What Is a Dental Bridge? Everything You Need to Know

Struggling with missing teeth? You’re not alone—and there’s a trusted solution. Dental bridges restore your smile, speech, and bite with long-lasting, natural-looking results. In this blog, discover who needs them, how they work, and exactly what to expect from the entire dental bridge treatment process. Let’s dive in and reclaim your confident smile today!

Who Needs a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge fills in the space where teeth used to be. It “bridges” the gap with replacement teeth that look and function like natural ones.

But not everyone needs one. Here’s who benefits most:

• People missing one or more teeth in a row
• Those who don’t want removable dentures
• Patients whose nearby teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge
• Individuals who feel self-conscious about gaps in their smile

Tooth loss happens for all sorts of reasons—injury, decay, gum disease. The important part is what you do next.

Leaving gaps alone causes more problems:

• Teeth start shifting
• Your bite gets uneven
• Jawbone weakens in that area
• You may struggle with chewing or speaking

If any of that sounds familiar, talk to a dentist in 60164. A skilled provider can check your teeth and tell you whether a bridge could help.

How Dental Bridges Replace Missing Teeth

Dental bridges are fixed restorations. That means they stay in your mouth. You don’t take them out at night like dentures. If you’re looking for dental bridges in Northlake, IL, you’ll find that modern options are both durable and natural-looking.

Here’s how they work:

1. Support Teeth (Abutments): These are the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge attaches to them for stability.
2. Pontic (Replacement Tooth): This is the tooth that fills the empty space. It looks just like your natural teeth.
3. Materials: Most bridges use ceramic, porcelain, or a mix. These are safe, durable, and look like real teeth.

A bridge restores your chewing ability and stops your other teeth from drifting out of place. It also fills out your facial structure, keeping your cheeks from sinking inward where teeth are missing.

Dental Bridge Treatment Process

Getting a bridge takes a few appointments, but the steps are straightforward. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Consultation

Your first visit includes a full exam. Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, and bone structure. You’ll also get X-rays or scans. This helps the dentist design a bridge that fits right and lasts long.

At this stage, your provider will explain all your options, not just bridges. It’s a good time to ask questions and explore what’s best for you.

Step 2: Tooth Prep

If your bridge will use support teeth, the dentist will gently shape those teeth. This helps the bridge fit snugly. You’ll receive a temporary bridge while your custom one is made.

• No pain—local anesthetic keeps you comfortable
• The temporary bridge protects your teeth and helps you eat normally

Step 3: Bridge Placement

When your permanent bridge is ready, you return to the dentist’s office near you. The dentist fits it, checks the bite, and makes small adjustments. Once it’s just right, the bridge gets cemented in place.

Expect it to feel a bit new at first. But in a few days, it’ll feel like your own teeth.

Quick Facts: Dental Bridges

• Lasts between 5 and 15 years or more with good care
• Look and feel natural
• Help avoid jaw issues by keeping teeth aligned
• Don’t require surgery
• Let you eat most of your favorite foods

Maintenance Tips:

To keep your bridge strong and healthy:

• Brush twice daily
• Floss under the bridge with a threader or water flosser
• Visit your dentist every six months
• Avoid using teeth as tools—no bottle opening or pen chewing

Types of Dental Bridges

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your dentist chooses the right type based on your situation:

Traditional Bridge

• Most common
• Uses crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap
• Works well when you have strong supporting teeth

Cantilever Bridge

• Anchored to one tooth only
• Used when there’s only one natural tooth beside the gap

Maryland Bridge

• Uses a metal or porcelain “wing” instead of a crown
• Less invasive but not as strong as other types

Implant-Supported Bridge

• Supported by dental implants rather than the original teeth
• Ideal for multiple missing teeth

Not sure which fits you? Your provider will guide you through the pros and cons of each.

Final Thoughts

Ready to stop worrying about missing teeth? A dental bridge can preserve your bite and bring back your smile. Book your visit with Smiles of Northlake – Dentist Dr. Mehta today and take the first step toward lasting comfort and confidence. Your new smile is closer than you think—schedule your consultation now.