If you’re considering a dental bridge, you need to know the cost differences and alternatives that may be available. In this guide, we’ll break down the facts on dental bridges so you can make an informed decision about moving forward with treatment.
When it comes to costs, there are a few factors to consider. The type of bridge being used will typically have an effect on cost. Dental bridges can be made from various materials such as porcelain fused to metal or ceramic, each of which come at different price tags. Additionally, the number of teeth being replaced also affects the overall cost. For example, if replacing several teeth with multiple bridge units rather than just one is required, this will usually bring your bill up by a significant amount.
Lastly, it’s important to consider the cost of alternative treatments such as dental implants or removable dentures. Dental bridges are often a more affordable option than implants, but they may not be the best choice for everyone. Therefore, taking into account your budget and lifestyle needs is essential to make sure you’re choosing the right solution for you.
By understanding the costs associated with dental bridges, as well as what alternatives are available to you, you can ensure that the decision you make about treatment is an informed one that meets your individual needs and budget. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to choose a bridge that fits both your smile and wallet!
What is a dental bridge?
The loss of a tooth is neither a beautiful, nor a particularly aesthetic experience.
Dental bridges close gaps between teeth & replace damaged or lost teeth.
Nobody likes walking around with a large gap between their teeth that is clearly visible every time they smile.
- Fortunately, not only entire rows of teeth but also individual teeth can be replaced without anyone noticing.
- So with new self-confidence, you can participate in life normally, without having to be embarrassed every time you laugh.
Summarized: The dental bridge is a fixed denture that closes the gap between 2 teeth.
Your dentist can also treat larger gaps with a bridge: Up to four teeth can be replaced with it.
Dental bridges at a glance
A dental bridge consists of two parts: the pontic and the abutments.
- The pontic serves as a tooth replacement and is permanently fixed by the abutments.
- The two teeth adjacent to the gap are used as abutment teeth.
First, your dentist will grind down the teeth before then crowning them with a dental crown. This pretty much guarantees a stable fit.
Dental crowns are placed on both ground-down teeth and implants.
Dental technology now offers a super adhesive that allows artificial dental implants to be used as bridge abutments as well.
The treatment process at the dentist
To properly place a dental bridge, your dentist will need several sessions.
The first session: grinding the teeth
The neighboring teeth, which serve as bridge abutments, must first be ground. During this process, the doctor removes caries, tartar and other irregularities. If necessary, it may be necessary to insert a filling.
In the first session, your dentist will prepare your teeth for the placement of the bridge.
- The trimmed teeth must also be parallel to each other in order to guarantee that the framework will hold.
- If this is not the case, the dentist will resort to an attachment bridge instead of a conventional bridge (more on the differences below).
You can also discuss with your dentist during the first session which tooth color you would like and what material the bridge should be made of.
A provisional (interim denture) will also be placed and impressions will be taken to create a customized dental bridge.
The second session: the interim trial
During the second session, your dentist will place the dental bridge on a trial basis to see how well it fits.
Poorly fitting bridges cause pain – which is why they should fit quite snugly.
If the denture causes a feeling of tension or pressure pain, it must be adjusted again.
- If everything fits so far, the doctor sends the dental bridge to the laboratory again and a final fine-tuning is made.
- Among other things, the laboratory veneers the prosthesis with ceramic and adjusts the shape again if necessary.
A second fitting at the dentist usually only occurs if the dental bridge consists of several units.
The third session: the insertion of the bridge
First, the anchors (crowns) are placed on the dental abutments and firmly bonded. This ensures a firm hold.
After that, your dentist inserts the dental bridge. Any inaccuracies of fit can be analyzed and corrected.
Another appointment will be scheduled for the final checkup, and after that, it is recommended to go for routine checkups every four to six months.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a dental bridge?
Dental bridges offer several advantages over other dentures. One is their long durability.
With good care (read more below), it lasts up to twenty years.
The durability of dental bridges can be extended with thorough cleaning & regular check-up visits.
On the other hand, the bridge is ready much faster. Implants are the time-consuming – it can take several months before the „new“ tooth is firmly seated in the mouth.
