Dental Bridges – Springfield, MO
Fill the Spaces in Your Smile
Are you embarrassed by a missing tooth or two? You’re not alone. Despite various innovations in dentistry, at least 120 million adults have lost one or more teeth. Thankfully, you don’t need to live with the complications of an incomplete smile. We have the solutions you need to revamp your oral health and self-esteem. We can rebuild a beautiful, functional smile with dental bridges.
Why Choose Galleria Dental of Springfield for Dental Bridges?
- Durable, high-quality materials
- Personalized treatment plans
- Advanced technologies and treatments
What is a Dental Bridge?
Every tooth is essential for a healthy smile. Losing even a single tooth can create serious consequences for your oral health, like an increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. Not to mention, your quality of life and wellness can decline because chewing certain foods can be difficult, leading to nutritional deficiencies. It’s also not uncommon to develop insecurities about your appearance.
A dental bridge is the most traditional method to treat one or more consecutive missing teeth. We use an impression of your mouth to recreate the portions of your lost teeth above the gum line. They are made of all-ceramic material to look natural, so they’ll blend in with your real teeth. Your bridge will be held in place using either crowns or implants.
Types of Dental Bridges
Your dentist will perform a thorough consultation to assess your smile and discuss your concerns. After learning more about your needs and preferences, Dr. Tolliver will design a personalized strategy to rehabilitate your smile using either:
Traditional Dental Bridge
A fixed bridge can replace one or more teeth in a row. It is held in place by reshaping the adjacent teeth to bond dental crowns over them. This is an affordable and convenient solution that will last for about 10 years before needing to be replaced.
Implant Bridge
As an alternative to dental crowns, Dr. Tolliver can anchor your bridge to your jawbone using 1-2 titanium implants. The posts serve as roots, allowing you to enjoy a nearly perfect replica of your natural smile. You won’t need to alter healthy teeth while benefiting from a solution that’s proven to last for decades with the proper care, like maintaining your oral hygiene.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Missing teeth are more than just an aesthetic concern. Without the proper treatment, your oral health can quickly deteriorate. A dental bridge is a tried-and-proven method to replace lost teeth. You’ll enjoy several benefits, including:
- Improved confidence by filling the gaps in your smile.
- Provide remaining natural teeth with support to prevent dental drift.
- Prevent issues associated with tooth loss to lower overall dental expenses.
- Maintain a balanced diet to promote your overall wellness.
- Easy maintenance and care.
- Durable, cost-effective solution.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t spend another day feeling less than your best. We can turn back the clock to recreate your stunning smile. Whether you’re interested in a traditional bridge or an implant-supported solution, we can help. Contact our dental office today to learn more about your options.
Dental Bridges Frequently Asked Questions
If you are missing a tooth or two, a dental bridge may be the perfect option for restoring the appearance and function of your smile. However, you may still have some unanswered questions about the restoration, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental bridges. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to tell you more about the process and get you started with an initial consultation.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Before preparing your teeth to support a bridge, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel a thing. After the preparation and placement of the dental bridge, the underlying teeth will likely feel sensitive for the next few days. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If discomfort worsens, give us a call so we can help. Because bridges keep your remaining teeth from drifting out of place, they can prevent discomfort later on.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Depending on the patient’s needs, dental bridges can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row. However, bridges are usually used to replace only one or two teeth. This is because the longer the bridge extends, the less stable it becomes. This is especially the case if the natural teeth supporting the bridge aren’t strong and healthy. Implant bridges can lower this risk since implants are just as strong and secure as natural teeth.
Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?
Within a few days of receiving your permanent bridge, it should begin to feel more and more natural. Bridges are made from durable materials that can stand up to everyday chewing forces just as easily as tooth enamel, so eating with a bridge shouldn’t feel strange. Each bridge is customized based on impressions taken of the teeth, so it shouldn’t feel awkward or even noticeable.
Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?
It is impossible for a bridge itself to get cavities, but the natural teeth beneath it still can. Food debris can become trapped underneath the pontics or in the space where the crowns meet the gums, therefore attractive harmful bacteria that may result in cavities or even gum infections. This is much more likely to occur if you have poor oral hygiene. It’s essential that you clean under and around your bridge every day!