Dental Bridges in Highland Park

Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance—they can impact your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral health. At Sommerfeld Dentistry, we offer custom dental bridges in Highland Park to restore your smile, improve function, and prevent future dental problems caused by tooth loss.

A dental bridge is a reliable tooth replacement option that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. By restoring your smile with a natural-looking bridge, you can regain confidence while protecting the alignment and health of your remaining teeth.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. The replacement tooth (called a pontic) is securely supported by the healthy teeth on either side of the space, known as abutment teeth. These supporting teeth are typically restored with dental crowns for strength and stability.

Dental bridges are carefully designed to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, creating a seamless and functional smile.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

  • Replace one or more missing teeth
  • Restore your smile and facial appearance
  • Improve chewing and speaking ability
  • Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
  • Maintain proper bite alignment
  • Distribute biting forces evenly across your teeth
  • Provide a durable, long-lasting tooth replacement solution

Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth and have healthy teeth on either side of the gap, you may be an excellent candidate for a dental bridge. During your consultation, Dr. Sommerfeld or Dr. Serlin will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best tooth replacement option for your needs.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Replacing missing teeth is important for both your oral health and your overall well-being. When a tooth is lost, nearby teeth can gradually shift into the empty space, causing bite problems and making it more difficult to clean your teeth effectively.

Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge can help:

  • Restore proper chewing function
  • Improve speech clarity
  • Maintain facial support
  • Reduce excessive wear on remaining teeth
  • Help lower the risk of gum disease caused by shifting teeth

The Dental Bridge Procedure

First Visit

During your first appointment, the supporting teeth are gently prepared so they can securely hold the bridge. Digital impressions or molds are taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your custom restoration is created. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth while your permanent bridge is being fabricated.

Second Visit

Once your permanent bridge is ready, it is carefully checked for fit, comfort, bite, and appearance before being permanently bonded into place. Our goal is to ensure your new bridge feels comfortable and blends naturally with your smile.

Types of Dental Bridges

  • Traditional fixed bridges
  • Cantilever bridges
  • Maryland bonded bridges
  • Implant-supported bridges for multiple missing teeth

During your consultation, we’ll recommend the option that best fits your smile, oral health, and long-term goals.

What Materials Are Dental Bridges Made From?

Modern dental bridges are commonly fabricated from durable porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain fused to metal. These materials provide excellent strength while closely matching the appearance of your natural teeth.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

With proper oral hygiene and routine dental visits, many dental bridges last 10 to 15 years or longer. Maintaining healthy gums and supporting teeth plays an important role in the longevity of your restoration.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Proper home care is essential for keeping your bridge and surrounding teeth healthy.

  • Brush twice daily.
  • Floss underneath your bridge using floss threaders or specialty floss.
  • Attend regular professional cleanings and dental exams.
  • Avoid chewing ice or other hard objects.
  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Restore Your Smile with a Dental Bridge in Highland Park

If you’re missing one or more teeth, our experienced team can help you restore a healthy, complete smile with a custom dental bridge. Contact Sommerfeld Dentistry today to schedule your consultation and learn which tooth replacement option is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

How long do dental bridges last?

Most dental bridges last between 10 and 15 years, and many last even longer with excellent oral hygiene and routine dental care.

Is getting a dental bridge painful?

The procedure is performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Most patients experience only mild soreness afterward.

Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?

Yes. Once your bridge is in place and you’ve adjusted to it, you’ll be able to enjoy most of your favorite foods while chewing more comfortably.

How do I clean under a dental bridge?

Special floss threaders, interdental brushes, or water flossers can help clean beneath your bridge and keep your gums healthy.

Is a dental bridge better than a dental implant?

Both are excellent tooth replacement options. Dental implants replace the tooth root and often last longer, while bridges are a great solution when implants are not ideal. We’ll help determine which treatment is best for your smile.

Will my dental bridge look natural?

Yes. Your bridge is custom-crafted to closely match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth for a beautiful, natural-looking smile.