Dental Bridges in Northbrook, IL
Missing teeth can significantly impact both your confidence and your oral health. Gaps in your smile might make you hesitant to laugh or speak in public, while the empty spaces can cause remaining teeth to shift, creating bite problems and increasing your risk for gum disease. Dental bridges offer an effective, time-tested solution to fill these gaps and restore both functionality and aesthetics to your smile.
At Skale Dental Professionals, we provide custom dental bridges to patients throughout Northbrook and the North Shore area. Our experienced team understands each smile is unique, and we work diligently to create bridges that look natural, feel comfortable, and function just like your natural teeth. With advanced technology and meticulous craftsmanship, we can help you reclaim your complete, beautiful smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device designed to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. This permanent restoration consists of replacement teeth (pontics) anchored in place by dental crowns attached to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. The result is a secure, natural-looking solution that restores appearance and function.
Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges are fixed in place, offering stability and convenience. You won’t need to remove them for cleaning or worry about them shifting while speaking or eating. A well-designed bridge blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, making it virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
Different situations call for different bridge designs. Understanding the various options can help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
Traditional Bridges
The most common type, traditional bridges, consist of one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These abutment teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns. Traditional bridges are incredibly strong and stable, making them suitable for replacing teeth in areas subjected to significant chewing forces.
Cantilever Bridges
When there’s only one adjacent tooth available to support the bridge, a cantilever design might be recommended. In this case, the pontic is anchored by a crown on just one side. While not as common as traditional bridges, this option provides a solution for specific situations where a traditional bridge isn’t possible.
Maryland Bridges
Also known as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges use metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth rather than full crowns. This conservative approach preserves more of your natural tooth structure since minimal preparation is needed. Maryland bridges are typically used for front teeth, where chewing forces are lighter.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For maximum stability and bone preservation, implant-supported bridges anchor the replacement teeth directly to the jawbone using dental implants. Rather than relying on natural teeth for support, titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone serve as artificial tooth roots. This option provides exceptional durability and helps prevent bone loss that typically occurs after tooth loss.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Choosing to replace missing teeth with a dental bridge offers numerous advantages beyond simply filling the gap in your smile.
- Restoration of proper speech patterns affected by missing teeth
- Improved ability to chew and enjoy a wider variety of foods
- Prevention of remaining teeth shifting out of position
- Maintenance of facial shape and structure
- Protection against bone loss in the jaw
- Enhanced self-confidence and willingness to smile
Many patients find bridges significantly improve their quality of life, allowing them to eat, speak, and smile without self-consciousness or discomfort. The stability and natural appearance of modern bridges make them an excellent option for tooth replacement.
The Dental Bridge Process
At Skale Dental Professionals, we’ve refined our bridge placement process to ensure comfortable treatment and exceptional results. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation and Planning
Your journey begins with a thorough examination and discussion of your goals. Our dentists will evaluate your oral health, review your medical history, and determine if a bridge is the right solution for you. We’ll explain the different types of bridges and help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
Digital imaging allows us to show you how your completed bridge will look, giving you the opportunity to provide input before treatment begins. This collaborative approach ensures you’ll be delighted with your final result.
Preparation and Impressions
If you’re receiving a traditional bridge, we’ll gently prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping them to accommodate crowns. For your comfort, we use local anesthesia during this process.
Using our advanced digital scanning technology, we capture precise 3D images of your prepared teeth and surrounding structures. These digital impressions are more comfortable than traditional putty impressions and provide exceptionally accurate measurements for crafting your bridge.
Temporary Bridge Placement
While your permanent bridge is being crafted in our partner laboratory, we’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth and maintain your appearance. This interim solution allows you to become accustomed to the feel of your new bridge.
Final Placement
When your custom bridge is ready, we’ll carefully check the fit, color match, and bite alignment before permanently cementing it in place. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures your bridge looks natural and functions perfectly from the moment it’s placed.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, your dental bridge can last 10-15 years or even longer. We’ll provide detailed instructions for maintaining your bridge, such as:
- Special flossing techniques using floss threaders or water flossers to clean under the bridge
- Regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Avoid chewing extremely hard foods or ice that could damage the bridge
- Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings
These simple care routines will help protect your investment and extend the life of your bridge. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance on maintaining optimal oral health.
Take the Next Step Toward a Complete Smile
Dental bridges can be transformative, especially for those living with missing teeth for years. Many of our patients approaching retirement age find this is the perfect time to invest in restoring their smile, recognizing they still have decades of life to enjoy with complete, functional teeth.
At Skale Dental Professionals, we combine technical excellence with artistic skill to create dental bridges that enhance both your oral health and appearance. Our team is certified in craniofacial dental sleep medicine and committed to providing comfortable, lasting restorations. If you’re considering a dental bridge or have questions about tooth replacement options, call us at (872) 349-2038 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.