Dental Bridges in Libertyville, IL

Missing teeth can affect more than your smile. They can change how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. A dental bridge offers a reliable solution to fill gaps in your smile, restoring both function and appearance with natural-looking results.

At Dental Health & Beauty, we understand the impact missing teeth can have on your daily life. Our team, led by Dr. Nicholas Polito, provides custom dental bridges designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while giving you back the confidence to smile freely.

A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge consists of artificial teeth called pontics, which fill the space, and crowns that fit over the neighboring natural teeth to hold the bridge securely in place.

The process begins with preparing the anchor teeth, which involves reshaping them slightly to accommodate the dental crowns. We then take detailed impressions of your mouth to create a bridge that matches the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. While your permanent bridge is being crafted at a dental laboratory, we'll provide a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and maintain your appearance.

Once your custom bridge is ready, you'll return for a final fitting. We'll check the fit and appearance carefully, making any necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. The bridge is then permanently cemented in place, giving you a stable, long-lasting solution.

Dental bridges offer several advantages beyond simply filling a gap. They restore your ability to chew effectively, allowing you to enjoy a fuller range of foods without discomfort or difficulty. Speech can also improve, as missing teeth often affect pronunciation and clarity.

A bridge helps maintain your facial structure by preventing the shifting of remaining teeth. When a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth may gradually drift into the empty space, leading to bite problems and increased risk of decay. A bridge keeps your teeth properly aligned and supports your facial contours.

From a cosmetic dentistry standpoint, bridges provide natural-looking results. Modern materials and techniques allow us to create restorations that blend beautifully with your existing teeth. The result is a complete smile you can feel confident showing.

Traditional bridges are the most common type and work well when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. These bridges provide excellent stability and can last many years with proper care.

Cantilever bridges may be used when adjacent teeth are present on only one side of the missing tooth. While less common than traditional bridges, they can be an effective solution in certain situations.

Maryland bonded bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. This option requires less preparation of the anchor teeth, making it a more conservative approach. However, it may not be suitable for all locations in the mouth, particularly areas that experience heavy chewing forces.

Maintaining your bridge requires consistent oral hygiene. Brush twice daily and floss carefully around the bridge using special floss threaders or interdental brushes. These tools help you clean beneath the pontic and around the crowns where regular floss cannot reach.

Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your bridge and address any concerns early. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that can compromise the health of your anchor teeth and surrounding gums.

Avoid habits that could damage your bridge, such as chewing ice, biting fingernails, or using your teeth to open packages. While bridges are durable, they're not indestructible. Taking these precautions helps extend the life of your restoration.

Replacing missing teeth improves more than your appearance. It protects your oral health, preserves your facial structure, and restores essential functions. A well-fitted bridge can serve you reliably for many years, giving you the freedom to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Dr. Polito and our team at Dental Health & Beauty bring years of experience in restorative dentistry to every case. We take the time to understand your needs and create treatment plans tailored to your specific situation. Our practice combines advanced techniques with personalized care to deliver results that look natural and feel comfortable. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, we're here to help you achieve a complete, healthy smile.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how dental bridges can restore your smile.