If you’re considering your options for replacing missing teeth in Kettering, dental bridges are a time-tested and reliable solution. At Artisan Dental Group, Dr. Callejo and the team use dental bridges to restore your smile by filling in gaps with artificial teeth, anchored by your natural teeth or dental implants. Several different types of dental bridges are available, and the best option for you depends on your oral health, aesthetic goals, and long-term needs. This guide will walk you through each type, how they’re made, and what to expect during your treatment.
What Are Dental Bridges and Who Needs Them?
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices designed to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap with artificial teeth (pontics). These bridges are supported by natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the missing tooth. Patients who qualify typically have one or more missing teeth and healthy adjacent teeth or dental implants to support the restoration.
For individuals seeking missing teeth solutions in Kettering, dental bridges offer both cosmetic and functional benefits. As one of the most trusted restorative dentistry options in Kettering, they help maintain facial structure, restore chewing and speaking ability, and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.
What Are the Main Types of Dental Bridges?
There are four main types of dental bridges used today. Each option is designed for specific cases and patient needs.
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges in Kettering are the most commonly used. These bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth.
Ideal for:
- Patients with strong, healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth
Pros:
- Cost-effective and widely available
- Strong and durable
Cons:
- Requires reshaping of adjacent teeth
- Less conservative than other options
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges but only require one supporting tooth next to the missing space.
Used when:
- Only one abutment tooth is available
- Typically for front teeth where bite pressure is lower
Pros:
- Requires less preparation of surrounding teeth
Cons:
- Less stable
- Increased risk of damage to the supporting tooth
Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges
Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework with wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth.
Best for:
- Replacing front teeth
- Patients who want a conservative option
Pros:
- Minimal alteration of natural teeth
- Affordable and non-invasive
Cons:
- Less durable under strong biting force
- Risk of debonding over time
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported dental bridges in Kettering use dental implants instead of natural teeth to anchor the pontic.
Ideal for:
- Replacing multiple missing teeth
- Patients who want a stable, long-term solution
Pros:
- Very stable and long-lasting
- Preserves jawbone health
Cons:
- Requires surgery and healing time
- Higher initial cost
What Materials Are Used for Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges can be made from several materials, each with unique benefits depending on where in the mouth they’re placed.
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Durable with a natural look
- May show dark metal line at gum line over time
- All-ceramic
- Highly aesthetic, ideal for front teeth
- Less durable than metal options for molars
- Zirconia
- Extremely strong and natural-looking
- Good for both front and back teeth
- Metal alloys (gold or base metals)
- Long-lasting and strong
- Less aesthetic, typically used for back teeth
Whether you’re looking for cosmetic dental bridge materials or durable bridges for molars, Dr. Callejo will help you choose the best bridge materials for front teeth or back teeth based on your needs.
How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost in Kettering?
In Kettering, the cost of dental bridges can vary based on the type, number of teeth involved, materials used, and insurance coverage.
General price ranges:
- Traditional or cantilever bridges: $2,000–$5,000+
- Maryland bridges: $1,500–$3,000
- Implant-supported bridges: $4,000–$15,000+
Other factors:
- Lab fees and exams
- Sedation or surgical needs (for implants)
- Dental insurance coverage
Many dental offices offer membership plans or third-party financing to make treatment more accessible. At Artisan Dental Group, of Kettering, we’re happy to walk you through your coverage and options.
Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants: Which Is Better?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences between dental bridges and implants:
Procedure:
- Bridges: No surgery required
- Implants: Require surgical placement
Longevity:
- Bridges: 5–15 years
- Implants: 15+ years with proper care
Cost:
- Bridges: Lower upfront cost
- Implants: Higher cost, longer-term investment
Bone Preservation:
- Bridges: Do not preserve bone
- Implants: Stimulate jawbone and prevent deterioration
Restorative options like dental implants may be better for long-term bone support, while traditional dental bridges in Kettering offer a faster, more affordable solution for many patients.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
The typical dental bridge replacement timeline ranges from 5 to 15 years, though some bridges can last even longer with proper care. Several factors affect bridge longevity, including your oral hygiene habits, bite alignment, and the materials used.
Maintaining dental bridges requires consistent home care and regular checkups. Brushing and flossing daily, avoiding excessive bite pressure, and seeing Dr. Callejo for routine evaluations can all help extend the life of your restoration. At Artisan Dental Group, we support patients with personalized care plans designed to maximize bridge longevity and prevent early failure.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge
Keeping your bridge clean and intact requires some minor adjustments to your routine. Here are a few tips:
- Use bridge cleaning tools like interdental brushes and superfloss
- Thread floss under the pontic using floss threaders for bridges
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that could dislodge or damage the bridge
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Visit Dr. Callejo every 6 months for professional cleanings
This daily dental bridge care routine will help extend the lifespan of your restoration and keep your smile healthy.
What to Expect During a Dental Bridge Procedure in Kettering
A typical dental bridge procedure includes several steps:
- Dental bridge consultation in Kettering
- Dr. Callejo will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best option.
- Tooth preparation
- For traditional bridges, nearby teeth are shaped to hold the crowns.
- Dental impressions and fittings
- Impressions are sent to a lab to fabricate your custom bridge.
- Temporary bridge
- A temporary is placed to protect your teeth and gums.
- Final placement
- Once ready, your permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted, and cemented.
At Artisan Dental Group, comfort and precision are priorities at every step of your dental restoration appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How soon can I eat after getting a dental bridge?
You can eat soft foods after the numbing wears off. Avoid sticky or hard foods for a few days to allow the bridge to settle.
Are dental bridges covered by insurance in Kettering?
Many insurance plans cover a portion of dental bridge costs. It’s best to verify with your provider or ask the team at Artisan Dental Group for assistance.
Can dental bridges be used for front teeth?
Yes, especially Maryland or all-ceramic bridges, which offer a more aesthetic solution for front tooth replacement.
Do bridges look natural?
When crafted with high-quality materials like zirconia or ceramic, bridges can closely match your natural teeth in both shape and color.
Is it painful to get a dental bridge?
The procedure is typically not painful. Local anesthetic is used during preparation, and any mild discomfort afterward usually resolves quickly.
Let’s Craft Your Smile Together
Dental bridges offer a trusted, effective solution for replacing missing teeth, whether you’re looking for traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported options. From material selection to ongoing care, each decision plays a role in your long-term comfort and oral health.
If you’re exploring dental bridges in Kettering, schedule a consultation at Artisan Dental Group, to discover the best solution for your smile, tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
