Missing teeth can have a significant impact on both your appearance and your oral health. If you’re missing one to three teeth, a dental bridge may be the perfect solution to restore the function and look of your smile. At Butler Family Dental in Eugene, Oregon, we specialize in providing custom dental bridges that are designed to fit seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our bridges not only fill the gaps in your smile but also help maintain the health of your remaining teeth and jawbone.
A dental bridge is essentially a false tooth or teeth that are held in place by either dental implants or your natural teeth. Sometimes referred to as a “fixed partial denture,” bridges are permanently bonded to your teeth, which means you won’t have to remove them for cleaning or sleeping. This restoration offers a reliable, long-term solution to missing teeth, allowing you to smile, eat, and speak with confidence again.
Long-Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
Choosing a dental bridge to replace missing teeth does more than improve your smile—it has numerous long-term benefits that affect your overall dental health. Here’s a look at some of the advantages of choosing a dental bridge:
Comfort and Confidence
One of the biggest benefits of dental bridges is how they restore the natural appearance and functionality of your teeth. When you have a gap in your teeth, it can be difficult or even painful to chew food, speak clearly, or feel confident in your smile. A dental bridge eliminates these problems by filling the gap with a tooth that looks and feels completely natural.
Feel and look normal again. Smile confidently, enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort, and get back to the life you knew before you lost your tooth. With proper care, a dental bridge can last for more than ten years, giving you a durable and comfortable solution to missing teeth.
Support for Adjacent Teeth
Each of your teeth plays a crucial role in maintaining the alignment and health of the others. When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may begin to shift into the empty space, leading to problems like an altered bite, jaw pain, and even TMJ disorder. A dental bridge prevents these issues by holding your teeth in their proper positions and maintaining the balance of your bite.
By filling the gap, a bridge also reduces the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. Gaps between teeth can make it difficult to clean properly, which can lead to periodontal disease and further complications. A dental bridge restores your mouth to a more stable, healthy state and helps prevent future dental problems.
Preservation of Bone Health
When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone begins to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. Healthy teeth provide the necessary pressure to the jawbone, helping it maintain its density and strength. Without this stimulation, the bone can weaken and resorb, leading to changes in your facial structure and additional tooth loss.
A dental bridge helps slow the process of bone loss by stabilizing the teeth surrounding the gap. By supporting these teeth and maintaining a stable bite, a bridge ensures that your jawbone continues to receive the necessary stimulation to remain healthy.
What to Expect During Your Dental Bridge Procedure
At Butler Family Dental, we strive to make every dental procedure as smooth and comfortable as possible. When you come in for a dental bridge, here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation and Examination: During your initial visit, we’ll evaluate your oral health and determine whether a dental bridge is the best option for you. We may take X-rays or impressions of your teeth to create a custom treatment plan.
- Preparation of Adjacent Teeth: If your bridge will be supported by your natural teeth, these teeth will need to be prepared by reshaping them slightly to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
- Impressions and Temporary Bridge: After your teeth are prepared, we’ll take impressions of your mouth, which will be sent to a dental lab where your custom bridge will be created. In the meantime, we’ll fit you with a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums.
- Placement of the Permanent Bridge: Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office for the final fitting. We’ll carefully place and adjust the bridge to ensure it fits perfectly with your bite and looks natural in your smile. The bridge is then permanently bonded to your teeth, and you can leave our office with a restored smile.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in Eugene
The cost of a dental bridge can vary based on several factors, including the number of missing teeth, the materials used, and the complexity of the procedure. In Eugene, the average cost of a dental bridge with insurance and without insurance, can vary from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars.
To be more precise, with a typical insurance plan, a dental bridge averages out to about $800 to $1200+. Without insurance, a reasonable ball-park figure for a bridge would be about $2000 to $3000 and up.
When determining the cost of your dental bridge, we take into consideration the following factors:
- The type of bridge and materials used
- The number of missing teeth
- The location and complexity of the procedure
- The condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap
- Supplies and equipment required for your treatment
It’s important to note that no dental practice can give you an exact quote over the phone. Every patient’s needs are unique, and the final cost will depend on your specific situation. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Butler Family Dental so that we can assess your needs and provide you with a detailed treatment plan, including an accurate estimate of your costs.
If you have dental insurance, we’re happy to provide you with an insurance quote so you can understand your out-of-pocket expenses before moving forward with your treatment.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
If you’re missing one to three teeth and want a permanent solution that restores the look and function of your smile, a dental bridge could be the ideal choice for you. Not only does it improve your appearance, but it also provides long-lasting benefits for your oral health by preventing teeth from shifting and supporting the health of your jawbone.
At Butler Family Dental, we’re dedicated to helping you find the best solution for your dental needs. Our experienced team will guide you through the process and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Question About Dental Bridges
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A DENTAL BRIDGE?
The process usually takes two appointments with each appointment lasting less than an hour. Depending on your individual needs, there may be additional appointments or time required!
WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED FOR DENTAL BRIDGES?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. We primarily use porcelain for our dental bridge procedures.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PERMANENT BRIDGE, A SEMI-PERMANENT BRIDGE, AND A PARTIAL DENTURE?
There are different types of dental bridges – permanent and semi-permanent. Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants.
The easiest way to tell the difference between a bridge (which stays put) and a denture (which is removable) is that bridges are just the teeth whereas dentures have those pink gums.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Contact Butler Family Dental today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a dental bridge can help you regain your confidence, comfort, and oral health.
Ready to make an appointment? Call or text us at (541) 485-6645 to schedule your visit with our friendly dentist today. Your new dental home is just a call away!
For more information, visit our website or drop by our office at 1745 W. 17th Avenue, Eugene, OR, 97402. Let Butler Family Dental take care of your smile!