Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth

First, there are traditional bridges, which use crowns to anchor the bridge. The pontics are attached to the crowns, which are securely fastened to the tops of adjacent teeth. The anchoring teeth are called “abutment teeth,” and they must be shaped to receive the crowns.

Next, there are cantilever bridges. These attach to only one nearby tooth instead of two. This system is less common nowadays and many dentists will not recommend it. It should not be used, at least, far in the back of the mouth since this puts too much pressure on teeth in that area.

The third type of bridge is the bonded bridge. This system simply attaches false teeth to natural teeth by fusing metal or ceramic “wings” to them. Only metals safe to be in your mouth are used, and a professional dentist will fuse the bond securely.

Finally, you could opt for an implant bridge. This method places an artificial tooth under the gums and/or into the jaw bone. A titanium post is sometimes used to anchor the new tooth, which mimics the shape and function of the lost tooth.

The exact price will vary among dental practices and is based on several factors, including:

• The type of bridge chosen. Implants, for example, will cost more than crowns.
• The material used. Whether you choose for the artificial tooth to be fabricated from porcelain, ceramic, gold, alloys, zirconia, etc. will have a major impact on the total cost.
• The time-frame. Same-day bridges are sometimes possible, but the high-tech, digital equipment they require and the priority status at the dental lab will add something to the price tag.