Bridges

Filling the Gap.


If you’re missing one or more teeth and wondering how to best to replace them, a dental bridge might just be the best option to consider. Dental bridges are very functional and are commonly used. You have probably seen someone with a bridge within the past week.

Important note: Dental bridges are not a one-size-fits-all solution for missing teeth. A professional dentist is in the best position to recommend whether or not you should get a dental bridge. You can schedule a checkup here.

What is a dental bridge?


A dental bridge is created by placing a crown on a pontic (in regular English, that means “fake tooth”) used to fill the hole(s) left by missing teeth. Often, the dental bridge is supported by the two existing teeth on either side of the holes to be filled, these teeth are called the abutment teeth. In many cases, implants are used instead of abutment teeth to support the bridge.

Pontics can be made from various materials like gold, porcelain, or even alloys of these materials.

Why should you consider getting a dental bridge?


The biggest appeal of dental bridges is their functionality, they get the job done! Within a month after getting dental bridges (or less) you can start chewing normally without any discomfort.

Another reason is their aesthetic appeal. They look perfectly natural and no one would be able to tell the difference except you choose a fancy color like gold for fashion reasons. Dental bridges are built in such a way that they fit perfectly into the space left by the missing tooth and they also help with providing support for the abutment teeth.

When there’s a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth tend to shift and move, causing some sort of misconfiguration in the teeth arrangement. Dental bridges can correct the misconfiguration by holding the abutment teeth in place and maintaining proper shape.

What are your options?


The most common dental bridges are the traditional type consisting of a crown on both sides of the missing tooth with a pontic in between. Other forms, (not so common) include cantilever bridges designed for situations where only one abutment tooth is available and Maryland bonded bridges.

A trained and qualified dentist is in the best position to suggest the best type of dental bridge for your missing teeth.

How does a dental bridge get inserted?


The dental bridge insertion starts with a preliminary inspection of the teeth. Remember, dental bridges are meant to fit perfectly. The dentist or lab technician will create a standard impression of your mouth by digital scanning. The results of this scan will determine the dimensions and shape which will be used when designing and fabricating the dental bridge.

Another preliminary aspect of inserting dental bridges is filing and reshaping the abutment teeth to provide space for the crown of the dental bridge and allow for a perfect fit. A temporary bridge will be provided for you to wear until your custom-built bridge is ready.

After these preparations have been concluded, an appointment is scheduled to remove the temporary bridge and insert your specialized, permanent dental bridge. You may still need to make a couple of visits for the dentist to check the fit and be sure that everything is in place. If it is confirmed that the dental bridge fits perfectly, you will be scheduled for a final appointment where the dentist will cement the dental bridge in place.

Possible Side Effects


Dental bridges are not for everyone. If the procedure is not done with proper care or professionalism, complications may arise, making the situation even worse.

The most important risk from getting a dental bridge fixed arises from the process of reshaping the abutment teeth. During this process, the surrounding gum may get weakened, leading to further tooth damage, gum injury, bridge collapse or even the need to replace the abutment teeth as well.

There is also the risk of infection leading to the decay of the surrounding teeth.

To avoid these side effects, you should visit a dental clinic and get evaluated by a qualified dentist. If you live around North Suburbs of Chicago and need help with Dental bridges or have dental questions, visit Dental Wellness at 47, W Dundee Rd, Wheeling, IL.

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