Restoring Smiles with Dental Bridges in St. Charles, MO

Donahue Dental Offers Dental Bridges

Donahue Dental is a leader in providing dental bridges. We want you to be able to smile freely and enjoy the full functionality of your mouth. However, if you are missing one or more teeth, neither is possible. The shame and embarrassment of gaps where teeth should be can cause people to avoid social settings and have low self-esteem. But even more of a concern is the impact that missing teeth have on your health. Not only do missing teeth leave you more vulnerable to gum disease and other oral health concerns, but your jaw will begin to resorb and negatively impact your overall health. Do not put your physical or social health at risk. Call our friendly experts at Donahue Dental today to discuss tooth bridges and whether they are an option for you.

Understanding Dental Bridges and Their Purpose

Dental bridges span the gap between one or more missing teeth. They comprise two or more crowns for teeth on either side of the gap as well as a false tooth or teeth in between. The teeth on each side of the gap – on which crowns are placed – are called anchoring or abutment teeth, while the false teeth are called pontics and can be made from porcelain, alloys, gold, or a combination. Natural teeth or implants can support tooth bridges, and the team at Donahue Dental can help you devise a course of action to help restore your smile.

Why You May Need Dental Bridges

Having missing teeth is a more concerning problem than many realize. Of course, missing teeth can make it difficult to speak or chew, but the issue is much more severe than a mere inability to bite into an apple. Teeth are meant to work in concert with each other, so the absence of one or more can have far-reaching effects on one’s mouth. Nearby teeth may drift into the empty space and teeth from the opposite jaw may shift up or down. These shifts can affect your bite and facial structure, while also putting damaging stress on your teeth and jaw. Furthermore, if your teeth are not in their natural place, your mouth may be harder to clean and more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.

Benefits of Tooth Bridges

Dental bridges have benefits that span the aesthetic and functional spectrum. They are a long-term solution for your oral health that can pay dividends over time by helping you avoid expensive, uncomfortable dental care or procedures. Among the benefits of tooth bridges are:

• Smile restoration – The most apparent benefit of a dental bridge is smile restoration. You will be able to laugh with reckless abandon and grin from ear to ear for a family picture without any shame or embarrassment from missing teeth.
• Maintain facial structure – If you have missing teeth, the American Dental Association has shown your facial structure can change. As a result, your chin may point, your lips can flatten, and you may develop pouches near your lower jaw.
• Prevent drifting – A dental bridge will help keep your teeth in place so that they do not drift out of position. This will also prevent pain and suffering that can accompany shifts.
• Even bite distribution – You may begin to bite and chew improperly if you have missing teeth. Dental bridges can eliminate that concern.

Differences in Types of Dental Bridges

There are various types of dental bridges available through Donahue Dental. Our team can work with you to determine which is most suitable for your situation. Our dental bridge options include:

• Fixed bridge – We can use your existing natural teeth to help hold a fixed bridge in place. Over the course of several visits to our office, we will prepare the adjacent teeth by removing most of the enamel and make an impression of your teeth to use for the creation of your bridge. While you are waiting for the permanent tooth bridge, we will provide a temporary placeholder. Once your permanent solution is ready, we will fit it, adjust it, and cement it to the prepared teeth.
• Implant-supported bridge – As its name suggests, an implant-supported bridge includes titanium rods that are surgically inserted into your jaw to serve as its foundation. We can use this option for patients in good general health and who have enough jawbone mass to support it. Our team can create a bridge that resembles your natural teeth while not relying on their support.

Determining Whether You Are A Candidate for Dental Bridges

If you have a missing tooth or teeth, call our friendly dental staff at Donahue Dental to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your overall health as well as your oral health to determine a proper course of action. To decide whether you are eligible for an implant-supported bridge, we will take x-rays of your jaw to make sure there is enough bone mass for surgery. Regardless of the outcome, we will come up with a plan to restore your smile and maintain or improve your oral health.

Call Donahue Dental for Dental Bridge Information Today

Do not put your health in jeopardy by dismissing missing teeth as nothing more than a cosmetic issue. Ignoring the problem will eventually lead to gum and jawbone atrophy and decreased functionality. But Donahue Dental can provide dental bridges to improve your smile, strengthen your oral health, and allow you to chew and speak properly again. Reach out to our team to learn more about dental bridges or contact us today to request an appointment.