Dental Bridges

We do everything we can to help preserve our Glen Ellyn, IL patients’ natural teeth. Sometimes, however, teeth can still be lost due to injury, disease, decay, or as a natural part of aging. Thankfully, modern dentistry provides several options for replacing missing teeth. A dental bridge is the most commonly used tooth-replacement option when one or more teeth are missing in a row. 

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a type of dental prosthetic used to replace one or several consecutive missing teeth. A dental bridge consists of a pontic (the bridge portion) that floats over the gap in a patient’s natural teeth and one or two abutments (also called anchors) that fix the bridge in the patient’s mouth. 

What To Expect When Getting a Bridge

The process of getting a dental bridge varies depending on the dental bridge you are receiving. For example, an implant-supported bridge requires a patient to undergo the dental implantation process before receiving their dental bridge. A traditional, crown-supported dental bridge requires that the neighboring teeth be prepared to receive dental crowns before the bridge can be placed.

The dental bridge process always begins with a consultation and evaluation. At this initial appointment, our dentist can talk with you about your treatment goals and expectations and answer any questions you might have about the different types of treatments available and what each process entails. 

To design your dental bridge, we take impressions and digital images of your teeth. This information is then submitted to our dental prosthetic manufacturer, where your dental bridge is custom created to ensure a perfect fit. Once your dental bridge is ready, we can schedule you for a placement appointment. 

The Different Types of Dental Bridges

There are a wide variety of dental bridges available. Several factors are considered before determining the right type for each patient. 

Crown-Supported Dental Bridge

A crown-supported dental bridge is anchored with the two natural teeth that neighbor the gap of missing teeth. With this type of bridge, dental crowns are permanently attached to the neighboring teeth to hold the bridge in place. 

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

Dental implants, instead of natural teeth, support the anchors on an implant-supported dental bridge. (Dental implants are metal, screw-like dental devices that are surgically placed in a patient’s jawbone to mimic the natural roots of a tooth.) 

Maryland Bonded Dental Bridge

A Maryland bonded dental bridge uses a system of wires and dental bonding attached to the neighboring teeth to hold a dental bridge in place. 

Cantilever Dental Bridge

A cantilever dental bridge is a style of dental bridge designed to replace missing teeth that are located at the end of an arch. This style of bridge attaches securely to the single tooth neighboring the gap of missing teeth. 

How To Take Care of Your Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are manufactured from highly durable materials. As a result, they are quite long-lasting. They do, however, require some care and precautions to prevent any damage from occurring. 

We recommend avoiding chewing on hard objects or foods and avoiding highly pigmented foods and drinks such as red wine, coffee, or tea to prevent staining. You can also prevent staining by avoiding using any kind of tobacco products.

Additionally, we recommend that you wear a protective athletic mouthguard during sports and other physical activities that could result in trauma to the face, jaw, or mouth. If you suffer from sleep bruxism, wearing a nightguard can help protect your dental bridge and your natural teeth while you sleep. 

After receiving your dental bridge, you should continue practicing your regular oral hygiene habits. Be sure to floss carefully around your dental appliance. We also recommend using a water flosser to clean the soft tissues around your new dental bridge. 

Tooth Replacement and Dental Restoration in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

At our dental practice, we strongly believe in the art of dentistry and the importance of a healthy and comfortable smile. If you happen to be missing one or more teeth, we encourage you to reach out to one of our skilled dentists to discuss the various options available to you for restoring the natural form and function of your smile. We specialize in providing dental bridges that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable for our patients. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 630-942-0727 today.

Get Started Today!

We look forward to welcoming new patients into our office and seeing our existing patients again. To request an appointment, we welcome you to contact our office at 630-942-0727 or complete the appointment request form on our website.

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