If you suffer from one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in a row, a dental bridge might be a good option to replace them and restore your dazzling smile. Dental bridges “bridge” the gap caused by missing teeth. They are non-removable, custom-made restorations fabricated to replace your missing tooth with a false tooth called a pontic. This false tooth is attached to two crowns, permanently anchored to the supporting teeth – called abutment teeth – which hold the bridge in place. Dental implants can also be used to anchor the bridge.
Dental bridges are carefully crafted in our dental lab, and fabricated out of gold, porcelain, alloys, or any combination of these materials. They are built to last for many years with proper care, and once placed correctly, they soon feel like your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
If you have missing teeth, the importance of restoring them goes beyond enhancing the appearance of your smile. Dr. Sumeet Bagai may suggest the use of a dental bridge to help restore your ability to eat and speak normally, relieve the stress on your bite, prevent your remaining teeth from shifting (which can lead to cavities and gum disease), and restore a natural shape to your facial structure.
Different Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridges
The most commonly utilized dental bridge is the traditional bridge. It is made from either ceramic material or porcelain fused to metal. The two teeth (or dental implants) to either side of the gap will be prepared for crowns. These crowns will be fused to – and support – the false tooth or teeth that replace the ones that are missing.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
The Maryland bonded bridge (also called a resin-bonded bridge or simply a Maryland bridge) uses a porcelain or metal framework for support. The metal or porcelain “wings” are bonded to your existing teeth – often on only one side of the bridge.
Cantilever Bridge
Although seldom used, there is a third type of bridge called the cantilever bridge. This type of bridge is supported on only one side of the gap, so it is not built to withstand much force. Because of this, these are not recommended for use in the back of the mouth.
The Process
When our restorative dentist serving West Chicago recommends a dental bridge, you can expect the process to take at least two visits. During the first visit, the supporting teeth will be contoured and shaped to allow room for the fitting of the crowns that support the bridge work.
Next, Dr. Bagai will take impressions of your mouth that will be used to carefully construct your custom dental bridge. He will then place a temporary bridge in place to protect your teeth and gums while you wait for the fitting appointment for your permanent restoration – which takes a week or so.
Dr. Bagai will remove the temporary bridge during your second visit and the new, custom-fitted, permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted to provide the proper fit. Another visit may be necessary if further adjustments need to be made. It is extremely important that the bridge is positioned comfortably, and that your bite is aligned correctly.
Visit Our Highly Skilled Restorative Dentist Serving West Chicago
When it comes to perfecting your smile, restoring missing teeth probably tops your to-do list if you are dealing with an uncomfortable gap. If you think a dental bridge might be the restorative solution you are looking for, or if you’d like to learn about our other cosmetic dental procedures, we encourage you to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team at 630-393-2733. We look forward to helping you achieve your best and most beautiful smile and improving your dental health. Why not give us a call today?
