Dental Bridges in Des Moines, IA
Dentistry Built on Relationships, Honesty, and Trust
Des Moines Iowa's Choice in Dental Bridges
How Can a Dental Bridge Help?
Having one or more missing teeth is not just an aesthetic issue—it is also one of ongoing health. Patients with missing teeth risk teeth migration, problems with their bite, and even jawbone deterioration. While there are a few different options when it comes to the replacement of missing teeth, one popular option is dental bridges.
Dental bridges replace missing teeth with the support of surrounding teeth. This helps to ensure the replacement is secure and strong, which allows patients to bite and chew many of their favorite foods.
To learn more about dental bridges, contact us today at (515) 277-6358.
Dental Bridge Benefits
- It will keep the neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space provided by the missing tooth
- It will complete the aesthetics of your smile
- Complete the function of your bite
- Reduces the risk of jaw deterioration
- Improve self-esteem and confidence
What are Dental Bridges?
These tooth restorations are created custom and tailored to each patient’s smile. The hand-crafted tooth restorations are typically made of porcelain material to ensure durability and strength for the restoration. This material is popularly used in the dental cosmetic industry as it can be polished to mimic the aesthetic of a natural tooth with the color, texture, and natural-looking reflection.
Bridges, which are commonly known as fixed bridges as well, are given this specific name as they “bridge the gap” between teeth. They are generally created with a false tooth, called the pontic, in the center. The pontic becomes anchored into the mouth with the two neighboring teeth on the side using dental
caps. If there are multiple teeth next to each other that need to be replaced, multiple pontics can be used. This version is the traditional form of dental bridges, as three or more teeth can be replaced at a time using this method.
Another way a dental bridge can be done is by having a false tooth attached to the neighboring teeth using metal handles or “wings” that are bonded to the back sides of the neighboring teeth. This is a great way to replace one single tooth at a time, as the wings can only hold a bit of bite pressure. This is a great way to attach dental bridges as they do not require prior preparation of the neighboring teeth beforehand. The neighboring teeth do not need to be trimmed or contoured in order to receive the metal wings.
Both of these solutions are popular for having dental bridges placed. There are some key points to consider with the metal-winged bridge. Over time, these metal frames will wear and tear before dental crowns, as they are not as sturdy as the porcelain material. This metal framework can also turn the natural
neighboring teeth a slight grey color from the metal. Although this isn’t ideal, it is recommended to have this version of dental bridges replaced every few years. Dental bridges that are bonded using the dental crown procedure will last much longer, depending on how well the patient cares for their restorations.
How are Bridges Placed?
Depending on the version of dental bridges, there are a few ways they can be placed. If the patient and dentist have agreed upon placing these restorations in the traditional route, the dentist will first contour the neighboring teeth of the missing tooth to shape them down. Once the enamel of the teeth and some tooth tissue is removed, the dentist will take an impression of the teeth. The impression can either be taken digitally or with a mold.
Once the impression is taken of the newly reshaped teeth, the dentist will send the impression to their dental lab to have them custom-made. The custom bridge will typically be created within 1-2 weeks. During this waiting period, the dental professional will bond some temporary crowns to the contoured teeth while the permanent ones are being made. Once the bridge or bridges as complete, the dentist will call the patient back into the office to have the permanent bridge placed in the mouth. This procedure typically doesn’t require the use of any form of sedation. However, this can also depend on the patient and if they feel emotions of anxiety or stress prior to the procedure. Talk to your dentist about numbing or sedation before the treatment.
Contact Iowa Dental Group at (515) 277-6358 to find out more information about your dental bridge options today.
More Dental Bridge Benefits
Some patients are unaware that although missing teeth give you an incomplete aesthetic, it can also make a person look older than they are. When there is a missing tooth, it causes the outer skin of the mouth to sag, making a person look older. Having a dental bridge placed improves the overall confidence as it not only repairs the overall look of a smile but also the functionality of it as well.
As mentioned above, there are many different treatment options to replace missing teeth, such as dental crowns, dental implants, dentures, and more. Talk to your dentist about which option could be the best answer to your specific issue. If you are interested in dental bridges, your dental professional can educate you on whether it is or is not a good option for you. In a general sense, a patient must have good oral health with healthy gum tissue (no periodontal gum disease) and no pre-deterioration of the jawbone. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a prior bone graft treatment to strengthen the jawbone below the missing tooth.
Be sure to care for your dental restorations by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once. Visiting your dentist every six months can also lower your chances of losing more teeth to decay and bacteria. Talk to your dentist about your options and start your dental cosmetic journey today.
Iowa Dental Group
You place a lot of trust in your dentist, and we will always be honest with you. This philosophy of educating our patients has been the hallmark of why we have been successful for over 30 years.
Our Promise
At Iowa Dental Group, we pride ourselves on providing patients with the highest quality services at reasonable fees. We do our best to guarantee our patients leave satisfied with the treatment they receive, and we provide ongoing care to ensure patients continue to enjoy their beautiful smile.
Our Award-Winning Services
We provide patients with outstanding dental services, ongoing care, and education to ensure their smiles stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain Veneers
Teeth Whitening
Restorative Care
Dental Implants
Dental Bridges
Root Canal Therapy
Dentures
Children's Dentistry
Periodontal Care
Dental Emergencies
Family Dentistry
Night Guards
Snoring Appliances
Extractions
Actual Patient Reviews
We have so many terrific reviews it's impossible for us to list them all! Thanks for supporting Iowa Dental Group with your gratitude.
Dental Office Location
Iowa Dental Group prides ourselves on offering the highest quality dentistry at a fair and reasonable fee.
Iowa Dental Group Des Moines
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 277-6358
office@iowadentalgroup.com
https://www.iowadentalgroup.com
Iowa Dental Group Contact Form
Our Des Moines dentists, Bob Margeas DDS & Nicholas Economos, are eager to help provide any answers you may have. Contact us today regarding optimal oral health.
Dentist Office Hours
Our dentists look forward to answering any dentistry-related questions or dental concerns you may have regarding your overall oral health and smile.
Office Hours
| Monday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Tuesday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Thursday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Friday: | Closed |
| Saturday: | Closed |
| Sunday: | Closed |