Dental Bridges in Berwyn, IL

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is comprised of two dental crowns and a pontic, which is the artificial tooth. The false teeth are held in place by crowns on either side of the gap. Two crowns fit over abutment teeth (the surrounding teeth), and a false tooth is suspended between them.

What are the different types of dental bridges?

There are three main types of dental bridges: traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and Implant-supported bridges.

• Traditional bridges

Traditional bridges are sometimes referred to as “fixed bridges” because they use a crown on each side of the missing tooth. The crowns are attached to the healthy teeth on each side. The construction of the bridge does rely on healthy tooth enamel for support, so it may not be the best dental bridge option for patients with weakened enamel.

• Cantilever bridges

Cantilever bridges are made when teeth on both sides of the gap have crowns. The crowns anchor the artificial tooth or teeth in place. Cantilever bridges are also called “bridges.”

• Maryland bonded bridges

Maryland bonded bridges are a type of dental bridge that consists of a pontic (artificial tooth) and abutment (a tooth that attaches to a dental implant) that is held in place with dental cement or a special bonding agent. The pontic is attached between two abutments, eliminating the need to drill away any of the tooth’s natural enamel. 

• Implant-supported bridges

Dental bridges can replace one or multiple missing teeth in a row. Traditional bridges are anchored by crowns affixed to natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Implant-supported bridges are anchored by implants instead of natural teeth. The implants are placed first, and abutments (connectors) are placed over them to connect the bridge. Implant-supported bridges are more stable than their traditional counterparts, and they won’t damage adjacent teeth.

What are the benefits of dental bridges?

Bridges restore your smile, improve your chewing ability and speech, distribute your bite forces properly, and prevent the shifting of your other teeth.