Dental Bridges: Restoring Your Smile at Jackson Family Dentistry
If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental bridges offer a reliable way to restore your smile’s function and appearance. At Jackson Family Dentistry in Downers Grove, Eric G. Jackson, DDS, and our team provide dental bridges designed to fit comfortably and blend naturally with your existing teeth. Whether you’re dealing with the effects of tooth loss on your bite, speech, or confidence, a dental bridge in Downers Grove, IL, can help close the gap and get your smile back on track.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. As the name suggests, a bridge literally spans the space left by a missing tooth, anchored on either side by your natural teeth or by dental implants. Unlike removable dentures, bridges are cemented in place, so they stay put while you eat, talk, and go about your day. For many patients a bridge is the right answer, particularly when the neighboring teeth already need crown work or when surgery isn’t a good option.
Are Dental Bridges Right for You?
Not every patient is a good fit for the same treatment, and Dr. Jackson will walk you through your options during a consultation. Generally, you may be a good candidate for dental bridges if you have one or more missing teeth, healthy teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap to support the bridge, and a desire to restore normal chewing and speaking function without a lengthy surgical process. Patients who want to prevent their remaining teeth from shifting out of place also tend to benefit from dental bridges, since an open gap can cause neighboring teeth to drift over time.
The Digital Difference
One thing patients often remember from past dental work is the impression tray, the one filled with putty that has to sit in your mouth while it sets. For nearly all of our crown and bridge work, that step doesn’t happen. We use a digital iTero scanner to capture your teeth and bite instead, which means no impression material in almost every case, a faster and more comfortable visit and a highly accurate fit for your dental bridge.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are a few different approaches to dental bridges, and the right one depends on your specific situation:
- Traditional bridges use a crown on each tooth bordering the gap, with a false tooth (called a pontic) suspended between them.
- Cantilever bridges are supported by a natural tooth on only one side of the gap, an option used less often today because of the added stress it can place on the anchoring tooth.
- Maryland bonded bridges rely on a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of neighboring teeth rather than crowns.
- Implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants instead of natural teeth, a strong option when several teeth in a row are missing.
Dr. Jackson will help determine which type of dental bridge best suits your oral health, the location of the gap, and your long-term goals.
What a Bridge Asks of the Teeth Beside It
A traditional bridge is held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap, and those teeth have to be prepared for crowns in order to carry it. If they already need crowns, that costs you nothing, and a bridge is often the most sensible option available. If they are healthy and have never been touched, it is a real trade, and it is one you should hear about before you decide rather than afterward.
A dental implant replaces the missing tooth on its own and leaves the neighboring teeth alone. It is also worth knowing that a bridge replaces the part of the tooth you can see, not the root, so the bone that used to hold that root continues to change over time.
None of that makes a bridge the wrong choice. It makes it a choice worth understanding. Dr. Jackson will walk you through both options, and the right answer depends on the condition of the teeth beside the gap, the bone underneath it, and what you want your mouth to look like in ten years.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Patients choose dental bridges for several reasons:
- They restore the look of a complete smile.
- They improve chewing and speaking ability.
- They keep the tooth above or below the gap from drifting down into the space.
- They keep neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment.
- With proper care, they offer years of reliable use.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can last many years with the right maintenance. Brush twice daily and floss under and around the bridge using floss threaders or an interdental brush to keep the area clean. Regular checkups at Jackson Family Dentistry allow us to monitor the bridge and the health of the supporting teeth, and avoiding hard or sticky foods can help prevent unnecessary wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
After your initial consultation, the process typically involves preparing the supporting teeth, scanning with our iTero system, and placing a temporary bridge while your permanent one is crafted. Most patients complete treatment within a few weeks.
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
The procedure is done with local anesthesia, so discomfort during treatment is minimal. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and typically fades quickly.
Will my dental bridge look natural?
Yes. Bridges are custom-shaped and shaded to match your surrounding teeth, so the result blends in with your smile.
Do you accept insurance for dental bridges?
Coverage varies depending on your dental plan, and our team can help you understand your specific benefits.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation
If a gap in your smile is affecting your confidence or your bite, don’t wait to explore your options. A dental bridge in Downers Grove, IL, from Jackson Family Dentistry can restore both function and appearance with a comfortable, digital approach from start to finish. Call our office to schedule your consultation with Eric G. Jackson, DDS, and take the first step toward a complete smile.
