Dental Bridges

Even a single missing tooth can drastically alter how your smile looks. At Dr. Raymond Mansour’s practice in El Cajon, dental bridges are but one of his teeth replacement options available. Rebuild your smile and boost your oral health at the same time.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a tooth replacement solution. The bridge itself is made up of several artificial teeth linked together. The outermost parts are anchored to either side of a gap in your smile, with the other teeth replacing the missing ones. Patients can use them to replace a single tooth or several teeth in a row, making them a versatile option.
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What Is the Process for Getting Dental Bridges?

Getting dental bridges will involve a few visits to our office. However, patients agree the wait is worth it once their bridge is fully installed. Dr. Mansour will outline each step during your consultation to ensure a clear and obstacle-free experience.

Step 1: The Consultation

Dr. Mansour starts by meeting with each patient to consult on their situation, goals, and options. This can involve exams and a discussion to paint a full picture of what each patient needs. Together, you can build a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with.

Step 2: Preparing the Abutment Teeth

The abutment teeth are your natural teeth that will serve as anchors for the bridge. They may need to be roughened or shaved down slightly so the cap can fit over it smoothly.
Close-up 3D illustration showing a dental bridge supported by prepared natural teeth and artificial dental implants within pink gum tissue.

Step 3: Impressions

Once your teeth are ready, we take impressions of your jaw and remaining teeth. This allows our lab to create a custom set of bridges that will blend in naturally with your smile. You may also receive temporary bridges while you wait for your permanent set.

Step 4: Placing and Cementing the Bridge

Once your bridge is ready, you can come in for your final visit in the process. Dr. Mansour will place the bridge and ensure everything matches your expectations. With your approval, he will cement the bridge to the abutment teeth, fixing it permanently in place. And you are finished!
miling young woman with dimples wearing a straw sun hat and off-the-shoulder blue and white striped top in a field of dry grass.
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Tooth loss is more than a cosmetic issue. Prolonged periods with gaps in your smile can impact jaw bone density and oral health.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for Me?

The flexibility of dental bridges can make them an excellent solution for many people. Bridges can vary in type, shape, size, and appearance, adapting to each patient’s needs. Bridges are best for patients who:
  • Want a more cost-effective tooth replacement
  • Are missing one or several teeth
  • Want a faster process than dental implants
  • Have insufficient jawbone density for implants
Alternative options can include:
  • Dental Implants: Longest-lasting tooth replacement but a longer process.
  • Dental Crowns: Suitable for teeth that are damaged but not missing.
  • Dentures (Partial or Full): Best for patients with a greater number of missing teeth.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges can last for 5 to 15 years. The type and material of the bridge play a large role, but so does your dental health. Good oral hygiene and routine dental visits can help keep your bridges in better shape. If your bridges become damaged or worn over time, your dentist can remove them for a replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental bridges cost?

The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge, the number of teeth it replaces, materials, and the complexity of the work. For example, the cost of a traditional bridge ranges from $2,000 to $5,200, while a Maryland bridge costs between $1,500 and $2,500, and implant-supported bridges cost between $4,000 and $16,000.

In the majority of cases, dental bridges are classified as major restorative work and are covered by insurance. Typically, insurance pays 40% to 50% of the total bridge cost, but the coverage also depends on deductibles and yearly maximums, as well as your specific plan.

A broken or worn-out dental bridge can be repaired or replaced. Minor chips or cracks can be restored with resin composite. If the bridge becomes loose due to cement failure, the bridge can be rebonded. However, large fractures, deep cracks, or broken metal frameworks typically require replacement of the bridge. Additionally, whether or not the bridge can be restored or replaced depends on the health of the supporting teeth. If cavities develop on the supporting teeth, the bridge must be removed to treat the decay. If the supporting teeth are significantly weakened by infection or worn out, the bridge might have to be removed permanently.

In general, dental implants are considered superior in function and comfort to dental bridges, but bridges are an excellent solution for people who can not or do not want to have dental implants. Dental bridges effectively restore the appearance of your smile, chewing function, and, being permanently affixed in the mouth, provide superior stability compared to removable dentures.

Generally, the entire process of getting a dental implant takes 2 to 4 weeks and 2 to 3 visits to a dental office. Firstly, your doctor will examine your oral health and make impressions or scans of your teeth and bite. Then, your custom bridge will be made in a dental lab, which typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the workload of the lab. Finally, your new bridge will be fitted and bonded to the supporting teeth.

There are 4 main types of dental bridges:

  • Traditional bridges (supported by 2 adjacent teeth)
  • Cantilever bridges (supported by only one adjacent tooth)
  • Maryland bridges (supported by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth instead of crowns)
  • Implant-supported bridges (supported by implants surgically inserted into the jawbone)

Dental bridges do not damage adjacent teeth. However, since the adjacent teeth support the bridge, they sustain more chewing pressure and can wear out faster. However, a proper dental hygiene routine, good lifestyle and dietary habits, and regular dental visits help preserve the health of the supporting teeth.

To properly care for your dental bridge and the supporting teeth, adhere to the following rules:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two full minutes
  • Use fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss thoroughly every evening
  • Use a special floss threader to clean under the bridge
  • Add a water flosser to your evening routine to help dislodge food residue and plaque that collect under the bridge
  • Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods
  • Abstain from smoking

Book Your Consultation

Dr. Mansour is a leading specialist for dental bridges in El Cajon. When you come in for your consultation, you can start building a detailed plan to rebuild, restore, and revitalize your smile. Start by booking your appointment over the phone or using our online form and give your smile the care it deserves.
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Accessibility Statement: Our office is committed to providing accessible care for all patients and strives to comply with ADA accessibility standards. If you need assistance or accommodations, please contact our office at (619) 333-5986 and we will be happy to help.

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