Inlay Cast Bridges: Definition, Types & How They Work

An inlay cast bridge consists of a custom-made false tooth (or teeth) joined onto two crowns. The bridge is fitted onto two healthy teeth in order to fill a gap between them caused by a missing tooth. It is held in place by bonding a crown over each of the healthy teeth. The bridge consists of a metal-cast inlay, which is covered in a thin veneer to make it resemble real teeth.

Types

• The traditional form of inlay bridge is a porcelain veneer fused onto a metallic base. However, some newer varieties have inlays cast from composite resin. Another innovation is the pin-retained inlay bridge, which is secured to the abutment teeth with tapered pins after the inlays have been bonded to them, which gives a tighter fit.

Cost

• The cost of the bridge depends on the materials used. For example, a bridge cast with a base metal inlay is cheaper than one with a noble metal inlay, and a porcelain veneer is more expensive than resin. With dental insurance, you can expect to pay between $300 and $400.

Benefits

• Fitting a bridge can help to avert decay and gum disease. It also prevents the other teeth from moving, and can sometimes help to correct problems with bite and improve speech quality.