Dental Bridges

Types of Dental Bridges

At Dental Partners of Creve Coeur, we offer several types of dental bridges to suit your specific needs and preferences:

• • Traditional Bridges: Traditional bridges are the most common type and consist of one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns on the abutment teeth. These bridges are suitable for patients with healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

• • Cantilever Bridges: Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one adjacent tooth next to the gap. This type of bridge is anchored by a single crown on the abutment tooth.

• • Maryland Bridges: Also known as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework with wings on each side that are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. This type of bridge requires minimal alteration to the surrounding teeth.

• • Implant-Supported Bridges: Implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth. This type of bridge is ideal for patients who do not have healthy teeth to support a traditional bridge or who are missing multiple teeth in a row.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer numerous benefits, making them an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth:

• • Restored Function: Bridges restore the normal function of your teeth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.

• • Improved Aesthetics: Custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, bridges provide a natural-looking restoration that enhances your smile.

• • Preventing Tooth Movement: By filling the gap left by missing teeth, bridges help prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, maintaining the proper alignment of your bite.

• • Long-Lasting Solution: With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges can provide a durable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

The Dental Bridge Process

The process of getting a dental bridge at Dental Partners of Creve Coeur involves several steps to ensure a precise fit and optimal results:

1. 1. Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, Dr. Singh will evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for you. We will take digital X-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a detailed treatment plan.
   2. Tooth Preparation: For traditional and cantilever bridges, the abutment teeth on either side of the gap will be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns. If you are receiving an implant-supported bridge, dental implants will be surgically placed in the jawbone.
   3. Impressions: After preparing the abutment teeth or placing the implants, we will take precise impressions of your teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom bridge will be fabricated to match the exact color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
   4. Temporary Bridge: While your custom bridge is being made, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain the appearance of your smile.
   5. Bridge Placement: Once your custom bridge is ready, you will return to our office for the final placement. Dr. Singh will remove the temporary bridge, check the fit and color of the permanent bridge, and make any necessary adjustments. The bridge is then securely bonded to the abutment teeth or attached to the dental implants.
   6. Final Adjustments: After the bridge is placed, Dr. Singh will make any final adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite and natural appearance. You will leave our office with a fully restored, beautiful smile.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dental bridge. Here are some tips for caring for your bridge:

• • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Pay special attention to the area around the bridge to prevent plaque buildup.

• • Use a Floss Threader: A floss threader can help you clean under the pontics and around the abutment teeth, ensuring that the area around your bridge remains free of plaque and food particles.

• • Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Be cautious when eating hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge your bridge. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, and other hard objects.

• • Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit Dental Partners of Creve Coeur regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Dr. Singh will monitor the condition of your bridge and address any issues promptly.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?

Dental bridges are an excellent solution for many patients with missing teeth. During your consultation, Dr. Singh will assess your specific dental needs and discuss the benefits and potential challenges of getting a bridge. Ideal candidates for dental bridges typically have:

• • One or more missing teeth

• • Healthy teeth or implants on either side of the gap

• • Good oral hygiene practices

• • A desire to restore the function and appearance of their smile

Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation

If you’re ready to restore your smile and improve your oral health with a dental bridge, contact Dental Partners of Creve Coeur to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sartaj Singh. Our team is here to provide you with the highest quality care and ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful. Discover the benefits of dental bridges and take the first step towards a complete, confident smile today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

What is a dental bridge and how does it work?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by literally bridging the gap between existing teeth. It consists of a false tooth, called a pontic, held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap. The result is a stable, non-removable replacement that restores your ability to chew and speak normally and prevents the surrounding teeth from drifting into the empty space.

What types of dental bridges are available?

There are four main types. Traditional bridges are the most common and use crowns on both neighboring teeth to support the pontic. Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one healthy tooth adjacent to the gap, with the crown anchored on that single tooth. Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth, requiring minimal alteration to those teeth. Implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, making them an excellent option when the neighboring teeth aren’t suitable for crowns or when multiple teeth in a row are missing. Dr. Singh will recommend the right type based on the location of the gap and the condition of your surrounding teeth.

How is a bridge different from a dental implant?

A bridge replaces a missing tooth by relying on the neighboring teeth for support, which requires those teeth to be crowned and slightly reshaped to accommodate the restoration. A dental implant replaces both the root and the crown of the missing tooth independently, without involving the neighboring teeth at all. Implants are generally considered the gold standard for replacing individual missing teeth because they preserve the jawbone and don’t affect adjacent teeth, but bridges are a reliable and often faster alternative, particularly when the neighboring teeth already need crowns or when implants aren’t the right fit for a patient’s situation.

How long does it take to get a dental bridge?

Like a crown, a bridge typically requires two appointments. At the first visit, Dr. Singh prepares the abutment teeth by reshaping them to accommodate the supporting crowns, takes impressions, and places a temporary bridge. When the permanent bridge returns from the dental lab, usually within two weeks, you come back for the final fitting and bonding. Dr. Singh checks the fit, color, and bite before cementing it permanently into place.

Is getting a dental bridge painful?

The procedure is done under local anesthesia so you won’t feel pain during tooth preparation. Dr. Singh is well known for his near-painless injection technique, which takes much of the apprehension out of that part of the process. Some sensitivity around the prepared teeth and gum tissue is normal in the days following the first appointment, but it typically resolves on its own before your second visit.

How do I clean under a dental bridge?

Flossing under a bridge requires a slightly different technique than regular flossing because the pontic sits directly against the gum rather than having a natural space to floss through. Dr. Singh will show you how to use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean underneath the pontic and around the base of the crowns. Keeping this area clean is important because plaque buildup under the bridge can lead to decay on the supporting teeth and gum problems beneath the pontic.

How long does a dental bridge last?

With proper care, a well-made bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and often longer. The longevity depends on the materials used, the health of the supporting teeth, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth. Dr. Singh monitors the condition of your bridge at every routine visit and will let you know if the supporting teeth or the bridge itself show any signs of wear or concern before a problem develops.

Is a dental bridge covered by dental insurance?

Yes, dental bridges are typically covered at least partially by most dental insurance plans as a restorative procedure. Coverage is usually around 50% after your deductible, though specifics vary by plan. Some plans have waiting periods for major restorative work, so it’s worth checking your benefits before scheduling. Call our office at (314) 432-0960 and our team will verify your coverage and walk you through your out-of-pocket costs before your consultation.