Dental Bridges in Oak Lawn, IL: A Fixed Solution to Replace Missing Teeth
At Identical Smiles, we provide dental bridges in Oak Lawn, IL, for patients who are missing one or more teeth and want to fill in the gaps. This non-removable tooth replacement treatment is a fixed restoration that fits in the open gap left after tooth removal, to improve appearance and restore function at the same time. Not only will you have improved chewing ability, but this treatment can also improve spacing and bite stability at the same time.
A bridge works by anchoring the artificial tooth or dental prosthetic to neighboring teeth. If the natural teeth aren’t strong enough to support a tooth bridge, then they can be anchored using dental implants on either side of the gap. If you are searching for tooth replacement options near you, then we invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more about dental bridges.
When Dental Bridges are Recommended to Replace Missing Teeth
If you are missing one or more teeth, then it’s time to visit our nearby dental office in Oak Lawn, IL, to learn more about dental bridges and other restorative treatments. In addition to replacing missing teeth, a fixed dental bridge is also an effective solution to prevent other teeth from shifting into the empty spaces.
Permanent bridge teeth are often the preferred treatment option for many patients who want a fast and permanent restoration. We also offer other removable appliances that you might consider, such as full or partial dentures. When you are exploring tooth replacement options nearby, reach out to our team at Identical Smiles to learn more about the ways that these treatments can help you avoid complications in the future.
If you are missing a single tooth, then a bridge can be used to fill in this gap by anchoring the crown to nearby teeth. This treatment maintains proper spacing and function.
Porcelain bridges are ideal for patients who need to replace multiple missing teeth. You can use one fixed restoration for restoring several missing teeth in the same area of the mouth.
After tooth extraction, the missing tooth should be replaced as soon as possible to reduce the risk of bite instability that can develop over time. This treatment rebalances the chewing pressure.
A dental bridge is an effective solution to improve your comfort and function while eating and speaking. Enjoy your normal daily activities without worrying about gaps in your mouth.
Why Dental Bridges are a Reliable Long-Term Treatment for Tooth Replacement
One of the main benefits of choosing a fixed dental bridge is that this treatment functions like your natural teeth and stays in place securely. A dental bridge improves the appearance of your smile while also restoring your bite force balance and reducing stress on the remaining teeth.
Permanent bridge teeth offer long-term results and are designed to maintain durability for many years. You can eat and drink normally, and the bridge will stay strong with normal daily use. Our local team at Identical Smiles is here to provide the customized treatment options that you need.
Your front teeth bridge is customized to match your smile, including a similar shape, size, and color to your surrounding teeth.
Porcelain bridges are made with durable materials that protect your bite and hold up with normal daily activities.
Whether your bridge is secured to neighboring teeth or you have implant-supported bridges, you can rest assured knowing that the restoration is fixed in place without daily removal.
A quality dental bridge offers the long-term stability and strength that you need, with trusted results for many years.
Different Dental Bridges for Safe, Long-Term Tooth Replacement
Dental bridges are popular for smile restoration, especially since the treatment plan is customized based on each patient’s unique needs and preferences. At Identical Smiles, we offer multiple treatment options and different types of materials, based on the tooth position, bite forces, and the support structure for your dental prosthetic.
During your consultation, we will evaluate your oral health, including the condition of the surrounding teeth and how the bridge will be secured into place. At Identical Smiles, our team uses modern dental imaging to ensure the best possible results for every patient.
Traditional Bridge
This standard type of bridge combines a pontic tooth as the restoration that fills in the gap, with crowns on both sides of the bridge to anchor on nearby teeth.
Cantilever Design
If you have a cantilever design, then it means that the bridge is only supported on one side by an adjacent tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Dental implants can be used to secure the bridge when neighboring teeth aren’t strong enough to hold the bridge.
Temporary Bridge
There are times when a temporary bridge dental treatment is necessary to fill in the open space while you are waiting for the permanent bridge to be made.
Post-Op Instructions for Dental Bridges
After a dental bridge is placed, it’s normal to have a bit of sensitivity and mild discomfort during the first few days. It takes time for the teeth that are supporting your bridge (known as the abutment tooth) to adjust to the new restoration.
Here are a few recommendations that we suggest to care for your fixed dental bridge during recovery:
- Don’t eat anything that is hard, chewy, or sticky immediately after the appointment, because there is a risk that these foods could damage the bridge.
- Choose only soft foods during the first 24 to 48 hours if you feel sensitivity or discomfort. We recommend yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies, etc.
- During the recovery time, don’t chew on the side of the mouth where the bridge is placed because chewing could aggravate your discomfort.
- Always brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush twice a day to prevent future complications.
- You’ll need to clean beneath the pontic tooth by using a water flosser or a tooth threader. This should be done daily.
- Don’t use toothpicks near the margin of the bridge.
If you are wearing a temporary bridge while the final restoration is being made, then you’ll need to be extra careful during this time. The cement used to hold a temporary bridge in place is not as strong as permanent bridge teeth. So, don’t eat anything hard or sticky during this temporary period.
It’s common to have sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and this sensitivity should go away within a week or two. If you notice that pain or discomfort is getting worse or your bite feels uncomfortable/uneven, then contact our office for a follow-up appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most dental bridges are made of porcelain or ceramic materials, with careful selection to blend in with your natural smile. Each bridge can be customized based on your unique needs.
If you are consistent about proper care, then a quality dental bridge can last for 10 – 15 years or even longer.
Yes, a front teeth bridge is commonly used to improve the appearance of the smile and restore function at the same time.
Schedule an appointment at our office close to you in Oak Lawn, IL. We’ll evaluate your dental needs and create a personalized treatment plan for your smile.
