Dental bridges are a transformative solution for those dealing with missing teeth. We craft these bridges with precision, catering to your unique and special needs. These prosthetic devices bridge the gaps left by missing teeth. As a result, we can restore your smile’s aesthetic and function.
At Dazzling Dentistry, we want to offer our Arlington Heights patients cutting-edge restorative treatments that rejuvenate your appearance and enhance your oral health. Through restorative dentistry, bridges not only restore your smile but also help maintain proper oral function and health.
Addressing missing teeth with dental bridges is not just a cosmetic choice. It is a commitment to your overall health and well-being. Our skilled team is dedicated to providing you with personalized solutions to ensure you regain the confidence to smile, eat, and speak naturally.
Why Address Missing Teeth?
Unfortunately, missing teeth isn’t just an aesthetic issue. While gaps in your smile can damage your confidence, it can also lead to oral health problems. Without treatment, your missing teeth can create a domino effect in your mouth.
Aesthetic Harmony
Of course, missing teeth can impact the look of your smile. For many people, this will affect their self-confidence and social interactions. Professionally made dental bridges seamlessly blend with your natural teeth to restore a complete smile.
Preserving Jaw Health
The roles of your teeth and jaws are intricately connected. Each tooth plays a role in maintaining the integrity of your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone may begin to deteriorate. To prevent this, you need a restorative device to support your gums and jaws. Dental bridges can provide this essential support to prevent bone loss and preserve the overall structure of your jaw.
Functional Benefits
Beyond your appearance, missing teeth can get in the way of your ability to bite, chew and even speak properly. With dental bridges, you can restore these essential functions. As a result, you can enjoy all your favorite foods while speaking with confidence.
Preventing Shifting Teeth
Without treatment, missing teeth can cause issues for your remaining teeth. For example, gaps left by missing teeth can lead to neighboring teeth shifting over time. Unfortunately, this can cause misalignment and bite issues. However, dental bridges act as stabilizers. They can prevent shifts and maintain the proper alignment of your teeth.
Traditional Bridges vs. Implant Bridges
A traditional bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap to hold the false tooth (or teeth) in place. During treatment, a dentist prepares the neighboring teeth by removing some enamel to make room for crowns. The bridge, which includes the false tooth and two crowns, is cemented onto the prepared teeth. The false tooth sits in the gap, and the crowns hold it securely in place.
While a traditional fixed bridge doesn’t need surgery and takes less time, it requires altering healthy teeth, which can weaken them. Traditional bridges don’t last as long as implant bridges. They also don’t prevent bone loss in the jaw where the tooth is missing.
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants instead of natural teeth to hold the bridge. Dental implants are small titanium posts that can replace missing teeth and support dental restorations.
Treatment doesn’t require altering healthy teeth and prevents bone loss in the jaw because the implants act like tooth roots. While it take more time and may cost more, implant bridges last over 20 years with the right care.
Which One is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your needs, budget, and overall dental health. Traditional bridges are a good option if you want a quicker, less expensive solution. Implant bridges are better if you want a long-term fix that protects your jawbone and doesn’t affect healthy teeth.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Arlington Heights and Chicago, IL
Before treatment, we will examine your mouth for problems like gum disease or cavities. If you get dental implants, you must have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant post. We may recommend bone grafting if you do not have enough healthy bone. Then, once you are healthy, we will begin treatment.
Traditional Bridge Treatment
A traditional bridge requires tooth preparation for the crowns. This means the dentist must remove some enamel so the crowns fit properly.
After preparing the teeth, the dentist takes an impression of your teeth. This mold is sent to a dental lab, where technicians use it to create your custom bridge. Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to the dentist to have it fitted.
Implant Bridge Treatment
First, an oral surgeon will place implant posts in your missing tooth gaps. The titanium post will fuse to your jawbone over a period of 3 to 6 months. Once you heal, we will place abutments which connect the implants to the bridge. You will need more time for your gums to heal. Our office will also provide a temporary bridge.
We will take digital impressions of your mouth to send to a lab, where technicians will create your custom bridge. Our office will place your final restoration once you are fully healed.
Client Review
Dental Bridge FAQs
On the road to restoring your smile, you will likely have many questions about dental bridge treatment in our Arlington Heights office. Our team is here to address your questions and concerns.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to adjacent to natural teeth or dental implants. They effectively “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth.
How long do dental bridges last?
The lifespan of dental bridges can vary based on factors like oral hygiene, overall health, and maintenance. Bridges can last 15 years or more with proper care.
Are dental bridges painful?
Getting a dental bridge is usually not painful. During the procedure, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. This means you will be awake, but you won’t feel any pain while the dentist is working on your teeth.
After the procedure, it’s normal to feel a little soreness or sensitivity in your gums or the teeth near the bridge. This may last for a few days while your mouth gets used to the new bridge. Some people also feel mild discomfort when chewing or drinking hot or cold liquids at first.
This adjustment period is different for everyone, but the discomfort usually goes away quickly. If you do feel sore, your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help. Most patients find that any pain or sensitivity is mild and easy to manage.
Can anyone get dental bridges?
Many people with missing teeth can get dental bridges. Before we begin the process, our dental team will do a full dental health check. We’ll look at your teeth, gums, and jaw to make sure they are healthy enough to support a bridge.
We’ll also take X-rays or digital images to get a better look at what’s going on under the surface. If your teeth or gums need treatment first, we’ll make a plan to get them healthy so the bridge will last longer and work better.
Get a Tooth Bridge
Restore one or more missing teeth with a dental bridge in the Chicago Loop area. Call Dazzling Dentistry today at (872) 276-8546. You can also request an appointment with us on our website.