There are, however, also disadvantages. Healthy teeth must be ground down to act the solid pillar. As a result, precious and healthy tooth structure is lost.
There is also an increased risk of infection from this procedure. If too much tooth structure is removed, germs can enter the interior of the tooth and infect the tooth root.
Cost of a dental bridge
Unfortunately, dental prosthesis is a very expensive matter nowadays, because rarely the co-payments of the health insurance companies are particularly high and you are left with the majority of the costs.
- Bridges are usually more expensive than dentures, but a cheaper alternative to implants.
- While it is decided individually which type of denture is considered, the cost point is usually a decisive criterion.
Exactly the costs can not be named. This always depends on the case, the material used and the working time.
Dental bridges are an expensive investment – compare is therefore worthwhile.
Also, the amount of co-payments is always calculated individually. Not every health insurance pays the same.
Insist on a cost estimate & compare
It is best to first get advice from your dentist before you negotiate the amount of the cost coverage with your health insurance.
- Generally, the cost of a dental bridge is around $800 – $1500.
- A good and long-standing bonus book is very profitable here.
By up to 30%, can increase the fixed allowance.
The standard care for a dental bridge
Standard care (i.e. medically necessary procedures) is usually completely covered by health insurance. But what exactly counts as standard care for this dental prosthesis?
ToothLower jawveneer up to and including 4th tooth
| Area | Regulatory care |
| Invisible area | At least partial veneering of your Bridge |
| Not visible posterior area | Not veneered dental bridge |
| Upper jaw | Veneer up to and including 5th tooth |
You will have to pay for anything beyond that yourself.
What co-payment do I still have to pay then?
Additional costs arise if you want a tooth-colored full veneer in the visible as well as non-visible area.
Aesthetic and somewhat more expensive material requests must also be borne by you.
Which is better suited – implant or bridge?
This question is asked by many who want to have broken teeth erstezen. Both methods offer advantages as well as disadvantages.
As always, if in doubt, ask your dentist. He or she can advise you far better than any article on the Internet.
Provision by means of implant
Medically more sensible is the use of a dental implant. Most patients also choose this type of therapy.
- First of all, you have to wait until the structure underneath the lost tooth has completely healed. Only then can further steps be taken.
- After that, an artificial tooth root (the implant body) is inserted. Finally, the doctor attaches the visible dental implant.
Only good oral hygiene and check-ups with the dentist (about every six months) are enough to enjoy the intact implant for a long time.
An implant offers several advantages: For one thing, it prevents the jawbone from receding due to permanent stress. For another, the implant is usually much more durable than a bridge.
Also, visually no difference can be made to a real tooth. In addition, the teeth do not have to be ground down, thus preventing structural damage.
One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost: up to 3000€ can cost a single implant.
Implants are the preferred choice in many cases – when cost is not an issue
Provision by means of a bridge
Bridge also offers a good and, above all, a cost-effective result.
- However, the risks of infection are greater if attention is not paid to good and careful oral hygiene.
- The bottom line is that both options offer good results, differing mainly in terms of cost.
If money is just tight, then a bridge also performs well & can replace lost or extracted teeth almost as good as an implant.
Before any treatment, you should make sure to get detailed advice from your dentist.
Discomforts after dental bridge placement
Sometimes pain or other discomforts appear after dental bridge placement
Continue reading here to find out what’s normal and when you should go to the dentist
Unfamiliar sensation
As with braces, dental bridges also make you feel unfamiliar.
This is absolutely normal and you will get used to it within a few days. As long as you don’t feel any pain, but only an unpleasant sensation in your mouth, you don’t have to worry.
Hypersensitive teeth
It is possible that the nerves of the teeth have been irritated by the treatment.
- When eating or drinking food that is too hot or too cold, a pulling sensation travels through the entire mouth.
- If the teeth are very sensitive, even breathing with the mouth open can lead to this pulling.
The hot-cold pain should only be temporary.
Most of the time, the nerves calm down after a few weeks and the uncomfortable feeling disappears.
However, if the discomfort persists, then you should consult a doctor. Possibly this is an indication of exposed tooth necks & an incipient periodontitis.
