fbpx

Clayton, MO

Dental Bridges in Clayton, MO

Dental bridges in Clayton, MO. When your smile is in need of improvement, dental bridges may be a solution. Dental bridges are a specialty within cosmetic dentistry where dental covers are placed over a gap in your tooth. They help you regain function and appearance if you’ve experienced tooth loss or other dental problems. Dental bridges are custom-tailored to your specific teeth and mouth, and they return your smile back to those pearly whites. Consider a consultation with Plaza Dental Center to see if dental bridges are an appropriate solution for your needs. Call Plaza today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us online. Be proud of your smile again.



How Do Dental Bridges Work?

When you’ve either lost a tooth or have had a tooth removed, your other teeth can move to fill in the gap. This can cause other complications for your gum health and teeth. One of the most optimal solutions you can seek to fix this is to have dental bridges inserted over your existing teeth. When you go for a dental bridge, your Clayton, MO dentist will place caps on the teeth adjacent to the gap, referred to as abutment teeth. These crowns anchor the “bridge” that fills in the gap. Dental bridges are made of a few different materials:

  • Porcelain — Porcelain is a favorite among many as it it can be painted to match the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain is also resistant to stains and is durable.
  • Alloy — Metal dental bridges are known for their strength and resilience. They are often used for molars or teeth near the back of your mouth as they need more strength for chewing.
  • Composite resin — Composite resin is also the color of natural teeth, and it’s cemented to the abutment teeth to support the bridge. It’s weaker than other materials but can be used for front teeth as they don’t need to be as resilient.
  • Zirconia — Zirconia is a newly developed substance used for dental bridges, and it’s durable and has a natural look. It is often used for both front and back teeth.
  • Gold — These dental bridges do not suffer wear and tear as much as other bridges. Gold dental bridges are kinder to the gingival tissue as they have an antibacterial effect.

Types of Dental Bridges in Clayton, MO

Even though dental bridges are a common solution to many dental problems, no one solution works for everyone. Your Clayton, MO dentist will be able to tell you which type is best for you. There are four main types of dental bridges:

  • Traditional dental bridges — Also called a conventional bridge, this involves creating a crown for the abutment teeth, with a pontic (artificial tooth) bridging the gap between. There are the most common, and are best when the patient still has teeth on either side of the gap.
  • Cantilever dental bridges — These are similar to traditional bridges, with the exception that the bridge is anchored by only one abutment tooth instead of two.
  • Maryland dental bridges — A Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain wings that are attached to the back of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. These are particularly useful when the gap is in your front teeth.
  • Implant-supported dental bridges — Rather than being supported by natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants, which are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported bridges are a good option when you have more than one missing teeth next to each other. This is a more permanent solution for missing teeth but requires healthy gums and a strong jawbone 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 know which type of dental bridge you may be suitable for, make an appointment online to ask with an experienced Clayton, MO dentist.

Dental Bridges Clayton, MO | Restorative Dentistry Near Clayton

Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge in Clayton, MO

Getting a dental bridge typically involves several steps and may require multiple visits to your Clayton, MO dentist. The following are the typical steps involved in getting a dental bridge in Clayton, MO:

  • Initial appointment 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 go over the various types of dental bridges and which you might be suitable for.
  • Teeth Preparation — If your dentist recommended a traditional or cantilever bridge, the two adjacent teeth will need to be prepped by shaving off part of the enamel and dentin. This is done to make room for the dental crowns that will be placed over the teeth to support the bridge.
  • Tooth impression — An impression of the teeth will be made to create a model for the bridge and artificial cap. This model is sent to a dental laboratory, where a bridge will be custom-manufactured for your unique mouth.
  • Temporary bridge — At the same appointment your Clayton, MO dentist may place a temporary bridge to keep things in place while you wait for your unique bridge. This will help protect 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 work to ensure that the bridge fits nicely into your teeth and gums.
  • Follow-up appointments and care — Once your unique dental bridge is implanted, you’ll need follow-up appointments to ensure that the bridge is functioning properly and your gums and teeth are healthy.

At Plaza Dental Center in Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO patients the great dental care they need. Whatever your comfort level at the dentist is, we can help.

Benefits of Dental Bridges in Clayton, MO

When dental bridges are installed by a professional and experienced Clayton, MO dentist, the natural form and function of your teeth will return. Dental bridges offer a lot of benefits:

  • Better oral health — Dental bridges can help maintain the natural shape of your face and jawbone. When there’s a gap in your teeth, the remaining teeth can move from their natural positions, causing problems with your bite and leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
  • Better appearance — Dental bridges offer a smile makeover that can restore your smile and help boost your confidence. They look exactly like your natural teeth, so no one will be able to spot the difference.
  • It’s easier to bite and speak — 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 issues. Dental bridges can restore natural ways of chewing and speaking, allowing you to eat any food and reducing problems you may have had with speech.
  • Preventing further damage to your other teeth — Dental bridges can help your mouth remain strong by distributing the pressure evenly. When you have missing teeth, the remaining teeth take on more of the pressure when you chew and speak. This can lead to broken teeth like cracks and other damage. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly throughout your mouth.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridges

With adequate oral hygiene, most dental bridges won’t need to be replaced 10 years or more. However, not taking care of them properly could lead you to need a replacement after just a few short years. Keeping good care of your dental bridges is important to maintain their longevity and functionality. Much of the care needed is keeping your existing teeth healthy and strong so they can keep supporting the bridge. The following is some general advice for making sure your bridges in Clayton, MO last as long as possible:

  • Brush and floss every day — Every dentist will recommend that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean out the plaque and bacteria 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 could damage your dental bridges. Some foods to avoid are chewy candies, hard nuts, and ice.
  • Visit your dentist regularly — As with everyone, you should have dental examinations and cleanings and polishings twice a year. Your dentist will make sure your dental bridges still fit and perform optimally and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Consider a nightguard — If you experience tooth grinding when you sleep, it may be a good idea to invest in a nightguard.

By following these tips, you can help ensure the longevity and functionality of your dental bridges.

Dental Bridges in Clayton, MO | Cosmetic Dentistry Near Clayton

Trust in Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Bridges in Clayton, MO

Gaps in your teeth can affect how your mouth feels, looks, and functions. Fortunately, dental bridges provide an effective solution no matter how many teeth are missing. If you want to get your functional and beautiful smile back, Plaza Dental Center in Clayton, MO is here to help. Speak to a team member today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us through our website for your dental bridges in Clayton, MO.