How Does a Dental Bridge Work?

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Our teeth and gums are vital to our health. That said, if you lose a tooth from decay or injury, it’s important to find a replacement solution as soon as possible. While there are various options on the market today, you can’t go wrong with a dental bridge.

Keep reading to learn more about dental bridges, including how they work.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth. It’s common to get a bridge after losing a tooth from injury or decay. Unlike dental implants, bridges don’t involve surgery. As the name implies, a dental bridge creates a “bridge” over the missing space in your mouth. These devices are usually supported by dental crowns, which are placed on the neighboring teeth of the empty space.

Want to get started with a dental bridge in St. Louis, MO? Smile Now STL has you covered! Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentist.

Types of Dental Bridges & How They Work

A standard dental bridge may not work for everyone. That said, patients can choose from a variety of options.

Take a look at the different types of dental bridges below:

Traditional Bridge

As we discussed, these bridges work with artificial teeth supported by dental crowns on both sides of the missing space.

Cantilever Dental Bridge

These work much like a standard bridge, but the appliance is supported by one crown instead of two.

Maryland Dental Bridge

This device uses metal wings for support rather than dental crowns. The wings are bonded to the backside of neighboring teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

These bridges work very similarly to the traditional type, but dental implants are used for support instead of natural teeth. The device is connected to dental implants on either side of the missing space.

If you’re ready to try a dental bridge for yourself, call Smile Now STL today! We’re proud to have the leading dentist in St. Louis, MO!

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridge

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While losing teeth when we’re kids is common, this can also happen into adulthood. However, it’s less of a normal occurrence and more of a reason for concern. If you lose a permanent tooth, this is usually caused by an injury or decay. When this issue happens, finding a high-quality tooth replacement is essential. A few common options include dental implants and a dental bridge.

In this post, we’ll discuss some key differences between these two restorative dentistry solutions.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants can take your appearance and oral health to new heights. These incredible devices take the place of missing teeth. Dental implants feature a metal post, an abutment, and a dental crown. After the post is surgically placed into your jawbone, the abutment and crown are placed on top. This implant-to-bone fusion is what makes the device incredibly strong and durable. Some people have their implants for over 30 years!

Want to get started with dental implants in St. Louis, MO? Contact Smile Now STL to learn more!

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is also a popular tooth replacement solution, but it’s less durable than dental implants. However, a bridge is still effective. These devices consist of an artificial tooth connected to dental crowns on either side of the missing space, making a “bridge.” In order to place the oral appliance, your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth on either side of the missing tooth.

Which Option Is Best?

While most patients prefer dental implants, they’re more costly. However, they’re also more durable, so the extra money may be worth it. We recommend talking with your dentist to find the right option for your needs and budget.

If you’re ready to boost your dental health, call Smile Now STL to work with the leading dentist in St. Louis, MO!

Benefits of Dental Bridges to Restore Your Smile

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Missing teeth can create problems of many kinds. A missing tooth can impact how you talk, chew food, smile, and interact with people. While there are different ways to address a problem, like a missing tooth, many people turn to dental bridges. Your dentist in St. Louis, MO, can discuss the many benefits of dental bridges to help you decide if this is the right type of prosthetic tooth for your mouth.

What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth held in place with dental crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. This is where a dental bridge gets its name: it bridges the gap between two existing teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges have many benefits.

Make your smile whole again. Some people feel self-conscious when they see a gap in their smile. A dental bridge can fill that gap.
Prevent other teeth from shifting. Your teeth are held in place by the presence of other teeth in the mouth. When a tooth is missing, the remaining teeth may shift slightly, causing problems with how your jaw fits together when closed.
Restore the ability to talk and chew properly. Your teeth play a critical role in talking and chewing. When you’re missing a tooth, you may develop a lisp or have difficulty chewing food. The dental bridge makes these everyday tasks easier.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Bridges?
You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge in St. Louis, MO if you have two healthy teeth on either side of a gap. If you want a dental bridge, call Smile Now STL to make an appointment.