Uncomfortable pressure
If the bridge does not fit properly and is possibly too large, a pressing pain can occur. This is when the denture presses against the adjacent teeth.
If the feeling of pressure does not disappear after a few weeks at the latest, consult your dentist.
Because in the worst case, your dentures may shift completely and your jaw anatomy will no longer fit.
Tip: Read more about possible causes of pressure pain when you bite down here.
Gum pain and inflammation
Our gums are very sensitive. Even pressing too hard when brushing our teeth can lead to gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums
Untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease.
- Redness, bleeding gums and a throbbing at the gums therefore occur more often and should not yet be a cause for concern.
- This applies, however, only for the 1st days after treatment – hold the complaints, you should visit a doctor unconditionally.
Just be extra careful when brushing, so as not to aggravate the inflammation. It is best to refrain from using electric toothbrushes or sonic toothbrushes for some time.
General pain
Pain after dental bridge placement is often common
That’s why the dentist often prescribes a painkiller to make the symptoms tolerable.
After a short time, however, the pain should subside and disappear altogether. At
When should I go to the dentist?
If the pain does not weaken or disappear completely after a few weeks, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Also, if you get a fever, lose your appetite, your cheeks swell, pus forms in your mouth, or the bleeding gums do not get better, these are reasons to see your doctor.
Allergic reactions
Normally, dental bridges are made of relatively well-tolerated material.
- However, our bodies are unpredictable and dentures can cause allergic reactions
- Symptoms such as itching, pustules, fever, a burning sensation, inflammation, shortness of breath, and pus or blisters in the mouth should not be taken lightly.
Go immediately to a doctor. Usually, the bridge is then taken out and a new one is inserted. This then consists of a material that is friendly to allergy sufferers.
Help, the dental bridge is loose!
Of course, no doctor can completely guarantee that a bridge will last for decades.
It sometimes happens that the bridge becomes loose.
Signs of a bridge that is too loose
Often, a loose dental bridge causes pain when biting.
The sooner you recognize a loose dental bridge, the sooner you can treat the problem.
Sometimes, however, sufferers remain symptom-free. However, the patient notices a wobbling, clacking, or sucking sound.
If you can then also no longer bite properly, otherwise the bridge will get stuck, consult a dentist immediately.
Tip: A loose dental bridge often resembles a loose filling. Read more in this article: Pain after a dental filling.
What are the dangers of a loose dental bridge?
There are two important reasons to fix a loose dental bridge as soon as possible
- First, food debris can collect underneath the dentures.
- Germs settle and can not be reached with a toothbrush.
The result: dental caries, rotten teeth and inflammation arise.
Second, the longer you wait, the less likely you are to save the bridge. This is because a completely new dental bridge will then have to be made, and the cost will be quite a bit higher.
Why does the dental bridge become loose in the first place?
There are several reasons why the dental bridge becomes loose
Tooths move in the jaw
Yes, it’s not just failing baby teeth that become loose. Your own teeth can also slowly loosen as you get older, causing the fit of your dentures to shift.
Wisdom teeth that have not been removed can also promote jaw misalignment.
Poor technical implementation of dentures
Nobody is infallible. Even dentists make mistakes. It may be that the bridge was not properly anchored during insertion and therefore begins to wobble.
Unhealthy abutment teeth
If the abutment teeth are affected by caries, the bridge’s retention is at risk.
Deep-rooted inflammation (e.g., dental root inflammation) can also cause the abutment teeth to loosen first, and then the denture.
Inflamed gums
If the gums become inflamed, they swell. This can cause the denture to lift up and not sit properly on the socket.
Artificial teeth require at least as much care as real ones.
Not only can real teeth break off, but so can dentures.
Bone loss in the jaw
Demineralization of the tooth structure or jaw can no longer provide proper support.
Poor oral hygiene
Inadequate oral hygiene promotes all kinds of diseases in the oral cavity and thus leads to the loosening of the bridge.
Tooth grinding
Nightly teeth grinding (bruxism) puts a lot of stress on dentures and can cause the bridge to loosen over time.
