Dental bridges offer a path to rejuvenate your smile, blending both aesthetic appeal and practical function. These custom-made dental appliances bridge the gap left by missing teeth, restoring your smile’s fullness and natural look.
With dental bridges, you can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
- A more confident smile
- Improved speech
- Eating and drinking with ease
- The prevention of other teeth from shifting
- Lessening your chances of developing gum disease
If you think you’re a good candidate for dental bridges, please contact Schumer Family Dental Care for a consultation.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are a time-honored solution for missing or damaged teeth. By opting for this restorative solution, you’re quite literally bridging the gaps created by one or more missing teeth.
In the case of damaged teeth, once they’re removed a dental bridge can be installed in the space where they existed.
Bridges consist of two or more dental crowns for the teeth – one on either side of the gap — to anchor the bridge. These crowns on your natural, remaining teeth are called abutments — used to hold the dental bridge between them.
This set of porcelain teeth that is your new bridge, is supported by your natural teeth with dental crowns or dental implants. Overall, dental bridges offer a durable way to restore your smile.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Bridges?
Ideal candidates for dental bridges are individuals with one or more missing teeth. It’s crucial that the surrounding teeth are healthy and strong, as they will support the bridge. Good oral hygiene practices are also a prerequisite for this restorative solution.
Sometimes additional implants are needed before a bridge can be officially installed. If that is the case, then you must have a strong jawline, which can support the posts of a dental implant.
Our dentist with Schumer Family Dental Care will examine your teeth during a consultation to determine if dental bridges are right for you.
How Are Dental Bridges Installed?
The process of installing a dental bridge usually requires two or more visits to the dentist. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Preparation of Anchoring Teeth: On your first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared. This involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them.
- Impressions: Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, crowns, and false teeth will be made by a dental lab.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is set up to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being made.
- Fitting the Permanent Bridge: On your subsequent visit, the temporary bridge will be removed, and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be necessary to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This depends on each individual’s case.
- Final Adjustment and Cementing: Once the fit is satisfactory, the dental bridge is permanently cemented into place.
Schedule Your Appointment For Dental Bridges in Arlington Heights, IL
At Schumer Family Dental Care, we understand the importance of a full, functional smile. If you’re considering dental bridges, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us in Arlington Heights, IL. Our team is committed to restoring your smile’s beauty and functionality with high-quality dental bridges tailored to your needs. Contact us today to start your journey toward a more confident, healthy smile.
