Replace Missing Teeth With A Dental Bridge In Skokie, IL at Our Dentistry
If you are missing one or more teeth, Dr. Abraham Stein of The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry can work with you to restore health and function to your smile. We provide an extensive range of tooth replacement options for patients who are missing one or more of their natural teeth. As a highly trained prosthodontist, Dr. Stein has dedicated many years to advancing his skill and knowledge in the restoration and replacement of the natural teeth.
After an in-depth examination, Dr. Stein can determine if a dental bridge or another type of restoration is right for your smile. Visit our Skokie, IL dentist office to explore your tooth replacement options.
Common Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridge procedure
We offer a wide range of dental bridge options to replace missing teeth. During your comprehensive exam, Dr. Stein or Dr. Weiss will assess the condition of your smile, review your cosmetic goals, and make personalized recommendations based on your needs.
Types of Bridges:
- Traditional bridge: A bridge with one or several artificial teeth that are supported by two natural teeth and topped with dental crowns.
- Cantilever bridge: One natural tooth is used to support the dental bridge. A dental crown is placed on the natural tooth, and the artificial tooth is fitted into place through the neighboring dental crown.
- Implant-supported bridge: An implant bridge is supported using dental implants instead of adjacent teeth. This type of restoration is used to replace multiple, consecutive missing teeth.
- Maryland bridge: This type of bridge uses metal or porcelain connectors to support the artificial teeth.
Choosing A Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
An implant-supported restoration offers many benefits for patients with missing teeth, including:
- Preserves more of the remaining natural teeth: A traditional dental bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support. Over time, this can affect the integrity of the anchoring teeth. With an implant-supported bridge, the dental bridge relies on the implants instead of the neighboring teeth as an anchor. This alleviates the stress that healthy teeth have to undergo in a traditional bridge procedure.
- Resembles your natural teeth: Implant-supported bridges are designed with the patient’s needs in mind. We can replicate natural teeth by using high-quality materials and modern design techniques. Our modern dental bridges look just like natural teeth, are not overtly perfect-looking like fake teeth, and are a very popular option.
- Improved stability: Dental implants provide a stable foundation for a dental bridge. With an implant-supported restoration, patients can chew, speak, and eat comfortably. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, creating a strong and durable anchor for your bridge.
Dental Bridge FAQs
How many years does a dental bridge last?
Dental bridges can last anywhere from five to 15 years. Good oral hygiene and diet can extend the life of your bridge well past 15 years.
How many teeth can you have on a bridge?
Bridges can contain anywhere from one to four teeth. It is not unlikely that some of your teeth will need replacing in the bridge. In some cases, patients can have a bridge containing more than four teeth, but this is uncommon.
How long after the dental bridge can I eat?
After having a dental bridge placed, patients should wait at least one hour before eating. Patients should also avoid hard or sticky foods for at least a day to get comfortable with their new bridge.
How long does it take for a dental bridge to feel normal?
On average, it takes about two weeks for patients to adjust to their dental bridge. While adjusting, patients may stick to a soft diet and be extra careful when cleaning and brushing.
How do you clean under a dental bridge?
The best way to clean under a bridge is with floss. Patients can access underneath the bridge by looping floss on either side of the bridge and flossing in a back-and-forth motion.
Can a dentist remove or re-cement a dental bridge?
Yes, your dentist can remove or replace a dental bridge. If your bridge needs a repair, your dentist may be able to remove it, repair it, and put it back in good as new.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you are searching for the right tooth replacement option for your smile, visit The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry for the care you need. We offer a wide range of tooth replacement options, including dental bridges and implant-supported bridges, to fit your oral health needs, cosmetic goals, and budget.
To explore your options and learn more about restorative dentistry, visit our Skokie, IL dentist office for a consultation. Schedule your appointment by calling 847.750.3125 or request an appointment online.