Dental Bridges

Chesterfield and St. Louis, Missouri

If you have gaps in your smile, the missing teeth may be causing more problems above and beyond the obvious affect on your smile appearance. At Chesterfield Valley Dental Group, we highly recommend filling in tooth gaps to avoid bite problems, strain on existing teeth, and speaking or chewing issues that often accompany tooth loss.

While dental bridges are a common treatment for this condition, Chesterfield cosmetic dentists Dr. Robert Goldman and Dr. Jeffrey Yenzer feel that dental bridges are not the most effective way to replace missing teeth.

About Dental Bridges

A dental bridge, or fixed bridge, is comprised of a false tooth bonded between two porcelain crowns that are placed on the teeth that sit on either side of the tooth gap. Fixed bridges are not removable.

Why Should I Avoid Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges use old, outdated technology. They run the risk of coming loose, since they are not anchored into the jaw bone, and the anchoring dental crowns can weaken neighboring teeth. Since the introduction of this procedure, impressive strides have been made with dental implants, the preferred tooth replacement option.

The technology involved in dental implant design and manufacturing has made implants the most solid, reliable solution for missing teeth. Dental implants offer patients a longer lasting, more durable, more functional, and more aesthetically pleasing outcome.

In our professional opinion, the only time you should consider a dental bridge is if you do not have the necessary bone structure to support a dental implant.

Are You a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement solution for most adults. Pre-existing conditions such as high-blood pressure or gum disease do not usually rule out this procedure as a solution.

Significant jaw bone loss due to disease or tooth loss may make you an unsuitable candidate for dental implants; however, bone grafting may help you compensate for this problem, enabling you to successfully undergo dental implant treatment.

If you do not qualify as a good dental implant candidate, then and only then should you consider dental bridges as a treatment option.

To learn more about our dental implant services, please contact our Chesterfield, Missouri cosmetic dentists for a complimentary initial consultation*. All new patients can also take advantage of our free tooth bleaching service, worth $400-500 in value.

 

(*If xrays are needed, then a fee may be charged)

Dental Crowns

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