If you’re 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 if you’re missing one or more natural teeth. A dental bridge in our Skokie, IL, dental office can close gaps in your smile.
As a highly trained prosthodontist, Dr. Stein has dedicated many years to advancing his skill and knowledge in tooth restoration and replacement. 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: This bridge uses one or several artificial teeth supported by two natural teeth and topped with dental crowns. Traditional bridges are strong and usually made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramic. This type of bridge is the most common.
- Cantilever bridge: With this bridge, a single natural tooth supports 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. We recommend this bridge in areas with less biting pressure, like the front of the mouth.
- Implant-supported bridge: An implant bridge uses dental implants instead of natural teeth for support. This type of restoration is used to replace multiple, consecutive missing teeth. While it can take longer to get this bridge, implants ensure your new teeth last longer.
- Maryland bridge: This type of bridge uses metal or porcelain connectors to support the artificial teeth. Instead of using crowns, the bridge is bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth with small wings. It’s a more conservative option because it doesn’t require much shaping of the natural teeth. But it may not be as strong as other types and is best for front teeth, where less force is used when chewing.
Choosing An 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. We surgically place dental implants into the jawbone to create a strong and durable anchor for your bridge.
Patient Review
Dental Bridge FAQs
Dental bridges replace one or multiple missing teeth. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long do dental bridges last?
Dental bridges typically last 10-15 years or more with proper care. Factors like material use, oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups affect their longevity. Avoiding hard foods and following our dentist’s care instructions can help extend the bridge’s lifespan. With good maintenance, bridges remain a durable and reliable option.
Are dental bridges painful to get?
Getting a dental bridge is not usually painful, as the procedure involves local anesthesia. You may experience mild discomfort during tooth preparation or after the bridge is placed. This discomfort is temporary and usually resolves within a few days. Dr. Stein will ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
It takes two to three visits to get a bridge over a few weeks. The first visit involves preparing the anchor teeth and taking impressions for the custom bridge. The permanent bridge is fitted and cemented into place at the second visit. Temporary bridges are sometimes used while waiting for the final restoration.
It’ll take more time to get an implant-supported bridge. You need time for the implants to heal and may need pretreatments if you have gum disease or need a tooth extraction.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
A dental bridge allows you to eat comfortably, but you should start with soft foods after the procedure. Once you adjust, you can eat most foods, though it’s best to avoid hard or sticky items that could damage the bridge. Proper chewing on both sides of your mouth helps distribute pressure evenly. Our dentist will provide guidelines for how to eat with your new bridge.
Can a dental bridge replace more than one tooth?
Yes, a dental bridge can replace multiple missing teeth if there are sufficient anchor teeth or implants to support it. The size and type of bridge depend on the gap’s location and the health of the surrounding teeth. A dentist will assess your needs to determine the best solution. Longer spans may require implant-supported bridges for extra stability.
Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Good candidates for dental bridges have one or more missing teeth and healthy adjacent teeth or implants to support the bridge. If needed, they should have good oral hygiene and sufficient bone density for implant-supported bridges. A dentist will evaluate your specific case to determine the best type of bridge. Regular dental visits and care are crucial for maintaining the bridge.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’re 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 like dental bridges and implant-supported bridges. Dr. Stein will find the right bridge 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. Call us today at 847-750-3125. You can also request an appointment online.