St. John, MO

Dental Bridges in St. John, MO

Dental bridges in St. John, MO. When your smile is in need of improvement, 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 help you regain function and appearance if you’ve experienced the loss of a tooth. Dental bridges must be custom-fitted, and they return your smile and jaw health back to their natural state. Consider an appointment with Plaza Dental Center to see if dental bridges are right for you. Speak to a team member today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us online. Be 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 can move to fill in the gap. This can lead to other issues with your teeth and gums. A good way 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 St. John, MO dentist will cement caps on the teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth. These crowns anchor the “bridge” that fills in the gap. Dental bridges can be made from several 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.
• Metal — 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 need more strength for eating.
• Composite resin — Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is cemented to the existing teeth to offer more support. It’s weaker than other materials but can be used for front teeth where aesthetics matters more than function.
• Zirconia — Zirconia is a more modern material used for dental bridges, and it’s durable and has a natural color. 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 St. John, MO

While dental bridges are a common answer to dental problems such as tooth loss, no one solution works for everyone. Your St. John, MO dentist will be able to tell you which type is best for you. There are four chief categories of dental bridges:

• Traditional dental bridges — This type of bridge involves creating a crown for the abutment teeth, with a pontic (a false tooth) in between. There are the most popular, and are often used 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 — A Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back of the abutment teeth. These are particularly useful when you are missing one of your front teeth.
• Implant-supported dental bridges — Instead of being supported by natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants, which are surgically implanted titanium posts. Implant-supported bridges are common when several teeth in a row are missing. This is a more permanent solution for missing teeth but requires healthy gums and adequate bone density to support the implants.

The type of dental bridge best for you will be based on your overall dental health and where which specific tooth or teeth are missing. If you’d like to discuss what type may be best for you, make an appointment online to ask with a knowledgeable St. John, MO dentist.

Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge in St. John, MO

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

• Initial appointment at the dentist’s office — Your dentist will evaluate your dental health and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental bridges. They will also discuss the four types of dental bridges and which you might be suitable for.
• Tooth Preparation — If you are getting a traditional or cantilever bridge, the abutment tooth or teeth will need to be prepared by shaving off part of the enamel and dentin. This allows for space for the caps to comfortable fit over.
• Impression of the teeth — Your dentist will then make an impression of your tooth. This model is sent to a dental laboratory, where a bridge will be custom-made for your unique mouth.
• Temporary bridge — At the same appointment your St. John, MO dentist may place a temporary bridge to keep things in place while you wait for your unique bridge. 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 ensure that there are no unforeseen problems.

At Plaza Dental Center in St. John, 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 St. John, 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 St. John, MO

Dental bridges implanted by an experienced St. John, MO can return the structure and function of your teeth like you never thought possible. Dental bridges offer a lot of benefits:

• Improved oral health — Dental bridges can help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position. If you’re missing a tooth, the remaining teeth can shift out of place, causing dental problems that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Better appearance — Dental bridges can give you a smile makeover that can bring back your self-esteem. They look exactly like your natural teeth, so no one will be able to notice the difference.
• Improved ability to chew and talk — Dental bridges can help with any speech or eating issues you may have. When you have missing teeth, chewing can be challenging, which can lead to digestive problems. Dental bridges can help you regain 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 your mouth remain strong 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 throughout your mouth.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridges

With proper oral hygiene, most dental bridges won’t need to be replaced over a decade. However, insufficient oral hygiene may lead you to need a replacement after just a few short years. 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. Below are some tips for making sure your bridges in St. John, MO last as long as possible:

• Brush and floss consistently — 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 — Try to avoid eating sticky or hard foods that can damage your dental bridges. Examples include chewy candies, hard nuts, and ice.
• Don’t forget your biannual dental appointments — As with anyone else, 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 adjustments if they think it necessary.
• 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 longevity and functionality of your dental bridges.

Trust in Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Bridges in St. John, MO

Gaps in your teeth can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and can even affect a person’s ability to eat and speak properly. Fortunately, dental bridges provide an effective solution to replace one or more missing teeth. If you want to get your functional and beautiful smile back, Plaza Dental Center in St. John, MO is here to help. Speak to a team member today at (314)-361-1818 or schedule an appointment throughout for your dental bridges in St. John, MO.