Crestwood, MO

Dental Bridges in Crestwood, MO

Dental bridges in Crestwood, MO. When gaps in your teeth are affecting your self-esteem and how your teeth function, dental bridges may be a solution. Dental bridges are a specialty within cosmetic dentistry where prosthetic tooth covers are placed over a gap in your tooth. They provide form and security to your teeth and gumline after the loss of a tooth. Dental bridges are custom-tailored to your specific needs, and they return your smile and jaw health back to their natural state. 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. We can help you create the exact smile that you want.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Whether you lost a tooth in an accident or had one attracted, your other teeth will move to fill in the gap. This can cause other complications for your gum health and teeth. A good way to remedy this is to have dental bridges inserted over your existing teeth. If you get a dental bridge, your Crestwood, MO dentist will place caps on the teeth adjacent to the gap, called abutment teeth. These crowns anchor the “bridge” that fills in the gap. Dental bridges can be made from a few different materials:

• Porcelain — Porcelain is a popular material used for dental bridges as it can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, making it look natural. Porcelain is also relatively sturdy and stain-resistant.
• Alloy — 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 to be more durable for chewing.
• Composite resin — Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is bonded to the remaining teeth to offer more support. It is not as durable as 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 strong and has a natural tint. 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 gums as they have an antibacterial effect.

Types of Dental Bridges in Crestwood, MO

Even though dental bridges are a frequently-requested solution to dental problems such as tooth loss, no one solution works for everyone. Your Crestwood, MO dentist will recommend what type you need. There are four main types of dental bridges:

• Traditional dental bridges — Also known as a conventional bridge, this involves making a cap for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (a false tooth) bridging the gap between. This is the most common type of dental bridge and is best when there are natural teeth on either side 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 — A Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain wings that are attached to the back of the abutment teeth. This is commonly used when you are trying to replace one of your front teeth.
• Implant-supported dental bridges — Rather than being connected to natural teeth, these bridges are anchored by dental implants, which are surgically implanted titanium posts. Implant-supported bridges are common when you have several missing teeth next to each other. These can lost longer than other kinds of bridges but requires healthy gums and sufficient bone density for the posts to be implanted.

The type of dental bridge best for you will depend on where in your mouth the gaps in the teeth are and any other dental work your mouth may need. If you’d like to know which type of dental bridge you may be suitable for, make an appointment online to consult with a professional Crestwood, MO dentist.

Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge in Crestwood, MO

Getting dental bridges in Crestwood, MO is an easy process, however it does take place in several steps. The following are the typical steps involved in getting a dental bridge in Crestwood, MO:

• First appointment at the dentist’s office — Your dentist will evaluate your dental health and ascertain if you’re a good candidate for dental bridges. They will also discuss the four types of dental bridges and help you select the best option for your specific needs.
• Preparation of the teeth for the bridge — If you are getting a traditional or cantilever bridge, the two adjacent teeth will need to be prepped by drilling off some of the enamel and dentin. This allows for space for the crowns to comfortable fit over.
• Tooth impression — An impression of the teeth will be taken to create a model for the bridge and pontic. This model is sent to a dental laboratory, where the bridge is custom-made to fit your mouth.
• Temporary bridge — Your Crestwood, MO dentist may place a temporary bridge while your custom bridge is being created in a dental laboratory. This will help protect your mouth until you’re waiting for your permanent bridge.
• Fitting and adjustment of the bridge — Once the bridge is made, it 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 — After your dental bridge is placed, you will need to return to your dentist for follow-up appointments to make sure that there are no unforeseen issues.

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

How Dental Bridges Can Help You in Crestwood, MO

Dental bridges implanted by an experienced Crestwood, MO can return the structure and function of your teeth like you never thought possible. There are several benefits to this:

• Improved oral health — Dental bridges can help maintain the natural shape of your face. When there’s a gap in your teeth, the remaining teeth can move from their natural positions, causing dental problems that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Improved appearance — Dental bridges offer a smile makeover that can bring back your self-esteem. They look exactly like your natural teeth, so they blend seamlessly into your smile.
• Improved ability to eat and talk — Dental bridges can improve your ability to chew and speak properly. When in there are gaps in your teeth, it can be difficult to chew your food properly, leading to digestive issues. Dental bridges can restore natural ways of chewing and speaking, allowing you to eat any food and communicate with others.
• Preventing further damage to your other teeth — Dental bridges can help prevent further damage to your remaining teeth by distributing the pressure evenly. When you have missing teeth, the remaining teeth have to bear more weight when you chew and speak. This can cause broken teeth like cracks and other damage. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly around your teeth.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridges

With good oral hygiene, most dental bridges can last 10 years or more. However, inadequate oral hygiene could lead to a much shorter lifespan for your bridges. Keeping good care of your dental bridges is important to make sure the benefits don’t go away. A lot of what you need to do is keep your existing teeth and gums healthy and strong so they can keep supporting the bridge. The following is some general advice for making sure your bridges in Crestwood, MO last as long as possible:

• Brush and floss every day — You should brush your teeth twice daily and floss once every day. It may be a good idea to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to get the spots under the bridge and between the teeth.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash — Rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing and flossing to help prevent 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.
• Don’t forget your regular dental appointments — You should visit your dentist for regular dental examinations and cleanings and polishings every six months. Your dentist will be able to check the condition of your dental bridges and make any necessary adjustments.
• Consider a nightguard — If you grind or clench your teeth at night, it may be best to invest in a nightguard.

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

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

Gaps in your teeth can affect how your mouth feels, looks, and functions. Fortunately, dental bridges are a proven solution no matter how many teeth are missing. If you want to get your functional and pearly white smile back, Plaza Dental Center in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO.