- 305 E. Rand Road Arlington Heights, IL 60004
- Dental Bonding
- Tooth Extraction
- Smile Makeover in Arlington Heights
- Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
- Teeth Whitening
- Root Canal Therapy
- Dental Fillings
- Prosthodontics
- All on 4 Dental Implants
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Invisalign Aligners in Arlington Heights IL
- Dental Bridges
- General Dentistry
- Dental Sealants
- Dental Crowns
- Gummy Smile
- Esthetic Dentistry
- Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
- Gum Disease Laser Therapy
- Full Arch Dental Implants
- Dental Implants
- Deep Teeth Cleaning
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Dental Bridges: Restoring Your Smile in Arlington Heights, IL
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They act as a protective barrier, preventing food particles and bacteria from getting stuck in the deep grooves of teeth. This process helps prevent cavities, especially in children aged 6 to 14, who are most prone to tooth decay.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are a common and effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, that are anchored in place by dental crowns attached to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. This structure not only restores the appearance of your smile but also maintains the proper alignment of your remaining teeth and ensures your oral health.
Why You Might Need a Dental Bridge
Missing teeth can lead to a variety of issues, from difficulty chewing to problems with speech. Moreover, the gap left by missing teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of place, leading to bite problems and further oral health complications. A dental bridge is designed to fill this gap, restoring both function and aesthetics. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, gum disease, or injury, a dental bridge can help you regain your confidence and maintain a healthy mouth.
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Tailored care designed to meet your unique dental needs.
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Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, each suited to different situations:
Traditional Dental Bridge
- The most common type, this bridge involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are typically made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
- Used when there is only one natural tooth next to the gap, a cantilever bridge supports the pontic from just one side. While less common, this type of bridge is still a viable option for certain cases.
Maryland Dental Bridge
- Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, the Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the surrounding teeth. This type of bridge is less invasive but may not be as strong as traditional options.
Implant-Supported Bridge
- This bridge is supported by dental implants rather than crowns on natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges are highly durable and are often recommended when multiple teeth are missing.
Your dentist will recommend the type of dental bridge that best suits your needs, considering factors such as the location of the missing teeth, the condition of your remaining teeth, and your overall oral health.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
Getting a dental bridge typically involves multiple visits to your dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the crowns. Impressions of your teeth are then taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom bridge will be created. In the meantime, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
At your second visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and your new, custom-made bridge is fitted and adjusted for comfort and functionality. Once everything is in place, the bridge is permanently cemented.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, a dental bridge can last up to 15 years or more. To ensure the longevity of your bridge, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, especially around the bridge area. Your dentist may recommend using a special floss threader to clean underneath the pontic. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial to monitor the condition of your bridge and the health of your surrounding teeth and gums.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer several benefits:
Restored Function
- Bridges restore your ability to chew and speak properly, which can be difficult when teeth are missing.
Improved Appearance
- By filling the gap in your smile, a dental bridge enhances your overall appearance and boosts your confidence.
Maintained Alignment
- A bridge prevents the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, helping to maintain the alignment of your bite.
Support for Oral Health
- By replacing missing teeth, a dental bridge helps prevent additional dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, that can arise when gaps are left untreated.
Your dentist will recommend the type of dental bridge that best suits your needs, considering factors such as the location of the missing teeth, the condition of your remaining teeth, and your overall oral health.
Are Dental Bridges Painful?
The process of getting a dental bridge is generally not painful. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure to numb the area, so you should feel minimal discomfort. Some patients may experience slight sensitivity or soreness after the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few days. If you have concerns about pain or discomfort, your dentist can discuss options for managing it during and after the procedure.
Cost of Dental Bridges
The cost of a dental bridge can vary based on the type of bridge you choose and the materials used. While dental insurance often covers a portion of the cost, it’s important to check with your provider for details. At Omni Dental, we strive to offer affordable options and work with you to ensure your treatment fits within your budget. We also provide information on financing options to make your dental care more manageable.
Why Choose Omni Dental for Your Dental Bridge in Arlington Heights, IL?
At Omni Dental, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for your dental needs. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques and materials to ensure your dental bridge is durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. We understand the importance of a healthy, complete smile, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain it.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you need a dental bridge in Arlington Heights, IL, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Omni Dental. Our team is ready to help you restore your smile and improve your oral health with a custom dental bridge designed just for you.
Questions & Answers
With proper care, a dental bridge can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or more. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding hard foods can help extend the lifespan of your bridge. However, the longevity of a bridge also depends on the materials used and how well it’s maintained over time.
Generally, a dental bridge is less expensive than a dental implant. However, the cost difference depends on various factors, including the type of bridge, the materials used, and the complexity of the procedure. While bridges may have a lower upfront cost, implants are often seen as a longer-term solution with potentially fewer complications.
An alternative to a dental bridge is a dental implant. Implants are often preferred because they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support and help preserve bone structure. Other alternatives include partial dentures, which can be removed for cleaning, or simply leaving the gap untreated, though this can lead to further dental issues.
A dental bridge can typically replace up to four teeth in a row, depending on the strength of the supporting teeth or implants. The more teeth that need to be replaced, the more support the bridge will require, which may involve additional crowns or implants to ensure stability and function.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Transform your smile with our cosmetic dentistry services. From whitening to veneers, we offer solutions to enhance the beauty of your smile effortlessly.
Dental Implants
Enhance your smile with permanent dental implants. A reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring function.
Invisalign
Achieve a straighter smile discreetly with Invisalign. Clear, comfortable aligners tailored to align your teeth without the look of braces.