A dental bridge is an appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth. It bridges the space between two teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented onto teeth on either side of the space. Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth by you. If you are missing any teeth and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you may be a good candidate for a bridge. If left unfilled, this space can cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position and can cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, leading to further tooth loss. Fixed bridges not only correct an altered bite, improve your chewing ability and speech, but they also safeguard your appearance by preventing the collapse of your facial features that can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.
With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly. If you do not control the buildup of food debris and plaque – the sticky film of bacteria formed from food acids – your teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment and resulting in possible loss of the bridge. Your dentist may also recommend using floss threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums.
If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10 years, or even longer.
If you have missing teeth and dental implants are not right for you at this time, dental bridges are an excellent treatment option to consider. At Exquisite Smiles Oak Park we tailor your treatment to your specific oral health needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
I was in a fragile emotional state when I first came to Exquisite Smiles earlier this year, because I had to stop seeing my previous dentist due to him no longer being in network with my insurance. I ... Read More
I’ve been a patient, along with my husband and four kids, for twenty years. Every one in this practice is amazing.
One of the friendliest and most professional dental groups. 1,000,000% better than my experience at A Brilliant Smile, where my appointments were canceled with no reason provided. All dental care sh... Read More
I was in a fragile emotional state when I first came to Exquisite Smiles earlier this year, because I had to stop seeing my previous dentist due to him no longer being in network with my insurance. I have not only bad teeth (multiple cavities, root canals, extractions - when it comes to my mouth, you name it, I probably got it), but also severe anxiety when I'm in a dentist's office, and it's always an ordeal for me to start working with someone new. Well, I couldn't have made a better choice! Dr. Valerie Levrant is PHENOMENAL - not only she is a great, very thorough dentist, but also has a very friendly and warm personality, and a great sense of humor. Her assistant, Mariella, is so friendly and outgoing that I felt like I was chatting with a friend, not a dental assistant. Between the two of them they made me so comfortable that I was actually looking forward to my visits - which, coming from me, is the highest compliment! DEFINITELY recommended!
I’ve been a patient, along with my husband and four kids, for twenty years. Every one in this practice is amazing.
One of the friendliest and most professional dental groups. 1,000,000% better than my experience at A Brilliant Smile, where my appointments were canceled with no reason provided. All dental care should be this easy!!