Dental Bridges
At New England Dental Group, we understand that missing teeth can impact both the appearance of your smile and your overall oral health. One of the most effective ways to restore your smile is through a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a common restorative procedure that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth, using a false tooth known as a pontic. The surrounding teeth act as anchors to hold the pontic in place, giving our patients a natural-looking and functional solution.
Why Should You Consider a Dental Bridge?
Missing teeth can lead to a range of dental problems, from shifting teeth to jawbone deterioration. Here’s how a gap in your teeth can negatively impact your oral health:
- Shifting Teeth: Without a dental bridge, the teeth adjacent to the gap may shift into the open space. This can lead to misalignment, which can affect your bite and cause discomfort when chewing or speaking.
- Increased Pressure on Remaining Teeth: The absence of a tooth puts more pressure on the remaining teeth, especially when chewing. Over time, this pressure can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease in the surrounding teeth.
- Jawbone Recession: The lack of stimulation from a tooth can cause your jawbone to recede in the area of the missing tooth, potentially leading to further tooth loss.
A dentist in Elmwood Park IL can help you avoid these issues by recommending a dental bridge to restore the gap and improve your dental health.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges that our dentist in Elmwood Park IL may use, depending on your unique needs and the location of the missing tooth.
- Traditional Fixed Bridge: The most common type of dental bridge, a traditional fixed bridge involves placing a porcelain crown over the surrounding teeth to hold the false tooth (pontic) in place. This is ideal when there are healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.
- Cantilever Bridge: A cantilever bridge is used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap. It is typically used in areas of the mouth that don’t undergo heavy chewing.
- Resin-Bonded Bridge: Also known as a Maryland bridge, this type of bridge uses metal bands bonded with resin to the surrounding teeth. It is commonly used for missing front teeth and in areas that don’t experience significant chewing pressure.
What to Expect During the Procedure
A dental bridge typically requires at least two visits to our dentist in Elmwood Park IL:
- First Visit: During your initial appointment, Dr. Chae or Dr. Choi will prepare the surrounding teeth to accommodate the bridge. This may involve filing the teeth down to ensure a secure fit for the crowns. An impression of your teeth will be taken and sent to a dental lab where your permanent bridge will be made. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect your teeth.
- Second Visit: When your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office for the final placement. We will remove the temporary bridge and fit the new one into place. They will make any necessary adjustments to ensure the bridge fits comfortably and aligns properly with your bite. Once everything is in place, the bridge will be cemented, and you can enjoy a restored smile.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer a number of advantages, including:
- Improved Smile Aesthetics: A dental bridge can restore the natural appearance of your smile, filling in gaps left by missing teeth.
- Better Functionality: With a dental bridge, you can chew, speak, and smile with confidence again, improving your overall quality of life.
- Prevent Further Damage: By filling in the gap, a bridge can help prevent shifting of surrounding teeth, reducing the risk of further dental issues down the road.
If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to explore the option of a dental bridge, schedule a consultation with our dentist in Elmwood Park IL at New England Dental Group. Our experienced team is here to help you restore your smile and protect your oral health. Contact us today to learn more!
