Missing one or more teeth can affect far more than your smile’s appearance. Gaps in your teeth impact your ability to chew properly, cause remaining teeth to shift out of alignment, and even affect your facial structure over time. These concerns often leave many Oak Lawn residents wondering what restoration option offers both durability and natural-looking results.
At EcoFriendly Dentistry Powered by Sonrisa, we provide dental bridges as a proven solution for replacing missing teeth. Our experienced team knows the importance of restoring function and aesthetics, and we’re committed to helping you achieve a complete, confident smile through personalized care and advanced techniques.
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.
Understanding the dental bridge and how it works
A dental bridge is a standard solution to address the problem of missing teeth. This restoration is also referred to as a fixed partial denture. It relies on the support of natural teeth, implants, or a combination of both to “bridge” the gap where one or more teeth may be absent. The dental bridge consists of two dental crowns that are placed on each end of the restoration. In between these crowns are false teeth, also called pontics. The pontics can be made from materials such as gold, porcelain, or alloys and fused to the metal framework. Natural teeth or dental implants often support dental bridges. The dental bridge consists of two dental crowns that are placed on each end of the restoration. In between these crowns are false teeth, also called pontics. The pontics can be made from materials such as gold, porcelain, or alloys and fused to the metal framework. Natural teeth or dental implants often support dental bridges.
The dental bridge consists of two dental crowns that are placed on each end of the restoration. In between these crowns are false teeth, also called pontics. The pontics can be made from materials such as gold, porcelain, or alloys and fused to the metal framework. Natural teeth or dental implants often support dental bridges.
Guide to Dental Bridges
A bridge is a fixed restoration designed to literally “bridge” the gap made by one or more missing teeth. This prosthetic consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) that are held in place by crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, which serve as anchors or abutments.
Unlike removable dentures, bridges are permanently cemented in place, providing stability and restoring full chewing function. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, dental bridges demonstrate impressive longevity, with studies showing estimated survival rates of approximately 94% at three years and between 90% and 95% at five years. These bridges can last 10 years or longer with proper care and maintenance, making them a reliable investment in your oral health.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Bridges
Bridges offer many advantages for patients with missing teeth. They fix your ability to chew and speak properly, preventing the dietary restrictions and communication difficulties that often accompany tooth loss. Bridges preserve your facial shape by preventing the sunken appearance that can develop when teeth are missing for extended periods.
Additionally, bridges help preserve your oral health by preventing neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space. This stability protects your bite alignment and reduces your risk of developing jaw problems. With bridges, you can smile, eat, and speak with confidence, knowing your restoration looks and functions like natural teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges Available
Several types of bridges exist to meet different patient needs. Traditional bridges are the most common option, using crowns on both sides of the gap to support the artificial teeth. Maryland bridges, also called resin-bonded bridges, use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring less tooth preparation.
Cantilever bridges work when only one adjacent tooth is available for support, while implant-supported bridges use dental implants rather than natural teeth as anchors. During your consultation at our practice, we’ll evaluate your specific situation and recommend the bridge type that best suits your needs and goals.
The Bridge Placement Process
A dental bridge procedure typically requires two visits. Initially, we prepare the abutment teeth by gently removing a small amount of enamel. This creates the necessary space for the crowns. Next, we capture detailed impressions of your teeth. These impressions are then sent to a professional dental laboratory, where skilled technicians custom-craft your bridge.
While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, we’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth. At your second appointment, usually two to three weeks later, we remove the temporary bridge and carefully check the fit and appearance of your permanent bridge. Once we’ve made any necessary adjustments, we cement the bridge permanently in place.
Throughout the process, we ensure your comfort and address any questions you may have about your new restoration.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Proper maintenance helps your bridge last as long as possible. Brush twice daily and floss around your bridge using specialized floss threaders or interdental brushes. These tools allow you to clean beneath the pontic and around the abutment teeth, areas where food particles and plaque can accumulate.
Regular dental checkups every six months enable us to monitor your bridge and the supporting teeth. We check for decay, gum disease, or cement wear that could compromise your restoration. Avoiding hard foods that may damage the bridge and maintaining good overall oral hygiene will help protect your investment and keep your smile healthy.
Restore Your Smile at EcoFriendly Dentistry
At EcoFriendly Dentistry, we combine advanced dental techniques with personalized attention to help Oak Lawn patients achieve optimal oral health. Our commitment to using eco-friendly practices and materials means you can feel good about your choice while enjoying a beautifully restored smile. We understand that each patient’s situation is unique, and we take the time to explain your options so you can make informed decisions about your dental care.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, our dental crowns and bridge solutions can help you regain full function and confidence in your smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.