Dental Bridges in Chicago: A Fixed, Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
Missing a tooth affects more than just your smile—it can impact your confidence, ability to chew, and the health of your surrounding teeth. At ABC Dental in Chicago, we offer custom-crafted dental bridges as a reliable, permanent, and non-removable solution to seamlessly restore your smile’s function and appearance.
What is a Dental Bridge? A Fixed Alternative to Dentures.
A dental bridge is precisely what its name suggests: a structure that creates a “bridge” across the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Unlike a removable partial denture that you take out, a bridge is permanently cemented in place by your dentist. It consists of two main parts:
- Abutment Teeth: The healthy teeth on either side of the gap are prepared to serve as stable anchors.
- Pontic(s): This is the false tooth (or teeth) that fills the empty space, restoring your complete smile.
Why Choose a Fixed Bridge Over a Removable Option?
While all tooth replacement options have their place, a fixed dental bridge offers distinct advantages for the right candidate:
- Permanent & Stable: Once placed, it feels and functions like your natural teeth. There is no slipping, clicking, or need to remove it for cleaning.
- Preserves Facial Structure: It helps maintain the shape of your face and prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
- Restores Full Function: Enjoy eating all your favorite Chicago foods—from crisp apples to steak—with confidence and full chewing power.
- Natural Aesthetics: We craft bridges from high-quality, tooth-colored materials (like porcelain fused to metal or zirconia) that blend flawlessly with your natural smile.
- Time-Tested Solution: Bridges are a predictable, durable restoration with a long clinical history of success.
The Bridge Procedure: What to Expect at ABC Dental
- Consultation & Planning: We examine your teeth, take digital impressions or scans, and plan your treatment.
- Tooth Preparation: The abutment teeth are gently reshaped to accommodate the future bridge. This is a precise and conservative process.
- Precision Impressions: We capture detailed molds or digital scans, which are sent to a professional dental lab where your custom bridge is crafted.
- Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being made, we fit you with a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth.
- Final Fitting: When your permanent bridge is ready, we check the fit, shape, and color. Once perfect, it is permanently cemented into place.
Caring for Your New, Fixed Bridge
Because your bridge is not removable, care focuses on excellent hygiene around it:
- Brushing & Flossing: Brush twice daily. Flossing requires special tools, like floss threaders or water flossers, to clean effectively under the false tooth and around the abutments.
- Regular Checkups: Maintain your twice-yearly cleanings and exams so we can ensure the bridge, gums, and supporting teeth remain healthy.
- Avoid Excessive Force: Treat your bridge like natural teeth—avoid using it to open packages or chew extremely hard objects.
Your Candidacy for a Dental Bridge
A bridge may be your ideal solution if:
- You have one or more consecutive missing teeth.
- The teeth on either side of the gap are strong and healthy enough to serve as supports.
- You desire a fixed, non-removable restoration.
- You are looking for a time-tested, cost-effective permanent solution.
Schedule a Consultation to Rebuild Your Smile
If you are tired of the gap in your smile and want a stable, permanent solution, a dental bridge from ABC Dental may be the answer.
Book an appointment to get your pearly white smile in tip top shape today by calling 773-481-2200 or booking online.