Are you struggling with missing teeth and seeking a reliable solution to restore your smile’s functionality and aesthetics? Look no further than Rainier Ave Dental in South Seattle, WA. Our experienced team specializes in providing high-quality dental bridges tailored to meet your unique dental needs.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges serve as a solution to replace missing teeth, whether it’s a single tooth or a series of missing teeth. Essentially, they act as a bridge, filling the gap in your smile. Custom bridges can be crafted by dentists to seamlessly match the shade of your natural teeth.
Components of Dental Bridges
- Abutments: These are the supportive structures for your dental bridge. While they typically refer to natural teeth, they can also include small connector posts in bridges supported by dental implants.
- Pontics: These are the artificial or false teeth that occupy the space left by missing teeth.
Depending on your specific dental needs and the type of bridge recommended by your dentist, your bridge may include one or more abutments and one or more pontics.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dentists employ various types of bridges to address diverse oral health objectives. The four primary classifications of dental bridges encompass:
Traditional Dental Bridge
The most prevalent type of dental bridge is the traditional dental bridge. It involves dental crowns, also known as caps, positioned on both ends with artificial teeth, called pontics, in the middle. Your dentist affixes these crowns to your natural teeth, known as abutments, which flank the gap. The artificial teeth, or pontics, are then placed to fill in the space between them. This method is commonly employed when the patient possesses healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
A cantilever bridge resembles a traditional bridge, with a crucial distinction: it features a crown on only one end rather than both. Consequently, when your dentist affixes the bridge onto your abutment tooth, the artificial tooth (pontic) extends across the gap, essentially “hanging over.” Dentists opt for cantilever bridges in cases where natural teeth are present only on one side of the gap. However, it’s important to note that due to their design, cantilever bridges typically lack the same level of strength as traditional bridges.
Maryland Dental Bridge
A Maryland bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge, employs metal wings in lieu of crowns to anchor the bridge. These metal wings are bonded by a dentist to the rear surfaces of adjacent teeth, providing support for the bridge. Typically, Maryland bridges are utilized for the replacement of front teeth. It’s important to note that these bridges may not be sufficiently robust to withstand the chewing forces exerted on rear teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge resembles a traditional bridge, but it sits atop dental implants rather than natural teeth. Dental implants are small threaded posts that serve as substitutes for missing tooth roots. Before affixing a bridge to dental implants, it’s crucial for the implants to fully integrate, or fuse, with the jawbone. Typically, this integration process takes around three to six months on average, though the duration may vary based on individual circumstances. Implant-supported bridges are a viable option for individuals with three or more consecutive missing teeth, providing a stable and durable solution for restoring dental function and aesthetics.
Am I the Right Candidate for Dental Bridges?
When you experience the loss of one or more teeth, it can impact various aspects of your life. Opting for a dental bridge can effectively address these changes by:
- Restoring your smile’s appearance
- Restoring the ability to chew food properly
- Restoring clear and precise speech
- Maintaining the natural shape of your face
- Realigning your bite to evenly distribute chewing pressure
- Preventing the shifting of remaining teeth out of their correct positions
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a versatile solution addressing a myriad of dental concerns, offering comprehensive support and protection to compromised teeth. Let’s delve into the myriad benefits they bring:
- Restoration of Damaged Teeth: Dental crowns effectively reinforce teeth that have succumbed to decay, restoring their structural integrity and functionality.
- Prevention of Further Damage: Acting as a protective shield, crowns safeguard worn teeth, preventing additional deterioration and preserving their integrity.
- Post-Root Canal Protection: After a root canal, crowns provide essential protection, ensuring the treated tooth’s long-term viability.
- Stabilization of Cracked or Broken Teeth: In cases of severe damage, crowns hold fractured teeth together, restoring their strength and preventing further harm.
- Integration with Dental Implants: Crowns cap and secure dental implants, completing the restoration process and restoring full functionality to your smile.
- Enhancement of Dental Aesthetics: Beyond functionality, crowns can enhance a tooth’s appearance by altering its shape or color, enhancing overall smile aesthetics.
Moreover, dental crowns offer durability and reliability. With a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, they provide lasting results, ensuring patient satisfaction and treatment success.
What to Expect During Dental Crowns Procedure?
Multi-day Procedure with a Temporary Crown
First Visit
- Tooth Preparation: Your dentist readies the tooth for the crown by removing some enamel to ensure stability and may use filling material for reinforcement.
- Dental Impressions: Impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab, where technicians fabricate your custom crown.
- Temporary Crown Placement: While awaiting the permanent crown, a temporary one is affixed to protect the prepared tooth.
Second Visit
- Removal of Temporary Crown: The temporary crown is removed.
- Assessment of New Crown: Your dentist ensures the new crown aligns seamlessly with your natural teeth and meets aesthetic standards.
- Bonding: Using dental cement, the new crown is securely bonded to your tooth, completing the restoration.
Same-day Dental Crown Procedure
- Digital Imaging: Images of your mouth are captured digitally.
- In-office Crown Fabrication: Utilizing digital scans, the crown is crafted in-office.
- Crown Placement: After a brief wait for fabrication, the crown is cemented into place, completing the process in 2 to 4 hours.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
According to estimates, the price range for dental crowns per tooth varies:
- Gold Crowns: $600 to $2,500
- All-porcelain Crowns: $800 to $3,000
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns: $500 to $1,500
- Zirconia and E-max Crowns: Comparable to all-porcelain crowns.
Insurance coverage typically ranges around 50% of the cost, contingent upon your plan and case specifics. While cosmetic treatments may not be fully covered, certain preventive procedures might qualify for partial or full coverage.
Dental Crowns in South Seattle, WA
Unlock the Radiance of Your Smile with Premium Dental Crowns in South Seattle, WA, at Rainier Ave Dental. Embark on your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile today. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile!
FAQs
How long does it take to recover after a dental bridge procedure?
Recovery times vary from person to person and depend on several factors. On average, it takes one to two weeks for your teeth and gums to heal. But it can take a little longer for your new dental bridge to feel totally natural and comfortable.
How long does a dental bridge last?
On average, the lifespan of a dental bridge is five to 15 years. Some can last even longer with proper care and maintenance. You may hear dentists call these “permanent bridges.” They’re permanent in the sense that only a dentist can remove them. But they don’t last forever. You’ll still need to replace them when they show signs of wear or damage.
How can I care for my dental bridge?
Caring for a dental bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth. To keep your bridge in good condition:
- Brush and floss daily.
- Use a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean underneath your bridge every day using floss threaders or interproximal brushes (tiny brushes made to go between your teeth).
- Avoid extremely hard or chewy foods.
- Don’t chew on ice, pens, pencils or your fingernails.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.