Spanish Lake, MO

Dental Bridges in Spanish Lake, MO

Dental bridges in Spanish Lake, MO. When your smile is in need of improvement, dental bridges may be an option you should consider. Dental bridges are a form of 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 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. Call Plaza today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us online. Be proud of your smile again.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

No matter why you have a gap in your teeth, your other teeth can shift 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 remedy this is to have dental bridges that literally bridge the gap between your existing teeth. If you get a dental bridge, your Spanish Lake, MO dentist will place 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 can be made from several different materials:

• Porcelain — Porcelain is a popular material used for dental bridges because it can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, making it look natural. Porcelain is also resistant to stains and is durable.
• 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 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’s weaker than other materials but can be used for front teeth as they aren’t needed for chewing.
• 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 are resistant to wear and erosion. Gold dental bridges also have antibacterial properties.

Types of Dental Bridges in Spanish Lake, MO

Even though dental bridges are a popular answer to many dental problems, different mouths require different approaches. Your Spanish Lake, MO dentist will recommend which type is best for you and your specific needs. There are four chief categories of dental bridges:

• Traditional dental bridges — This type of bridge involves making a cap 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 there are natural 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 — These involving placing wings on each side of the back of the artificial tooth and bonding them to the adjacent teeth. These are particularly useful when you are missing one of your front teeth.
• Implant-supported dental bridges — Instead of using natural teeth as anchors, these bridges are supported by dental implants, which are surgically implanted titanium posts. Implant-supported bridges are a good option when you have numerous missing teeth next to each other. This is a longer lasting solution for missing teeth but requires healthy gums and adequate bone density to support the implants.

Which type of dental bridge you require will depend on your overall dental health and where which specific tooth or teeth are missing. If you think dental bridges may be right for you, request an appointment through our website to speak with with a knowledgeable Spanish Lake, MO dentist.

Steps for Getting Dental Bridges in Spanish Lake, MO

Getting a dental bridge generally involves several steps and may require multiple visits to your Spanish Lake, MO dentist. Here is the usual procedure in Spanish Lake, MO:

• Initial appointment with the dentist — Your dentist will evaluate your dental health and ascertain if a dental bridge is the best option for you. They’ll also go over the four types of dental bridges and which might be best for you.
• Preparation of the teeth for the bridge — If your dentist recommended a traditional or cantilever bridge, the tooth or teeth to the side of the gap will need to be prepared by drilling off some 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.
• 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 a bridge will be custom-made for your unique teeth.
• Temporary bridge — At the same appointment your Spanish Lake, MO dentist may fit you with 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 — When you’re permanent bridge arrives, it will be fitted and adjusted to ensure a proper fit. 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 there are no unforeseen issues.

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

Benefits of Dental Bridges in Spanish Lake, MO

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

• Improved oral health — Dental bridges can help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position. When you have missing teeth, the remaining teeth can shift out of place, causing problems with your bite and leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Better appearance — Dental bridges can give you a smile makeover that can bring back your confidence. They are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, so no one will be able to notice the difference.
• Improved ability to bite and talk — Dental bridges can improve your ability to chew and speak properly. When you have missing teeth, it can be difficult to chew your food properly, leading to digestive issues. Dental bridges can help you regain your ability to chew and speak normally, allowing you to eat any food 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 missing teeth, your natural teeth need to account for that when you chew and speak. This can lead to broken teeth like cracks or even entire fractures. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly around your teeth.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridges

With adequate oral hygiene, most dental bridges can last 10 years or more. However, not taking care of them properly may lead you to need a replacement after just a few short years. Caring for dental bridges is important to maintain their longevity and functionality. Much of the care needed is keeping your natural teeth healthy and strong so they are durable enough to anchor the bridge. Here is some general advice for making sure your bridges in Spanish Lake, MO last as long as possible:

• Brush and floss every day — Every dentist will recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily. 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 damage your dental bridges. This includes chewy candies, hard nuts, and ice.
• Visit your dentist regularly — 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 adjustments as they see fit.
• Consider a nightguard — If you suffer from tooth grinding when you sleep, you may need a nightguard to protect your dental bridges and natural teeth from damage.

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

Trust in Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Bridges in Spanish Lake, MO

Missing teeth can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and can even affect a person’s ability to eat and speak properly. Fortunately, dental bridges are a proven solution regardless of the current condition of your dental health. If you want to get your functional and pearly white smile back, Plaza Dental Center in Spanish Lake, MO is standing by. Call us today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us through our website for your dental bridges in Spanish Lake, MO.