Dental Bridges Palos Heights
Fill the Gap, Renew Your Confidence
Tooth loss can affect the aesthetics of your smile, reduce your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods, and potentially lead to major oral health complications. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers reliable tooth replacement solutions — including dental bridges. Continue reading below to learn more about this service, or contact us directly to request a consultation in our Palos Heights, IL, office.
Why Choose Revival Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
- Highly Accomplished Dentist
- Convenient Digital Impressions
- Sturdy, Lifelike Materials
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth in a row. Bridges typically consist of a crown on each end, which support pontics (artificial teeth) between them. Unlike partial dentures, bridges are permanently fixed in the mouth.
Bridges are usually made of lifelike materials, such as porcelain, that blend in seamlessly with the surrounding dentition. They are very sturdy and can handle all the challenges of normal eating habits.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are a few different types of dental bridges, and the one that is best for you will depend on your unique circumstances and preferences. During your tooth replacement consultation, Dr. Young will examine your mouth so he can recommend the type of prosthetic that he believes would best serve you. He may suggest that you get a traditional bridge or an implant bridge.
Traditional Dental Bridges
With a traditional dental bridge, the crowns that secure it are attached to the teeth next to the empty space in your mouth (known as the abutment teeth). A traditional bridge usually takes just a few appointments to design and place, and it has the potential to last for a decade or longer if it receives proper care.
Implant Bridges
Instead of being attached to abutment teeth, an implant bridge is anchored in the jawbone via prosthetic tooth roots (dental implants). This construction allows the abutment teeth to remain unmodified, and it promotes jawbone health as well. Implant-supported tooth replacement is often regarded as the next best thing to natural teeth.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
As a result of getting a dental bridge, you may get to enjoy several big benefits:
- Restored Function: Dental bridges allow you to chew and speak with ease, helping you return to normal eating habits and clearer speech.
- Prevention of Teeth Shifting: By filling the gap left by missing teeth, bridges stop neighboring teeth from drifting out of alignment.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Lifelike materials blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, improving the appearance of your smile and boosting your confidence.
- Preservation of Oral Health: Bridges help reduce the risk of oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay by preventing food and bacteria from collecting in gaps.
- Outstanding Durability: With proper care, dental bridges are sturdy and long-lasting, providing reliable tooth replacement for many years.
Are you ready to fill the gaps in your smile? Contact our Palos Heights practice today to set up a consultation!
Dental Bridges FAQs
Can you take a dental bridge out?
Dental bridges are typically fixed in place, meaning they are permanently bonded to the teeth that support them. A bridge may be removed by a dental professional when it reaches the end of its lifespan, or it might fall out due to various sorts of mishaps. Otherwise, your bridge is meant to stay in your mouth 24/7.
You might have heard of something called a “removable bridge,” but that is actually a misnomer. Usually, this term is referring to a partial denture, a removable type of prosthetic that is secured in the mouth via small clasps. Partial dentures are easy for patients to remove on their own.
What are dental bridges made of?
There are a number of materials that are suitable for dental bridges. For example, some bridges are made of metals, such as gold or various alloys. These materials are incredibly durable, so they can stand up well to chewing forces. However, they do not look natural, so they are typically placed toward the back of the mouth.
Dr. Young and our Palos Heights team favor bridges made of lifelike materials, such as porcelain. These restorations can be shade-matched to blend in with the surrounding teeth. They are also durable enough to last for up to a decade or longer.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Our team wants you to be comfortable, so we will numb your mouth while we prepare your abutment teeth to support your bridge. You might notice some pressure, but there should be no real pain.
After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity and soreness in the treated area. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet are usually enough to manage any discomfort.
Keep in mind that your bridge can prevent your natural teeth from drifting out of place, meaning it may actually reduce the risk of painful dental problems in the future.
How long should a dental bridge last?
It is common for bridges to last 5 – 15 years. However, they can endure for multiple decades in some cases. In other instances, an accident or certain other problems may lead to the need for a bridge to be removed prematurely.
Our team will be happy to provide you with tips to help your bridge stand the test of time. For example, you should eat a nutritious diet and avoid overly hard or crunchy foods. Good oral hygiene and avoidance of harmful habits like smoking can also support your restoration’s long-term health. Of course, you should also visit us periodically (once every six months) so we can examine your mouth and check on the status of your bridge to determine if it needs repairs or replacement.