Glasgow Village, MO

Dental Bridges in Glasgow Village, MO

Dental bridges in Glasgow Village, MO. When you need a smile makeover, dental bridges may be an option you should consider. Dental bridges are a specialty within cosmetic dentistry where a crown, anchored by teeth on either side of the gap, is placed over the gap. They help you regain function and appearance after tooth loss or other dental problems. Dental bridges are custom-tailored to your specific needs, and they get your smile back to a beautiful, full one. 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 will 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. If you get a dental bridge, your Glasgow Village, MO dentist will post caps on the teeth adjacent to the gap, referred to as abutment teeth. These crowns anchor the “bridge” that covers over the gap in your teeth. Dental bridges are made of 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 strong and stain-resistant.
• Metal — 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 require more strength for biting.
• Composite resin — Composite resin is also the color of natural teeth, and it’s cemented to the remaining teeth to support the bridge. 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 color. 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 Glasgow Village, MO

Even though dental bridges are a popular solution to dental problems such as tooth loss, no one solution works for every patient. Your Glasgow Village, MO dentist will recommend which type is best for you and your specific needs. There are four main categories 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 (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 gap.
• Cantilever dental bridges — These are similar to traditional bridges, but they only need 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. This is commonly used when the gap is in your front teeth.
• Implant-supported dental bridges — Instead of being supported by natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants, which are titanium screws that fuse with your jawbone after being surgically implanted. Implant-supported bridges are a good option when several teeth in a row are missing. This is a longer lasting solution for missing teeth but requires healthy gums and a strong jawbone to support the implants.

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 speak with with a knowledgeable Glasgow Village, MO dentist.

Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge in Glasgow Village, MO

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

• First appointment with the dentist — Your dentist will evaluate your dental health and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental bridges. They’ll also go over the four types of dental bridges and help you select the best option for your specific needs.
• Tooth Preparation — If you are getting a traditional or cantilever bridge, the two adjacent teeth will need to be prepped by removing some 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 made to create a model for the bridge and artificial cap. This model is sent to a dental laboratory, where the bridge is custom-made to fit your mouth.
• Temporary bridge — Your Glasgow Village, MO dentist may fit you with a temporary bridge to keep things in place while your unique bridge is being made. This will help protect your teeth and gums until your permanent bridge is ready.
• Fitting and adjustment of the bridge — In your next appointment your unique bridge will be fitted and adjusted to ensure a proper fit. The dentist will work 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 ensure that the bridge is functioning properly and your gums and teeth are healthy.

At Plaza Dental Center in Glasgow Village, 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 Glasgow Village, 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 Glasgow Village, MO

When dental bridges are installed by a professional and experienced Glasgow Village, 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 prevent your existing teeth from shifting out of position. When there’s a gap in your teeth, the remaining teeth can shift out of place, causing dental problems that can lead 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 just like your natural teeth, so they blend seamlessly into your smile.
• It’s easier to bite and talk — Dental bridges can help with any speech or eating problems you may have. When you have missing teeth, chewing can be challenging, which can lead to digestive problems. Dental bridges can restore your ability to chew and speak normally, allowing you to eat any food and communicate with others.
• Preventing further damage to your natural teeth — Dental bridges can help your teeth and gums remain strong by distributing the pressure evenly. When you have gaps between your teeth, the remaining teeth need to account for that when you chew and speak. This can result in broken teeth like cracks or even entire fractures. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly throughout your teeth and gums.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridges

With adequate oral hygiene, most dental bridges can last over a decade. However, insufficient oral hygiene could lead to a much shorter lifespan for your bridges. Caring for dental bridges is important to maintain their longevity and functionality. A lot of what you need to do is keep your natural teeth healthy and strong so they can keep supporting the bridge. Below is some general advice for taking care of your dental bridges in Glasgow Village, MO:

• Brush and floss every day — You should 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 — 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. Examples include chewy candies, hard nuts, and ice.
• Visit your dentist regularly — You should visit your dentist for regular dental examinations and cleanings and polishings twice a year. Your dentist will be able to check the condition of your dental bridges and make adjustments if they think it necessary.
• Consider a nightguard — If you grind or clench your teeth when you go to bed, 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.

Call Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Bridges in Glasgow Village, MO

Gaps in your teeth can affect how your mouth feels, looks, and functions. Fortunately, dental bridges provide an effective solution regardless of the current condition of your mouth. If you want to get your functional and beautiful smile back, Plaza Dental Center in Glasgow Village, MO is here to help. Call us today at (314)-361-1818 or make an appointment throughout for your dental bridges in Glasgow Village, MO.