Velda Village, MO

Dental Bridges in Velda Village, MO

Dental bridges in Velda Village, MO. When your smile is in need of a makeover, dental bridges could be your answer. Dental bridges are a type of cosmetic dentistry where prosthetic tooth covers are placed over a gap in your tooth. They provide form and security to your teeth and gumline if you’ve suffered the loss of a tooth. Dental bridges are custom-tailored to your specific needs, and they return your smile back to those pearly whites. Consider a consultation with Plaza Dental Center to learn if dental bridges are an appropriate solution for your needs. Speak to a team member 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 can shift to fill in the gap. This can cause other complications for your gum health and teeth. A good way to remedy this is to have dental bridges inserted over your existing teeth. If you get a dental bridge, your Velda Village, MO dentist will place caps on the teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. These crowns act as the anchor for 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 sturdy and stain-resistant.
• Metal — Metal dental bridges are made from alloys that are strong and durable. They are often used for back teeth that require more strength for chewing.
• 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 as they aren’t needed for chewing.
• Zirconia — Zirconia is a more modern substance used for dental bridges, and it’s durable and has a natural tint. It’s known for not irritating the mouth.
• Gold — These dental bridges are resistant to wear and erosion. Gold dental bridges also have antibacterial properties.

Types of Dental Bridges in Velda Village, MO

Even though dental bridges are a frequently-requested solution to dental problems such as tooth loss, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your Velda Village, MO dentist will recommend what type you need. There are four chief types of dental bridges:

• Traditional dental bridges — This type of bridge involves making a cap for the abutment teeth, with a pontic (a false 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 missing tooth.
• 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 you are trying to replace one of your front teeth.
• Implant-supported dental bridges — Instead of 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 you have numerous missing teeth next to each other. These can lost longer than other types of bridges but requires healthy gums and sufficient bone density to support the implants.

The type of dental bridge best for you will be based on the overall health of your mouth and where the gap is located. If you think dental bridges may be right for you, request an appointment through our website to ask with an experienced Velda Village, MO dentist.

Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge in Velda Village, MO

Getting dental bridges in Velda Village, MO is an easy process, however it does take place in several steps. The following is the usual procedure in Velda Village, MO:

• Initial consultation at the dentist’s office — Your dentist carry out an examination of your mouth and determine if a dental bridge could be good for you. They’ll also go over the different types of dental bridges and which might be best for you.
• Teeth Preparation — If you are getting a traditional or cantilever bridge, the two adjacent teeth will need to be prepped by removing part 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.
• Tooth impression — An impression of the teeth will be taken to create a model for the bridge and pontic. 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 Velda Village, MO dentist may fit you with a temporary bridge while your custom bridge is being created in a dental laboratory. This will help safeguard your mouth until you’re waiting for your permanent bridge.
• 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 you and your mouth feel comfortable.
• 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 problems.

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

Benefits of Dental Bridges in Velda Village, MO

Dental bridges implanted by a knowledgeable Velda Village, MO can return the structure and function of your teeth like you never thought possible. There are several benefits to this:

• Improved oral health — Dental bridges can help prevent your natural teeth from shifting out of position. When you have missing teeth, the remaining teeth can move from their natural positions, causing problems with your bite and leading 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 look exactly like your natural teeth, so no one will be able to spot the difference.
• Better ability to chew and speak — Dental bridges can help with any speech or eating problems you may have. When in there are gaps in your teeth, chewing can be challenging, which can lead to digestive problems. Dental bridges can help you regain natural ways of chewing and speaking, making it easier to enjoy your favorite foods and communicate with others.
• Preventing further damage to your other teeth — Dental bridges can help prevent further damage to your remaining teeth by distributing the pressure evenly. When you have missing teeth, your existing teeth take on more of the pressure when you chew and speak. This can lead to broken teeth like cracks and other damage. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly around your teeth.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridges

With proper oral hygiene, most dental bridges won’t need to be replaced 10 years or more. However, insufficient oral hygiene may lead to a much shorter lifespan for your bridges. Caring for dental bridges is essential 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 are some tips for making sure your bridges in Velda Village, MO last as long as possible:

• 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 get the spots 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 — Try to avoid eating sticky or hard foods that can damage your dental bridges. Some foods to avoid are 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 make sure your dental bridges still fit and perform optimally and make any necessary adjustments.
• Consider a nightguard — If you suffer from tooth grinding at night, 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 Velda Village, MO

Gaps in your teeth can affect how your mouth feels, looks, and functions. Fortunately, dental bridges provide an effective solution to replace one or more missing teeth. If you want to get your functional and pearly white smile back, Plaza Dental Center in Velda Village, 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 Velda Village, MO.