Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a highly effective solution for filling the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. Not only does a gap in your smile affect your appearance, but it can also lead to shifting teeth, changes in your bite, and potential discomfort. At the practice of R. Todd Scanlon, DMD, our experienced dentist in Webster Groves, MO offers custom dental bridges to restore function and aesthetics, ensuring your smile remains healthy and complete.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, that is anchored in place by the surrounding teeth. This helps prevent teeth from shifting, which can lead to bite problems and misalignment. The two adjacent teeth serve as anchors, typically fitted with porcelain crowns to support the bridge. The pontic is fused between these crowns, providing a stable and long-lasting solution to missing teeth. For patients missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge offers a functional and natural-looking way to restore their smile. Our dentist in Webster Groves, MO, Dr. Scanlon can help you decide if a bridge is the right option for your needs.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three common types of dental bridges, and our staff will recommend the most suitable option based on the location of the missing tooth and your overall dental health:
1. Traditional Fixed Bridge: This is the most common type, using porcelain crowns placed over the adjacent teeth as anchors for the false tooth. The pontic is typically made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics, ensuring a natural look and strong support.
2. Cantilever Bridge: If there are teeth on only one side of the gap, a cantilever bridge may be used. This type is ideal for areas of the mouth that don’t experience heavy chewing forces, such as the front teeth.
3. Resin-Bonded Bridge: This type is often used for front teeth. Metal bands are bonded to the adjacent teeth with resin, holding a plastic false tooth in place. It’s a less invasive option that works well in areas of the mouth that don’t endure heavy stress.
How Is a Dental Bridge Placed?
Placing a dental bridge typically requires two visits to our dentist in Webster Groves, MO. During your first visit, several steps are completed. First, the surrounding teeth are prepared by filing them down to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge. Next, an impression is taken of your teeth, which is sent to a dental lab to custom-create your permanent bridge. Before you leave, a temporary bridge is placed to protect your teeth until the final restoration is ready.
At your second visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and your custom bridge is fitted and adjusted. In some cases, additional visits may be necessary to ensure a perfect fit. Once the bridge is properly fitted, it will be permanently cemented in place, restoring both the function and appearance of your smile.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge not only fills the gap left by a missing tooth but also helps maintain your oral health. By preventing adjacent teeth from shifting, a bridge preserves the alignment of your bite and helps avoid further dental issues. Our dentist in Webster Groves, MO is committed to providing you with a durable, natural-looking restoration that will help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
Schedule a consultation today by calling (314) 962-2747 to learn more about how a dental bridge can improve your oral health and restore your confidence!
