Brentwood, MO

Dental Bridges in Brentwood, MO

Dental bridges in Brentwood, MO. When you need a smile makeover, dental bridges may be a solution. Dental bridges are a type of cosmetic dentistry where prosthetic crowns are placed over a gap in your tooth. They help you regain function and appearance if you’ve suffered the loss of a tooth. Dental bridges must be custom-fitted, and they get your smile back to those pearly whites. Plaza Dental Center can help you decide if dental bridges are right for you. Call Plaza today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us online. Become proud of your smile again.

What Are Dental Bridges?

When you’ve either lost a tooth or have had a tooth removed, your other teeth can shift to fill in the gap. This can lead to other dental problems. One of the most optimal solutions you can seek to remedy this is to have dental bridges inserted over your existing teeth. When you go for a dental bridge, your Brentwood, MO dentist will cement crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap, referred to as abutment teeth. These crowns anchor the “bridge” that fills in the gap. Dental bridges can be made from several different materials:

• Porcelain — Porcelain is a popular material used for dental bridges as it it can be painted to match the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain is also relatively strong and stain-resistant.
• Metal — Metal dental bridges are made from alloys that are strong and durable. They are often used for molars or teeth near the back of your mouth as they require more strength for chewing.
• Composite resin — Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is cemented to the abutment teeth to support the bridge. It’s weaker than other materials but can be used for front teeth as they aren’t needed for chewing.
• Zirconia — Zirconia has recently started being used for dental bridges, and it’s durable and has a natural tint. It is often used for both front and back teeth.
• Gold — These dental bridges are resistant to wear and erosion. Gold dental bridges also have antibacterial properties.

Types of Dental Bridges in Brentwood, MO

Even though dental bridges are a popular solution to many dental problems, no one solution works for every patient. Your Brentwood, MO dentist will recommend which type is best for you and your specific needs. There are four chief types of dental bridges:

• Traditional dental bridges — This type of bridge involves creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (artificial tooth) in between. This is the most common type of dental bridge and is often used when the patient still has teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
• Cantilever dental bridges — These are similar to traditional bridges, but they only require one natural tooth or implant to support the pontic. In this case, you only need one natural tooth next to the gap.
• Maryland dental bridges — These involving placing wings on each side of the back of the artificial tooth and bonding them to the abutment teeth. These are especially useful when you are missing one of your front teeth.
• Implant-supported dental bridges — Instead of being connected to natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants, which are titanium screws that fuse with your jawbone after being surgically implanted. Implant-supported bridges are common when several teeth in a row are missing. These can lost longer than other kinds of bridges but requires healthy gums and adequate bone density to support the implants.

Which type of dental bridge you require will be based on the overall health of your mouth and where which specific tooth or teeth are missing. If you’d like to discuss what type may be best for you, schedule an appointment online to speak with with a knowledgeable Brentwood, MO dentist.

Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge in Brentwood, MO

Getting a dental bridge generally involves several steps and may require multiple visits to your Brentwood, MO dentist. Below are the typical steps involved in getting a dental bridge in Brentwood, MO:

• Initial consultation with the dentist — Your dentist will evaluate your dental health and determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you. They’ll also walk you through the four types of dental bridges and which you might be suitable for.
• Teeth Preparation — If your dentist recommended a traditional or cantilever bridge, the abutment tooth or teeth will need to be prepared by drilling off part of the enamel and dentin. This allows for space for the caps to easily fit over.
• Impression of the teeth — An impression of the teeth will be taken to create a model for the bridge and artificial cap. We’ll then send that impression to a dental laboratory, where a bridge will be custom-manufactured for your unique mouth.
• Temporary bridge — At the same appointment your Brentwood, MO dentist may place a temporary bridge while your custom bridge is being created in a dental laboratory. This will help safeguard your teeth and gums until your permanent bridge is ready.
• Fitting and adjustment of the bridge — In your next appointment the permanent bridge will be fitted and adjusted to ensure a proper fit. The dentist will make adjustments to ensure that you and your mouth feel comfortable.
• Follow-up appointments and care — Once your permanent dental bridge is implanted, you will need to return to your dentist for follow-up appointments to make sure that there are no unforeseen problems.

At Plaza Dental Center in Brentwood, MO, we understand that not everyone loves being in the dentists’ chair, especially for multiple procedures and appointments. That’s why Dr. Joseph Cutrona is especially interested in breaking down barriers and getting apprehensive Brentwood, MO patients the great dental care they need. Whatever your comfort level at the dentist is, we can help.

Benefits of Dental Bridges in Brentwood, MO

When dental bridges are installed by a professional and experienced Brentwood, MO dentist, the natural form and function of your teeth will return. There are several benefits to this:

• Better oral health — Dental bridges can help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position. When there’s a gap in your teeth, the remaining teeth can shift out of place, causing problems with your bite and leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Improved appearance — Dental bridges can give you a smile makeover that can bring back your confidence. They look exactly like your natural teeth, so no one will be able to spot the difference.
• Better ability to bite and talk — Dental bridges can improve your ability to chew and speak properly. When in there are gaps in your teeth, chewing can be challenging, which can lead to digestive problems. Dental bridges can help you regain your ability to chew and speak normally, making it easier to enjoy your favorite foods and reducing problems you may have had with speech.
• Preventing further damage to the remaining teeth — Dental bridges can help prevent further damage to your remaining teeth by distributing the pressure evenly. When you have gaps between your teeth, the remaining teeth have to bear more weight when you chew and speak. This can result in broken teeth like cracks and other damage. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly throughout your teeth and gums.

How to Care for Your Dental Bridges

With good oral hygiene, most dental bridges can last 10 years or more. However, not taking care of them properly could lead you to need a replacement after just a few short years. Caring for dental bridges is important to make sure the benefits don’t go away. Much of the care needed is keeping your natural teeth and gums healthy and strong so they can keep supporting the bridge. Below are some tips for taking care of your dental bridges in Brentwood, MO:

• Brush and floss regularly — Every dentist will recommend that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss once every day. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean under the bridge and between the teeth.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash — Fluoride mouthwash is the most effective at preventing tooth decay.
• Avoid sticky and hard foods — It’s a good idea to avoid eating sticky or hard foods that can cause harm to your dental bridges. This includes chewy candies, hard nuts, and ice.
• Don’t forget your twice-yearly dental appointments — As with anyone else, you should have dental examinations and cleanings and polishings twice a year. Your dentist will make sure your dental bridges still fit and perform as need and make any necessary adjustments.
• Consider a nightguard — If you suffer from tooth grinding at night, it may be best to invest in a nightguard.

By following these tips, you can help ensure the lovely smiled you’ve restored is here to stay.

Call Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Bridges in Brentwood, MO

Gaps in your teeth can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and can even affect a person’s ability to eat and speak properly. Fortunately, dental bridges provide an effective solution to replace one or more missing teeth. If you want to get your functional and beautiful smile back, Plaza Dental Center in Brentwood, MO is standing by. Speak to a team member today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us through our website for your dental bridges in Brentwood, MO.