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Dental Bridge Patients who wish to restore missing teeth have a number of options available to them. Out of these options, bridges are one of the more efficient and cost-effective ways of restoring the smiles of patients that have lost multiple teeth. At Chicago Dental Esthetics, our professionals have the solutions our patients need for tooth restoration.How Dental Bridges WorkA dental bridge literally bridges the gap between two teeth. A traditional bridge will use the teeth already in the patient’s mouth for support - these supporting teeth are known at the abutments. There are two main parts to a bridge: the crown and the pontic teeth. The crown goes on the abutments, while the pontic teeth are the teeth that fill the gap. Implant BridgesInstead of using a patient’s original teeth as an abutment, implants are used for this purpose. Implants are screws placed in the jawbone and are considered a sturdier foundation for bridges than varieties that use teeth for support. The downside is that implant bridges are costly when compared to traditional bridges. However, implant bridges are known for their longevity. Cantilever BridgesA cantilever bridge only requires one abutment tooth for support. These are great for saving time and money, but they are not recommended for areas of the mouth where bite forces are particularly strong such as the back of the mouth. Cantilever bridges are a good option for patients that are missing some of their front teeth. Composite BridgesAnother cost-effective bridge solution are composite bridges. These bridges use composite resin to fill the gap between teeth. Extra care should be given with this type of bridge as it can be prone to chipping and damages if too much bite force is applied frequently. Maryland BridgesThe concept of a Maryland bridge is similar to a traditional dental bridge. The difference is that a metal framework is bonded to two opposite teeth where the false teeth are then attached. Maryland bridges help preserve the patient’s healthy teeth and don’t require them to be shaped to create abutments. Caring For BridgesDental bridges are not as strong as natural teeth, but depending on how well they are cared for, they can last up to 15 years depending on the type of bridge and where inside the mouth it has been placed. It is important to brush twice a day, even with bridges. Our professionals recommend using toothpaste with low abrasiveness, meaning minimal or no active whitening properties such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. High abrasiveness can damage bridges over time and does not do anything for false teeth. Additionally, be mindful of the wear and tear put on the bridges. Dental bridges that are placed at the front of the mouth typically are not meant to withstand excessive bite forces while bridges placed at the back of the mouth will be more adequate for biting and chewing. We Are Here For Your Tooth Restoration NeedsIf you are currently in need of tooth restoration services, our team at Chicago Dental Esthetics would be happy to work with you. If you would like to contact us to schedule an appointment or ask any questions, you can call our office at (224) 341-5162. |
 Hours Mon Tues Weds Thur Fri 9am-5pm 10am-6pm 9am-5pm 10am-6pm Closed Our practice is open the first Saturday of each month from 8am-3pm |
