Dental Bridges

After tooth loss, the gap left between the remaining teeth should not go unoccupied for very long. Immediate effects can include problems with speaking, eating, and the aesthetic ramifications of missing teeth. Over time, the missing teeth may cause neighboring teeth to shift toward the hollow area and lead to additional oral health concerns. A custom-made dental bridge can be an effective solution to fill the empty gap, repairing both aesthetic and functional conditions with results that look and feel natural. Dental bridges provide a durable restoration in the form of an artificial tooth (or teeth) anchored in place by dental crowns affixed to adjacent healthy teeth. At Sutra Dental Spa, our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jimmy Wu, offers high-quality dental bridges to help patients regain their oral health and functionality with a beautifully renewed smile.

• Dental Bridge Benefits
• Dental Bridge Candidates
• Dental Bridge Treatment
• Dental Bridge Costs

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges can be significantly beneficial for patients missing one or more teeth with their ability to:

• Prevent teeth from shifting into gaps
• Fill empty space for improved biting, chewing, and speaking
• Fix cosmetic concerns with the appearance of the teeth 
• Seamlessly blend in with surrounding natural teeth
• Provide a secure configuration designed to last for many years
• Replace missing teeth without requiring oral surgery or extensive recovery time 
• Replace missing teeth without the need for dental adhesives or pastes to keep the restoration secure 

Dental bridges can also serve as a potential alternative to dental implants for patients who may not be ideal candidates for that treatment option. During your examination with Dr. Wu, he will assess your dental needs to determine the right approach to achieve your oral health and cosmetic goals. 

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?

For individuals who have experienced tooth loss caused by disease, structural damage, decay, trauma, or other factors, the next step should be seeking tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge. Ideal candidates for dental bridges are typically patients who prefer a non-surgical yet effective option for replacing one or more missing teeth, or those who may not meet the jawbone density requirements necessary for dental implants. Candidates should also be in overall good health without any additional dental issues, such as periodontal (gum) disease, that may reduce the potential for successful results.  

During the initial consultation, Dr. Wu can evaluate your needs and determine your candidacy for a dental bridge procedure. If you are currently experiencing other oral health concerns, such as gum disease, he can talk with you about treatments that may need to be performed prior to placement of a dental bridge that can provide adequate preparation for that procedure. 

How Is Treatment With a Dental Bridge Performed?

Dental bridges at Sutra Dental Spa can often be created and placed in a single visit with our state-of-the-art CEREC^® in-house milling system. After a professional cleaning, addressing other necessary dental work, and prepping the supporting natural teeth for the restorations, the CEREC^® process can typically be used for crafting the dental crowns that will be bonded to the artificial tooth (or teeth) to form the dental bridge. First, Dr. Wu will use precise 3-D imaging software to develop a digital impression of the teeth, which will be delivered to the CEREC^® machine to generate the design. The CEREC^® in-office milling unit then uses the design to create and form the dental crowns. Dr. Wu will then meticulously inspect the results and fit, making any necessary adjustments prior to the final placement to ensure a fully customized outcome. With the CEREC^® system, dental bridge procedures can often be more convenient for patients since less time and fewer appointments are needed to complete the treatment. 

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

The price of dental bridges at our practice varies depending on each patient’s unique needs and the customized treatment plan. For dental bridges, the cost assessment is generally determined by the type of bridge utilized, how many teeth need to be replaced, the location of the missing teeth, additional treatments that may be necessary, and materials used to create the dental crowns. During an initial consultation, Dr. Wu will examine your dental needs and develop a treatment plan. Once this is accomplished, a member of our team can produce a total cost estimate. Sutra Dental Spa accepts an array of payment methods, including third-party financing via CareCredit^® for qualified applicants, which can make the treatment suitable for a variety of budgets. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our payment options. 

If you would like to learn more about dental bridges and other restorative or cosmetic dental options offered at our practice, please contact us today.