Many sufferers do not even realize that they grind their teeth. Often, only their partner makes us aware of it.
What to do if the bridge is loose?
There is an urgent need for action. See your dentist immediately.
If you act quickly, the dentist can repair your bridge.
If you wait too long, it will need to be completely replaced.
- When the denture is repaired, the pontic is usually knocked down and reattached using a special rod.
- The bridge can also be simply re-bonded. For this, one uses cement again and the dental bridge holds again.
Sometimes the loosening of the denture is no longer possible properly, for example, if only one side is loose and the other is not.
Depending on the condition of the teeth, the treatment of loose bridges can be quite extensive.
Then, with great effort, the entire bridge must be removed. In the process, it usually breaks and a new one has to be made.
Can I repair the bridge myself?
It is strongly discouraged to try to do it yourself.
Although there are so-called do-it-yourself salvage kits available for purchase on the Internet, a professional should always be involved, because:
The dental bridge is bonded with dental cement.
- This sits even with a loosened prosthesis still on the abutment teeth and can only be removed by a dentist.
- Also, you cannot guarantee a perfect fit yourself, possibly making it worse than it already is.
A perfect fit is important, otherwise germs can grow underneath the bridge and trigger tooth decay & bad teeth.
The proper care of the dental bridge
Dental care is very important. Whether you have a denture in your mouth or not.
- This is the only way to ensure that your bridge will stay in good condition for a long time.
- Brush your teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime.
A good electric toothbrush provides better results than a manual toothbrush.
Note: Whether you choose a toothbrush from Oral-B, a sonic toothbrush from Philips, or a true ultrasonic toothbrush after all, is not that important for dental care – each of these variants makes brushing much easier.
More tips for dental care with bridge
- The additional use of antibacterial mouthwash is recommended by dentists and reduces the appearance of inflammation.
- Use dental floss daily. This will help you reach hard-to-reach places between your teeth.
For dental bridges, there are special floss or interdental brushes with applicator. So you can also get under the bridge.
Proper dental care not only increases the durability of dentures, but also helps avoid them in the first place.
In many cases, you can also clean hard-to-reach areas quite conveniently with oral irrigators – instead of annoying dental floss, a jet of water then ensures clean interdental spaces.
If you have a removable bridge, you can clean it particularly easily and thoroughly. Meanwhile, there are cleaning tabs * , which do the job for you.
And very important: Also visit your dentist regularly for checkups. So you ensure the longest possible dental bridge, which you can enjoy.
What types of bridges are there?
Depending on the material and fastening technique, dental technology distinguishes between different types of dental bridges.
The Conventional Bridge
The so-called gold standard among bridges. As already described, the two adjacent teeth are simply used as abutments here.
- First of all, these must be ground down before a fastening is possible.
- But do not worry! Grinding is done quickly and usually does not cause permanent damage to your teeth.
After grinding, composite cement is used to firmly attach the crown.
The adhesive bridge (Maryland bridge)
Also with this method, the dentist has to grind down the abutment teeth.
After that, he glues the metallic rests on the inside of the teeth, which are then to support the pontic.
The split bridge (attachment bridge)
Sometimes the abutment teeth between a bridge are not parallel. Then grinding them down without damaging the pulp is often not possible.
In such cases, a split bridge is used. Visually, this cannot be distinguished from a real tooth.
The extension bridge (free-end bridge)
If the back molars are to be replaced, the bridge can often only be fixed on one side. In this case, it is called a free-end bridge or a terminal bridge construction.
The full cast bridge
This bridge construction is made of either precious metal alloys (usually gold alloys) or non-precious metals such as titanium.
The alloys make the bridge higher quality and longer lasting.
The all-ceramic bridge
This bridge is popular with allergy sufferers. The metal-free version is made of zirconium oxide and other high-performance ceramics. Zirconium does not usually cause allergic reactions
The ceramic veneer (composite ceramic bridge)
The bridge framework is made of metal and therefore provides additional stability.
Ceramic is long lasting & indistinguishable from real teeth.
