Benefits of a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges do more than just fill gaps—they help maintain your oral health and facial structure while improving daily functions like eating and speaking.
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- Restores Your Smile – Missing teeth can affect your confidence and the way you smile. A dental bridge helps bring back a full, natural-looking smile.
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- Improves Chewing & Speaking – Gaps from missing teeth can make it difficult to chew properly and affect speech clarity. A bridge restores normal function so you can eat and talk comfortably.
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- Prevents Teeth From Shifting – When a tooth is missing, surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, causing bite misalignment and jaw pain. A bridge holds adjacent teeth in place, preventing movement.
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- Maintains Facial Structure – Missing teeth can cause jawbone loss over time, leading to a sunken facial appearance. A bridge helps support your natural face shape.
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- Long-Lasting & Durable – With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10-15 years or more, making it a cost-effective solution for missing teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
At Brookside Family Dentistry, we offer different types of bridges based on your oral health needs and aesthetic preferences.
1. Traditional Dental Bridge (Most Common)
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- Best for replacing one or more missing teeth
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- Uses two dental crowns on adjacent natural teeth for support
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- Made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of both
2. Cantilever Bridge
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- Used when there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the missing tooth
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- Less common but useful in specific cases where traditional bridges aren’t possible
3. Maryland Bonded Bridge (Resin-Bonded Bridge)
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- Uses metal or porcelain wings attached to the back of adjacent teeth
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- Ideal for replacing a single front tooth
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- Minimally invasive but less durable than traditional bridges
4. Implant-Supported Bridge
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- Anchored by dental implants instead of natural teeth
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- Extremely strong, stable, and long-lasting
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- Best for multiple missing teeth in a row
During your consultation, our team will help determine the best type of bridge based on your oral health, budget, and smile goals.
The Dental Bridge Process – What to Expect
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two to three visits to our office.
Step 1: Preparation & Impressions
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- The teeth adjacent to the gap (abutment teeth) are reshaped to make room for dental crowns.
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- A dental impression is taken to create a custom bridge that matches your natural teeth.
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- A temporary bridge is placed to protect the area while the final bridge is being crafted.
Step 2: Custom Bridge Fabrication (2-3 Weeks)
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- The impression is sent to a high-quality dental lab, where technicians create a durable, natural-looking bridge.
Step 3: Permanent Bridge Placement
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- The temporary bridge is removed, and the new custom bridge is carefully fitted.
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- The bridge is cemented securely into place, ensuring a comfortable bite and natural feel.
After the procedure, your new bridge will function just like your natural teeth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, a dental bridge can last over a decade. Follow these simple steps to keep your restoration in great shape:
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- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
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- Floss daily using a floss threader or water flosser to clean under the bridge
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- Avoid chewing on hard foods (ice, hard candy) to prevent damage
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- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings
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- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent decay in supporting teeth
Following these habits will help extend the life of your bridge and keep your smile healthy and strong.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation in O’Fallon, MO
If you’re missing teeth, a custom dental bridge can restore your smile, function, and confidence. At Brookside Family Dentistry, we offer high-quality, durable bridges tailored to your needs.
Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life—schedule your consultation today!
FAQs
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
When might I need a bridge instead of a partial denture?
A bridge is a good option if you are missing a small number of teeth in one area and want a fixed, non-removable solution that feels more like natural teeth.
How is a dental bridge placed?
The supporting teeth are reshaped and fitted with crowns, impressions are taken, and a custom bridge is made in a lab. At a later visit, the bridge is adjusted and cemented into place.
How do I clean around a dental bridge?
You brush normally and use floss threaders, special floss, or small brushes to clean under the artificial tooth and around the supporting crowns to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good home care and regular checkups, many bridges last 10 years or longer, although their lifespan can vary depending on your bite and oral habits.
