When you have missing teeth, there are several options available to remedy the situation. One excellent choice is to have a dental bridge put in place to fill the gap.  A dental bridge treatment will give you your smile back and prevents you from being self-conscious about your teeth. This article takes a close look at dental bridge treatments and provides you with key information about this important health topic.

Reasons 

One of the main reasons to have dental bridge treatment is for aesthetics. No one wants to smile and show the world that they have missing teeth. Having a bridge put in means that your teeth are visually appealing and you can smile as much as you want without feeling any embarrassment. 

Another reason is more practical. When you have missing teeth, it can interfere with the way you chew your food and even the way you talk. A bridge can solve these two problems in many cases.

Missing teeth can also lead to bone loss. If you have a particular type of dental bridge treatment, known as an implant-supported bridge, the implant can reduce the chances of bone loss. Also, dental bridges prevent teeth that are adjacent to the bridge from slipping out of place.

Types

You can choose from four different types of dental bridged treatments: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant supported. A traditional bridge is one where two synthetic or "pontic" crowns are placed over the teeth on each side of the gap with fake teeth in between. A cantilever bridge is similar but involves only one crowned tooth.

A Maryland bridge uses a metal framework to bind the fake teeth to the surrounding natural teeth. An implant-supported bridge, as the name implies, is held in place by dental implants, rather than natural teeth.

Cost

The cost of dental bridge treatments can vary widely with an average cost of a traditional or cantilever treatment being about $2,500. The average cost for a Maryland-type bridge is $1,700, while the average for an implant-supported bridge is 5,500.  An important factor in the overall cost is the number of missing teeth the bridge will need to replace. There are also several dental procedures you will probably need to undergo related to getting a bridge put in place. For example, you need to consider the costs of having an oral exam, as well as any extractions, any required X-rays, and any necessary cleanings.

If missing teeth are interfering with your smile and appearance, contact a qualified dentist in your town and ask them about dental bridge treatment.