In the visible areas (the artificial dental crowns), the framework is surrounded by a tooth-colored ceramic layer to be visually indistinguishable from the rest of the teeth.
The plastic veneer bridge
Instead of being covered with a ceramic layer, the metal framework here is covered with plastic.
Plastic is less expensive than ceramic and modern versions often last several years. More information can be found here: Composite Fillings.
Single-span and multi-span bridges
If you are replacing only a single tooth, you will need a single-span bridge.
A row of teeth can be replaced with a multi-span bridge with multiple units.
As a reminder, a maximum of four consecutive missing teeth can be replaced with a dental bridge.
The removable bridge
This is a special form of dental prosthesis and offers the advantage that the patient can remove the bridge piece for cleaning.
Removable dental bridges are easy to clean & making them easier to maintain.
Besides the visual benefits, the dental bridge also serves other purposes:
The function of the dentition is restored: Speaking, eating, and laughing are possible again normally.
In addition, it is also important for the anatomy of the dentition. This is because when there is a gap, shifting of the teeth can occur.
Conclusion
I hope this overview of dental crowns has been helpful to you. It’s best to start improving your personal dental care today
This will not only save you from expensive treatments at the dentist, but will also ensure naturally beautiful teeth.
Take some time to learn more about proper dental care. This page is the best place to do so:
Better above all painless than any treatment: proper dental care.
- Familiarize yourself with general dental care tips for healthy teeth & start prevention today.
- Here you can learn everything about the right toothbrush & recommended models: Electric toothbrushes in the test.
- Here’s all important info on how to remove discoloration and get white teeth.
- In this section you will find more help for when common dental problems.
– Aftercare and maintenance of dental bridges (brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups
If you’re one of the many people who have dental bridges, aftercare and maintenance are essential to ensure they remain intact and functional for years to come. Dental bridges can restore missing teeth and provide a more natural appearance to your smile, but only if they’re properly taken care of.
Brushing your dental bridge is key to keeping it clean and avoiding any plaque buildup. Without proper brushing, bacteria can accumulate, leading to potential gum disease and even tooth decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure in a circular motion to clean around the bridge and your natural teeth. Don’t forget to brush the tongue and roof of your mouth as well to remove bacteria in those areas.
Flossing is another critical component of dental bridge maintenance. Flossing removes any remaining food particles that your toothbrush may have missed. Follow your dentist’s instructions for proper flossing techniques to avoid damaging the bridge or pulling it out of place.
Finally, regular dental checkups are an essential aspect of dental bridge maintenance. Your dentist can spot any issues early on, including any signs of damage or decay. They can also clean the bridge professionally and offer advice on how to maintain the bridge for the best outcomes.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come. Consistent maintenance of your dental bridge is crucial to ensure its longevity, and your oral hygiene is also necessary for your overall health. Don’t hesitate to take good care of your dental bridge to ensure healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
– Aftercare and maintenance of dental bridges (brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups
If you’re one of the many people who have dental bridges, aftercare and maintenance are essential to ensure they remain intact and functional for years to come. Dental bridges can restore missing teeth and provide a more natural appearance to your smile, but only if they’re properly taken care of.
Brushing your dental bridge is key to keeping it clean and avoiding any plaque buildup. Without proper brushing, bacteria can accumulate, leading to potential gum disease and even tooth decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure in a circular motion to clean around the bridge and your natural teeth. Don’t forget to brush the tongue and roof of your mouth as well to remove bacteria in those areas.
Flossing is another critical component of dental bridge maintenance. Flossing removes any remaining food particles that your toothbrush may have missed. Follow your dentist’s instructions for proper flossing techniques to avoid damaging the bridge or pulling it out of place.
Finally, regular dental checkups are an essential aspect of dental bridge maintenance. Your dentist can spot any issues early on, including any signs of damage or decay. They can also clean the bridge professionally and offer advice on how to maintain the bridge for the best outcomes.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come. Consistent maintenance of your dental bridge is crucial to ensure its longevity, and your oral hygiene is also necessary for your overall health. Don’t hesitate to take good care of your dental bridge to ensure healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
