Use Dental Bridges from Our Crystal Lake Dentists to Fill in the Gaps of Your Smile
A dental bridge is a highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile’s function and appearance. When a tooth is lost, the gap it leaves can lead to several dental health issues. Over time, the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space, causing misalignment, changes in your bite, and even pain. Additionally, missing teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak properly, and may affect your self-confidence. At Windsor Dental, our Crystal Lake dentists are skilled in providing dental bridges that not only fill the gap but also enhance your overall oral health.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge consists of a false tooth, known as a pontic, that is used to fill the gap created by a missing tooth or teeth. The pontic is held in place by crowns that are placed on the surrounding teeth, which serve as anchors. This structure effectively bridges the gap, ensuring that your teeth remain in proper alignment and your bite remains stable. Dental bridges are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking result.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three main types of dental bridges that our Crystal Lake dentists commonly use:
1. Traditional Fixed Bridge: This is the most widely used type of dental bridge. It involves placing crowns on the two surrounding teeth, which serve as anchors for the pontic. The false tooth, usually made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics, is then placed between these crowns. Traditional fixed bridges are durable and can withstand the pressure of chewing, making them a popular choice for patients.
2. Cantilever Bridge: A cantilever bridge is used when there is only one tooth adjacent to the gap. This type of bridge is typically placed in areas of the mouth that do not experience heavy chewing loads, such as the front teeth. Cantilever bridges are a suitable option when only one anchor tooth is available.
3. Resin-Bonded Bridge: Also known as a Maryland bridge, this type uses metal or porcelain wings that are bonded to the back of the surrounding teeth with resin. The pontic is attached to these wings. Resin-bonded bridges are typically used for front teeth, where the stress on the bridge is minimal.
How the Procedure is Done
The placement of a dental bridge typically requires at least two visits to our office. During the first visit, the surrounding teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns. An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom bridge will be crafted. To protect your prepared teeth, a temporary bridge is placed until your permanent bridge is ready.
At the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the custom-made bridge is fitted and adjusted for comfort and proper alignment. Our Crystal Lake dentists will ensure that the bridge fits perfectly and feels natural in your mouth. In some cases, additional visits may be necessary to fine-tune the fit and ensure optimal results.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges not only restore the functionality of your teeth but also prevent the potential complications associated with missing teeth. By choosing a dental bridge, you can maintain your oral health, improve your bite, and enjoy a confident smile. If you’re looking for Crystal Lake dentists to help you with dental bridges, our practice is dedicated to providing personalized care and ensuring that your dental bridge meets your unique needs.
Don’t hesitate to contact our office at (815) 479-0944 with any questions or concerns. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your oral health.
