Dental Bridges in Oak Lawn, IL

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (pontic) to the surrounding natural teeth or dental implants. It “bridges” the gap left by missing teeth and restores the full structure of your smile.

Traditional dental bridges consist of:

• Two or more crown-supported abutments placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap
• One or more false teeth (pontics) to fill the space
• High-quality porcelain or ceramic materials for durability and aesthetics

Bridges not only restore your smile but also help maintain alignment by preventing neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.

When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?

Dr. Michael B. Smith may recommend a dental bridge if:

• You’re missing one or more consecutive teeth
• You have healthy teeth on either side of the gap for support
• You’re not a candidate for dental implants or prefer a non-surgical option
• You want to restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence

A bridge can also be supported by implants in cases where adjacent teeth aren’t strong enough to support traditional crowns. We’ll help you decide which option best fits your needs during your consultation.

Types of Dental Bridges We Offer

At Inside The Smile, all bridges are custom-fabricated using porcelain or ceramic crowns, which provide lifelike aesthetics, strength, and long-term performance. Options include:

1. Traditional Fixed Bridge

Anchored to natural teeth on either side of the gap using dental crowns. Ideal for patients with healthy surrounding teeth.

2. Cantilever Bridge

Anchored to just one adjacent tooth. This option is used in cases where there is only one tooth available next to the gap, typically in areas with lower bite force.

Dr. Smith will evaluate your oral health, bite alignment, and long-term goals to determine the most appropriate bridge type.

The Dental Bridge Process

Receiving a bridge typically involves two to three appointments:

1. Preparation of Anchor Teeth – The supporting teeth are reshaped, and porcelain or ceramic crowns are custom-designed to support the bridge.
2. Impressions and Temporary Bridge – We take detailed impressions or digital scans to fabricate your permanent bridge. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the area in the meantime.
3. Final Bridge Placement – Once your custom bridge is ready, we’ll bond it securely and make any needed adjustments for comfort, fit, and appearance.

The final result restores your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

Choosing a dental bridge offers several important benefits:

• Prevents shifting of neighboring teeth
• Restores full chewing function for balanced eating
• Improves clarity in speech that may be affected by tooth loss
• Preserves facial shape by maintaining jaw support
• Delivers natural appearance using tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic

Bridges are an excellent solution for patients who want to avoid removable dentures or who aren’t candidates for implants.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

A dental bridge can last 10–15 years or more with proper care. To protect your investment:

• Brush and floss daily, especially around the bridge and gumline
• Use floss threaders or water flossers to clean underneath the pontic
• Maintain routine dental exams and cleanings
• Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or chew hard objects
• Consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth

Dr. Smith will monitor the condition of your bridge and surrounding teeth during each visit.