A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance that can be a convenient way to help you restore your smile when you have one or more missing teeth. The bridge gets its name because it literally “bridges the gap” between the remaining teeth.
There are several types of bridges are available: Cantilever, Maryland Bonded, and traditional or fixed. Of these options, fixed bridges are the most popular because they closely replicate the look and feel of natural teeth. This type of bridge consists of a pontic (artificial tooth) that is fused between dental crowns applied to the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth).
Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth. They remain in place as you eat, speak and sleep—just like natural teeth. For this reason, some people choose to upgrade from a removable appliance to a fixed bridge.
Dental bridges are highly durable and with proper care can last more than ten years; however, they may need repair or replacement due to normal wear.
A fixed bridge will:
A dental bridge is used to fill in gaps between your teeth to improve the look, feel, and function of your natural smile. It uses a pontic, also referred to as the replacement tooth in a dental bridge.
our team uses durable porcelain dental crowns or implants to secure the bridge to the teeth at the end of each gap. This incredible restoration completes your smile and gives you something to feel confident about.
Typically, a dental bridge can last anywhere from eight to 15 years with proper oral hygiene and care. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
We recommend that you also schedule bi-annual dental exams and professional cleanings to ensure your restoration will last for many years.
After your teeth have been prepared, we’ll provide you with a temporary bridge while your permanent bridge is being created so you won’t have to worry about an incomplete smile.
Once your permanent bridge is ready, our team will remove your temporary bridge to place your new, permanent crown. To learn more about the process, contact our Streamwood dental office at 630-289-7111 and we’ll schedule your free consultation with our team.
Taking care of your dental bridge is as easy and simple as taking care of your natural teeth. Make sure to brush after each meal and floss daily to prevent debris and plaque from building up.
Scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings with our team every six months will help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Getting a bridge usually requires two visits. During the first visit, our team will numb and prepare the neighboring teeth so that the abutment crowns can be placed. Next, a highly accurate impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory. This will be used to create a model of your smile so that your future restoration is precisely made to your smile. While you permanent fixed bridge is being fabricated at the laboratory (a process that takes several weeks), our Streamwood dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and to ensure your smile stays functional throughout the treatment process.
During your second visit, your new custom bridge will be carefully inspected, adjusted, and precisely and permanently cemented into place. In order to allow your teeth and gums to get used to the new appliance, your dentist may choose to apply temporary cement, waiting until a subsequent visit to permanently cement the bridge in place.
At Streamwood Smiles, we use the latest technology and finest materials available to comprehensive family dentistry to produce porcelain fixed bridges that offer superior fit, function and aesthetics. We will provide you with instructions on how to care for your new appliance. As with natural teeth, proper oral hygiene, good eating habits and regular dental visits will help maintain the life of your porcelain fixed bridge.
Feel free to contact us at 630-289-7111 if you have any questions about fixed porcelain bridges or to schedule a smile consultation with our team.
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