St. Louis County, MO

Dental Bridges in St. Louis County, MO

Dental bridges in St. Louis County, MO. When gaps in your teeth are affecting your confidence and how speak and chew, dental bridges could be your answer. Dental bridges are a type of cosmetic dentistry where prosthetic crowns are placed over a gap in your tooth. They help you regain function and appearance if you’ve experienced tooth loss or other dental problems. Dental bridges must be custom-fitted, and they get your smile back to those pearly whites. Plaza Dental Center can help you decide if dental bridges are an appropriate solution for your needs. 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 lead to other issues with your teeth and gums. 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 St. Louis County, MO dentist will cement crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. These crowns anchor the “bridge” that fills in the gap. Dental bridges are made of several different materials:

• Porcelain — Porcelain is a popular material used for dental bridges as it it can be painted to match the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain is also resistant to stains and is durable.
• Alloy — Metal dental bridges are known for their strength and durability. They are often used for molars or teeth near the back of your mouth as they need to be more durable for eating.
• Composite resin — Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is cemented 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 has just started being used for dental bridges, and it’s strong and has a natural look. It’s known for not irritating the mouth.
• 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 St. Louis County, MO

While dental bridges are a common solution to dental problems such as tooth loss, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your St. Louis County, MO dentist will be able to tell you which type is best for you. There are four main categories of dental bridges:

• Traditional dental bridges — Also called 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. There are the most popular, and are often used when the patient still has teeth on both sides 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 — This type of bridge uses a metal or porcelain wings that are attached to the back of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. These are particularly useful when you are trying to replace one of your front teeth.
• Implant-supported dental bridges — Rather than using natural teeth as anchors, these bridges are anchored by dental implants, which are surgically implanted titanium posts. Implant-supported bridges are common when you have more than one 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.

The type of dental bridge best for you will depend on the overall health of your mouth and where the gap is located. If you think dental bridges may be right for you, make an appointment online to ask with a professional St. Louis County, MO dentist.

Steps for Getting Dental Bridges in St. Louis County, MO

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

• Initial appointment with the dentist — Your dentist carry out an examination of your teeth and gums and determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you. They’ll also go over the various types of dental bridges and which you might be suitable for.
• Tooth Preparation — If your dentist recommended a traditional or cantilever bridge, the abutment tooth or teeth will need to be prepared by removing some of the enamel and dentin. This allows for space for the caps to comfortable fit over.
• Tooth impression — An impression of the teeth will be taken to create a model for the bridge and pontic. Your dentist will then send that impression to a dental laboratory, where the bridge is custom-made to fit your mouth.
• Temporary bridge — At the same appointment your St. Louis County, MO dentist may place a temporary bridge while your custom bridge is being created in a dental laboratory. This will help safeguard your mouth 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 — Once your unique dental bridge is implanted, you will need to return to your dentist for follow-up appointments to make sure that there are no unanticipated issues.

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

Benefits of Dental Bridges in St. Louis County, MO

Dental bridges implanted by a knowledgeable St. Louis County, MO can do wonders for your mouth. There are several benefits to this:

• Better oral health — Dental bridges can help maintain the natural shape of your face and jawbone. If you’re missing a tooth, 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 can give you a smile makeover that can restore your smile and help boost your confidence. They are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, so they blend seamlessly into your smile.
• Better ability to bite 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 help you regain your ability to chew and speak normally, 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 your teeth and gums remain strong by distributing the pressure evenly. When you have gaps between your teeth, your natural teeth take on more of the pressure when you chew and speak. This can result in broken teeth like chips or even entire fractures. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly around your teeth.

How to Care for Your Dental Bridges

With proper oral hygiene, most dental bridges won’t need to be replaced over a decade. However, insufficient oral hygiene could lead you to need a replacement after just a few short years. Keeping good care of your dental bridges is important to you get to keep your brand new smile. A lot of what you need to do is keep your natural teeth and gums healthy and strong so they are durable enough to anchor the bridge. The following are some tips for taking care of your dental bridges in St. Louis County, MO:

• Brush and floss consistently — Every dentist will recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. 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 — Fluoride mouthwash is the most successful at preventing tooth decay.
• Avoid sticky and hard foods — It’s best to avoid eating sticky or hard foods that can damage your dental bridges. This includes 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 be able to check the condition of your dental bridges and make adjustments as they see fit.
• Consider a nightguard — If you experience 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.

Call Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Bridges in St. Louis County, 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. Louis County, MO is here to help. Speak to a team member today at (314)-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your dental bridges in St. Louis County, MO.