Florissant, MO

Dental Bridges in Florissant, MO

Dental bridges in Florissant, MO. When your smile is in need of a makeover, dental bridges may be an option you should consider. Dental bridges are a specialty within cosmetic dentistry where prosthetic tooth covers are placed over a gap in your tooth. They help you regain function and appearance after tooth loss or other dental problems. Dental bridges must be custom-fitted, and they get your smile and jaw health back to their original form. Plaza Dental Center can help you decide if dental bridges are right for you. Speak to a team member today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us online. Become proud of your smile again.

What Are Dental Bridges?

No matter why you have a gap in your teeth, your existing teeth can move to compensate for the loss in your bite. 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 that literally bridge the gap between your natural teeth. When you go for a dental bridge, your Florissant, MO dentist will post caps on the teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth. These crowns anchor the “bridge” that covers over the gap in your teeth. Dental bridges can be made from a few different materials:

• Porcelain — Porcelain is a popular material used for dental bridges because it can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, making it appear like it’s one of your original teeth. Porcelain is also relatively sturdy and stain-resistant.
• Metal — Metal dental bridges are known for their strength and resilience. They are often used for back teeth that need more strength for biting.
• Composite resin — Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is cemented to the abutment teeth to offer more support. It’s weaker than other materials but can be used for front teeth where aesthetics are important.
• Zirconia — Zirconia is a more modern substance used for dental bridges, and it’s durable and has a natural tint. It’s known for not irritating the mouth.
• Gold — These dental bridges are resistant to wear and erosion. Gold dental bridges are kinder to the gingival tissue as they have an antibacterial effect.

Types of Dental Bridges in Florissant, MO

While dental bridges are a frequently-requested answer to dental problems such as tooth loss, no one solution works for everyone. Your Florissant, 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 — This type of bridge involves creating a cap for the abutment teeth, with a pontic (a false tooth) bridging the gap 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, with the exception that the bridge is anchored by only one abutment tooth instead of two.
• Maryland dental bridges — These involving placing wings on each side of the back of the artificial tooth and bonding them to the abutment teeth. This is commonly used when the gap is in your front teeth.
• Implant-supported dental bridges — Instead of using natural teeth as anchors, implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants, which are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported bridges are most often used when several teeth in a row are missing. These can lost longer than other types of bridges but requires healthy gums and adequate bone density to support the implants.

Which type of dental bridge you need will depend on the overall health of your mouth and where the gap is located. If you’d like to know which type of dental bridge you may be suitable for, make an appointment online to speak with with a knowledgeable Florissant, MO dentist.

Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge in Florissant, MO

Getting a dental bridge generally involves several steps and may require two or more visits to your Florissant, MO dentist. Below is the usual procedure in Florissant, MO:

• Initial appointment at the dentist’s office — Your dentist will evaluate your dental health and determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you. They will also discuss the four types of dental bridges and which you might be suitable for.
• Preparation of the teeth for the bridge — If your dentist recommended a traditional or cantilever bridge, the two adjacent teeth will need to be prepared by removing part of the enamel and dentin. This is done to make room for the dental crowns that will be placed over the teeth to anchor the bridge.
• Impression of the teeth — An impression of the teeth will be made 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 — At the same appointment your Florissant, MO dentist may fit you with a temporary bridge while your custom bridge is being created in a dental laboratory. This will help safeguard your teeth and gums until you’re waiting for your permanent bridge.
• Fitting and adjustment of the bridge — In your next appointment the permanent bridge will be implanted by your dentist, and adjusted as necessary. The dentist will make adjustments to ensure that the bridge feels comfortable in your mouth.
• 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 the bridge is functioning properly and your gums and teeth are healthy.

At Plaza Dental Center in Florissant, 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 Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO

When dental bridges are installed by a professional and experienced Florissant, MO dentist, the structure and function of your teeth will go back to their natural form. Dental bridges offer a lot of benefits:

• Improved oral health — Dental bridges can help maintain the natural shape of your teeth, gums, jawbone, and face. 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.
• Improved appearance — Dental bridges can give you 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.
• Improved ability to bite and speak — Dental bridges can help with any speech or eating problems you may have. When in there are gaps in your teeth, it can be difficult to chew your food properly, leading to digestive problems. Dental bridges can help you regain natural ways of chewing and speaking, making it easier to enjoy your favorite foods and reducing problems you may have had with speech.
• Preventing further damage to the existing teeth — Dental bridges can help prevent further damage to your remaining teeth by distributing the pressure evenly. When you have missing teeth, your natural teeth take on more of the pressure when you chew and speak. This can lead to broken teeth like chips and other damage. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly throughout your teeth and gums.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridges

With proper oral hygiene, most dental bridges won’t need to be replaced over a decade. However, inadequate oral hygiene could lead you to need a replacement after just a few short years. Keeping good care of your dental bridges is essential to maintain their longevity and functionality. A lot of what you need to do is keep your existing teeth healthy and strong so they can keep supporting the bridge. Below are some tips for taking care of your dental bridges in Florissant, MO:

• Brush and floss consistently — Every dentist will recommend that you 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 — Try to avoid eating sticky or hard foods that can cause harm to your dental bridges. Some foods to avoid are chewy candies, hard nuts, and ice.
• Don’t forget your regular dental appointments — As with everyone, you should have 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 suffer from tooth grinding at night, you may need a nightguard to protect your dental bridges and natural teeth from damage.

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

Contact Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Bridges in Florissant, MO

Missing 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 beautiful smile back, Plaza Dental Center in Florissant, MO is here to help. Call us today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us online for your dental bridges in Florissant, MO.