Do you have multiple consecutive missing teeth? At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken offers dental bridges to patients in Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL. This procedure helps restore missing teeth to improve the function and appearance of your bite. Dental bridges are a reliable restorative dentistry option if you want to fill gaps in your smile.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by crowns on the adjacent teeth. Bridges prevent other teeth from shifting out of position and help maintain the structure of your face. Common types of dental bridges in Skokie, IL, and Chicago, IL include:
Traditional Dental Bridges
The most common type of bridge is traditional dental bridges. These bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent natural teeth. Traditional bridges are strong and provide excellent chewing support.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever dental bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. These bridges are ideal for certain situations but may not be suitable for areas of the mouth that experience significant force from chewing.
Maryland Dental Bridges
Maryland dental bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, involve attaching the artificial teeth to the adjacent natural teeth using a metal or porcelain framework. They’re less invasive as they don’t require crowns on the neighboring teeth. Maryland bridges often replace front teeth.
Traditional vs. Implant Bridges
Our office provides traditional bridges. But if you want a longer-lasting option, we’ll recommend implant bridges. The difference between these types of bridges includes:
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional bridge uses your natural teeth on either side of the gap to support a false tooth in the middle. These supporting teeth are covered with crowns to hold the bridge in place. This type of bridge is a good option if your surrounding teeth are healthy and strong.
But they require shaping the nearby teeth to fit the crowns, which means those teeth are permanently changed. Traditional bridges may also need more frequent replacement.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge is held in place by dental implants instead of your natural teeth. Dental implants are small titanium posts we place into the jawbone. The posts act like new tooth roots. Once the implants heal, we attach a custom bridge.
Implant bridges are a great choice if you’re missing several teeth in a row or if your nearby teeth aren’t strong enough to support a traditional bridge. This option also helps keep your jawbone healthy, since the implants stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots.
The Process for Getting a Traditional Bridge
Getting a dental bridge begins with a consultation with Dr. Chaiken. He’ll assess your dental health and discuss the best options for your needs. This initial visit involves a thorough examination and may include X-rays.
Preparing the Abutment Teeth
Once you decide to proceed, the next step involves preparing the abutment teeth, which will support the bridge. Dr. Chaiken will remove a small portion of enamel to make room for the crowns that will anchor the tooth bridge.
Taking Impressions
After preparing the abutment teeth, impressions are taken to create a precise mold of your teeth. This mold is sent to a dental lab, where skilled technicians will custom-craft your bridge to ensure it fits perfectly and matches the color of your natural teeth.
Temporary Bridge Placement
While your permanent bridge is being made, we place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums. This temporary bridge will also help you get used to the new structure in your mouth.
Final Placement
Once your permanent dental bridge is ready, you will return to North Dental Professionals for the final placement. Dr. Chaiken will ensure the bridge fits correctly and make any necessary adjustments. Finally, he cements the restoration into place.
Implant Bridge Treatment in Chicago and Skokie
With an implant bridge, the treatment takes longer because it involves placing dental implants into your jawbone. These implant posts need time to heal and bond with the bone. This process is called osseointegration and can take 3 to 6 months. Once the teeth implants are fully healed, Dr. Chaiken attaches a custom-made bridge that looks and feels like natural teeth.
Even though implant bridges take more time, they last longer and help keep your jawbone healthy. Dr. Chaiken will guide you through every step of the process and make sure your new custom bridge is strong, secure, and fits perfectly.
Aftercare
Taking good care of your dental bridge will help it last. Because a bridge replaces missing teeth and depends on the surrounding teeth for support, you want to keep everything clean and healthy. Follow these tips to take care of your dental bridge after treatment in Chicago:
Brush and Floss
Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food and plaque from around the restoration and nearby teeth. A special tool called an interdental brush or floss threader can help clean the small spaces under and around the bridge. Special floss can get where a regular toothbrush can’t reach.
Make Regular Dental Check-ups
Visiting North Dental Professionals for regular check-ups is another key part of taking care of your bridge. Dr. Paul Chaiken will examine your restoration to make sure it still fits well and not causing any problems.
He’ll also check your teeth and gums and give you a professional cleaning to remove buildup you can’t reach at home. Dental visits also help catch small problems early.
Eat Healthy
What you eat can also affect how long your dental bridge lasts. Avoid hard foods, like ice or hard candy, which can crack or damage your new teeth. Also stay away from sticky foods, such as chewing gum or caramel, because they might loosen or pull on your bridge.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Foods high in calcium and vitamin C, like dairy products, leafy greens, and fruits, are especially good for your oral health.
Request a Consultation
Get dental bridge treatment in Chicago, IL, and Skokie, IL. Dr. Paul Chaiken and our experienced team at North Dental Professionals provide expert care and guidance throughout the process. You can call our Chicago dental office at 708-274-4192 or our Skokie dental office at 224-267-8083.