hesitate to pursue this treatment because of cost concerns.
In this article, we’ll discuss the factors influencing the cost of dental bridges and provide insight to help you make an informed decision while staying within your budget.
So, let’s get to it!
Understanding dental bridges
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that bridge the gap created by missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth, known as pontics, which our dentist anchors to neighboring teeth or dental implants.
The three primary types of dental bridges include traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges, each catering to specific needs and situations. Before discussing the cost, let’s cover the components and variations available, as this can influence the overall expenses.
Benefits of dental bridges
A dental bridge may be recommended by a dentist to address specific dental issues and improve oral health, such as in the following:
Missing teeth
One of the primary reasons for needing a dental bridge is when a patient has one or more missing teeth. Gaps in the dental arch can affect the alignment of surrounding teeth, leading to bite problems, difficulty chewing, and speech issues.
Dental bridges fill these gaps, restoring the appearance and functionality of your smile.
Dental stability
Missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift or rotate, altering the bite and potentially leading to further dental problems. Our Tukwila, WA, dentist supports the adjacent teeth using a dental bridge, preventing them from moving and maintaining the stability of the dental arch.
Aesthetic enhancement
Beyond functional concerns, dental bridges also play a significant role in enhancing the appearance of your smile. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause self-consciousness and impact self-esteem.
Bridges provide a natural-looking replacement, improving the overall aesthetics and restoring confidence in your smile.
Speech Improvement
Missing teeth can affect speech clarity, making it difficult to pronounce certain sounds correctly. By filling the gaps with a dental bridge, speech patterns may improve, allowing for clearer and more confident communication.
Preventing bone loss
When you lose a tooth, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate over time from a lack of stimulation. By receiving a dental bridge, you evenly distribute the pressure exerted to the jawboneduring chewing, preventing bone loss and preserving the facial structure.
Factors affecting the cost
The cost of dental bridges can vary based on several factors. The first aspect to consider is the type of bridge your dentist recommends. Traditional bridges, supported by adjacent teeth, are typically more affordable when compared to implant-supported bridges.
Other factors that affect the cost include the following:
- Number of teeth we’re replacing
- Materials used
- The complexity of the procedure
- Office location (urban areas are usually higher)
- Dentist’s reputation
Material options and their impact
Our dentist can craft dental bridges from different materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-porcelain, and zirconia. PFM bridges offer a balance between durability and aesthetics while being relatively cost-effective.
All-porcelain bridges provide excellent aesthetics but may not be as strong as PFM bridges.
Zirconia bridges are known for their strength and durability, but they tend to be more expensive.
Your dentist will recommend the best material based on your specific needs and budget, striking a balance between affordability and desired outcomes.
Cost-saving strategies
While dental bridges are an investment in your oral health and well-being, you can use strategies to minimize costs by using dental insurance coverage, as some plans include partial reimbursement for bridge placement.
We stress to our patients that compromising the quality or longevity of your dental bridge can have long-term repercussions, so finding a balance between affordability and quality is key.
When considering dental bridges, understanding the factors influencing their cost empowers you to make informed decisions. However, discussing your concerns and budget with our Tukwila dentist can help you find suitable options and potential cost-saving measures.
Remember: investing in a quality dental bridge can positively impact your oral health and overall well-being in the long run!
As you can see, the cost of dental bridges may be more affordable than you thought. So give us a call or email us today to discover for yourself.
Or:
- Call us at: 206-575-1173
- Email us at: info@bencadds.com
We’re in Tukwila, WA, in King County, making us an option for residents in the nearby areas of Seattle, Renton, Burien, Kent, and Des Moines.
