Dental Bridges

VIPcare Dental is here for you when you find yourself in need of dental bridges in Ocala. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several teeth, our top rated dentists can bridge the gap for you at an affordable price in a modern and secure environment.

A dental bridge is a method of restorative dentistry that uses a false tooth or teeth to bridge the gap created by missing teeth. Usually, there will be crowns, also called abutment teeth, on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. Those crowns will support the false tooth, which is also called the pontic. Dentists typically use a porcelain bridge that will match your natural tooth color.

The most common reasons for needing a dental bridge are tooth loss due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. Patients should speak to their dentist to decide if a dental bridge, dental implants, or another method of tooth replacement is the best option for them.

Missing one or more teeth can lead to a number of negative effects on your oral health. The benefits of dental bridges include:

• Fixing bite problems
• Solving issues with chewing
• Eliminating pain from extra stress on your teeth or jaw
• Improving your smile
• Preventing your teeth from shifting out of their proper position

There are four main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported.

Traditional Dental Bridge

With a traditional dental bridge, a false tooth or teeth is held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto the abutment teeth. This is the most common type of dental bridge and made of metal, porcelain, or ceramic. In order for this type of bridge to work, you need to have natural teeth on both sides of the gap.

Cantilever Bridges

If you have a situation where only one natural tooth is next to the space left by a missing tooth, you will need cantilever bridges. With this type, the false tooth only connects to a single abutment tooth instead of having one on each end.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge, also known as a resin bonded bridge, is similar to a traditional bridge in that it uses two natural abutment teeth. This method is commonly used for replacing front teeth with a bridge. The Maryland bridge uses a metal framework that is adhered to the back of the abutment teeth on each side of the gap to hold the bridge in place.

Implant-Supported Bridges

An implant-supported bridge is also similar to a traditional fixed dental bridge except that it uses implant dentistry instead of dental crowns or a metal framework. Usually, one implant will be placed for each missing tooth. Those implants will then hold the bridge in place. If for some reason an implant can’t be placed in some spots, a pontic will be held up by an implant-supported crown on either side.

Implant-supported bridges can take several months to implement. It usually takes two surgeries to complete the process. There will be one surgery to place the implants into the jawbone and a second surgery to place the bridge.

Normally it takes at least two appointments to get your dental bridges into place. 

Two things will happen during the initial appointment. The first step is preparing the abutment teeth. During this stage, your abutment teeth will be shaped to prepare them for the dental crowns. To do this, part of your enamel and dentin must be removed.

The next step is taking impressions or digital scans of your teeth. These will be used as a model to create your bridge, false teeth, and crowns. To end the first appointment, you will get a temporary bridge that will help protect the teeth that were reshaped and the areas that are missing teeth.

For the second appointment, you’ll have the permanent bridge placed. The dentist will remove the temporary bridge and affix the permanent one. During this stage, the dentist will check to make sure the fitment is correct and make any adjustments you may need to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Due to the way a dental bridge is affixed in the mouth, proper care for your teeth and gums is critical for maintaining the bridge. 

Brushing your teeth properly and flossing twice a day are the best ways to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. With a bridge, you will likely need to use a special floss called a threader. It allows you to slide the floss between your gums and the bridge.

Seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings becomes even more important. Your provider will be able to identify any problems early and more effectively treat the issue.

There are several factors that will play into your dental bridge cost. Things like the number of teeth needed to bridge the gap, materials used, how difficult the placement is, what type of bridge you need, and any other treatments you may need.

How much you have to pay out of pocket will also depend on what your dental insurance covers. Insurance typically covers a certain percentage of the overall cost, but that varies based on your provider and the exact coverage of your specific plan.

If you’re looking for affordable dental bridges in Ocala, VIPcare Dental is here to help. Our knowledgeable team is prepared to work with you to help you get the smile you want and deserve.

Contact us today online or call our Ocala, FL, office at 352-306-0062 to schedule your appointment for dental bridges or other cosmetic dental work you may need.