Dental Bridges in Schaumburg, IL
Missing teeth can significantly impact your quality of life. Tooth loss makes it challenging to eat your favorite foods and speak clearly. It can also make you self-conscious about your smile. But did you know that poor oral health can also affect your physical health? Oral health has been linked to issues such as pneumonia, endocarditis, and heart disease, among others. Addressing oral health issues like missing teeth is as crucial as treating a broken arm. At Happy Smiles Family Dentistry, our team is well-equipped to resolve oral health concerns, particularly those involving missing teeth. We offer dental bridges to replace missing teeth, restore your oral function, and enhance your smile’s appearance.
Understanding Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are aptly named—these rows of artificial teeth “bridge” the gap that remains when a tooth is lost. Although bridges can be secured in the mouth using various methods, each bridge fills the space in your smile with an artificial tooth called a pontic.
Bridges are a restorative treatment that also offers cosmetic and lifestyle benefits. For example, a bridge restores your chewing power while simultaneously improving your smile and boosting your self-confidence.
A dental bridge is a reliable option if you need to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. When cared for properly, bridges can last 15 years or longer.
Types of Dental Bridges
Available in various types, dental bridges are tailored to meet different needs.
- Traditional bridge: Anchored by dental crowns on adjacent healthy teeth, a traditional bridge functions like a highway bridge supported by land on each end. As with any dental crown procedure, Dr. Aristodemo will remove a thin layer of enamel from the neighboring teeth to make space for the crowns. These adjustments allow the bridge to sit flush when attached.
- Implant-supported bridge: This bridge type uses mini dental implants for support, offering a firm foundation without altering healthy teeth. A mini implant is a smaller version of the larger traditional dental implant, which is a screw implanted directly into the jawbone. The fusion of the implant and bone provides unmatched stability for dental prosthetics.
- Cantilever bridge: This option is like a traditional bridge but uses only one crown. Think of it like a balcony that connects to a building on only one side.
- Maryland bridge: A Maryland bridge uses a metal framework that connects the pontic to the back of the adjacent teeth. This conservative option is only viable for front teeth, as the attachment is not durable enough to withstand the back teeth’s chewing force.
The Benefits of Mini Implants
At Happy Smiles Family Dentistry, we specialize in using innovative mini dental implants to replace missing teeth. In many cases, implant-supported bridges provide the best results for long-term oral health.
Mini dental implants are smaller than conventional implants, measuring less than 3 mm wide rather than 5 mm. As a result, they have broader applications. Dr. Aristodemo can use them even when patients have experienced some loss of bone tissue—a natural consequence of losing a tooth.
Some additional advantages of mini dental implants include:
- Minimally invasive procedure: While placing traditional implants requires incisions and stitches, mini implants only require a small pilot hole through the gums. This less invasive technique significantly reduces discomfort and healing time.
- Preservation of surrounding teeth: Traditional dental bridges require us to reshape healthy teeth to accommodate the crowns. On the other hand, implant-supported bridges won’t compromise the health of neighboring teeth.
- Enhanced stability and durability: Implant-supported bridges last longer than traditional bridges, thanks to the stability of the mini implants. The extra strength also improves functionality, allowing you to eat all your favorite foods without restriction.
- Affordability: Mini implants are a more affordable alternative to conventional implants, primarily due to their streamlined procedure. Additionally, mini implant-supported bridges provide a more cost-effective solution than traditional bridges, thanks to their long-term durability.
Complete Your Smile With a Dental Bridge
If you’re ready to replace missing teeth and improve your quality of life, Happy Smiles Family Dentistry is here to help. Led by Dr. Aristodemo, our team ensures a comfortable experience from consultation to final restoration. Contact us today to book a consultation and learn how a dental bridge can complete your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost varies based on the type of bridge used and whether any additional procedures are needed to restore your oral health. At your consultation, Dr. Aristodemo will evaluate your needs, explain your treatment options, and provide a detailed cost estimate.
Unlike partial dentures, dental bridges are fixed dental appliances. This means you’ll never need to remove your bridge. If you have a dental bridge and it feels loose, please get in touch with our office for assistance.
Whether you opt for a traditional bridge that involves enamel shaping or an implant-supported bridge that requires making small holes through the gums, our caring team at Happy Smiles Family Dentistry prioritizes your comfort throughout the process. Using local anesthesia or sedation techniques, we ensure that your procedure is comfortable and stress-free.