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St. Louis, MO

Dental Bridges in St. Louis, MO

Dental bridges in St. Louis, 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 a crown, anchored by teeth on either side of the gap, is placed over the gap. They help you regain function and appearance after the loss of a tooth. Dental bridges are custom-tailored to your specific needs, and they get your smile back to a beautiful, full one. Consider a consultation with Plaza Dental Center to learn if dental bridges are an appropriate solution for your needs. 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 existing teeth will 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 natural teeth. When you go for a dental bridge, your St. Louis, MO dentist will cement caps on the teeth adjacent to the gap, called abutment teeth. These crowns act as the anchor for the “bridge” that fills in the gap. Dental bridges are made of 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 look natural. 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 stronger for eating.
  • Composite resin — Composite resin is also the color of natural teeth, and it’s cemented to the abutment teeth to support the bridge. It is not as strong as other materials but can be used for front teeth where aesthetics are important.
  • Zirconia — Zirconia has just started being used for dental bridges, and it’s strong and has a natural color. It is often used for both front and back teeth.
  • Gold — These dental bridges do not erode as much as other bridges. Gold dental bridges also have antibacterial properties.

Types of Dental Bridges in St. Louis, MO

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

  • Traditional dental bridges — This type of bridge involves making a crown for the abutment teeth, 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 both sides of the gap.
  • Cantilever dental bridges — These are similar to traditional bridges, with the exception that the bridge is connected to 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 being connected to natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants, which are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported bridges are a good option when several teeth in a row are missing. These can lost longer than other kinds of bridges 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, request an appointment through our website to ask with a professional St. Louis, MO dentist.

Dental Bridges St. Louis, MO | Restorative Dentistry Near St. Louis

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

Getting dental bridges in St. Louis, MO is an easy process, however it does take place in several steps. Here is the usual procedure in St. Louis, MO:

  • Initial consultation at the dentist’s office — Your dentist carry out an examination of your teeth and gums and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental bridges. They’ll also go over the four 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 prepped by removing some 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.
  • Tooth impression — Your dentist will then make an impression of your tooth. Your dentist will then send that model to a dental laboratory, where a bridge will be custom-manufactured for your unique mouth.
  • Temporary bridge — Your St. Louis, MO dentist may place a temporary bridge while your custom bridge is being created in a dental laboratory. This will help protect your teeth and gums until your permanent bridge is ready.
  • Fitting and adjustment of the bridge — In your next appointment the permanent bridge will be implanted by your dentist, and adjusted as needed. The dentist will work to ensure that the bridge fits nicely into your teeth and gums.
  • 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 ensure that the bridge is functioning properly and your gums and teeth are healthy.

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

When dental bridges are installed by a professional and experienced St. Louis, MO dentist, the natural form and function of your teeth will return. There are several benefits to this:

  • Better 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 move from their natural positions, 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 restore your smile and help boost your confidence. They look exactly like your natural teeth, so no one will be able to notice the difference.
  • It’s easier to eat and speak — 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 issues. Dental bridges can restore 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 remaining teeth — Dental bridges can help your mouth remain strong by distributing the pressure evenly. When you have missing teeth, the remaining teeth need to account for that when you chew and speak. This can cause broken teeth like chips or even entire fractures. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly throughout your teeth and gums.

Caring for Your Dental Bridges

With good oral hygiene, most dental bridges won’t need to be replaced 10 years or more. However, insufficient oral hygiene 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 existing teeth healthy and strong so they can keep supporting the bridge. Below is some general advice for taking care of your dental bridges in St. Louis, MO:

  • Brush and floss consistently — You should brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a 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 — Use 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 can 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 every six months. Your dentist will make sure your dental bridges still fit and function as need and make any necessary adjustments.
  • 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 lovely smiled you’ve regained isn’t going anywhere.

Dental Bridges in St. Louis, MO | Cosmetic Dentistry Near St. Louis

Trust in Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Bridges in St. Louis, 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 to replace one or more missing teeth. If you want to get your functional and pearly white smile back, Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis, MO is here to help. Call us today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us online for your dental bridges in St. Louis, MO.