Dental Bridges in Bloomington, IL: Bridging the Gap in Your Smile
Missing a tooth can affect more than just your appearance; it can shift your bite, cause jaw pain, and make chewing difficult. At Nord Dental, we offer custom-made dental bridges to replace missing teeth and restore the natural balance of your smile. Dr. Annie Nord is an expert in restorative dentistry, helping patients in Eagle Crest, Tipton Trails, and throughout Bloomington-Normal regain their confidence with durable, fixed solutions.
Unlike dentures, which are removable, a dental bridge is anchored permanently to your neighboring teeth or dental implants. This provides a stable, secure fit that feels much like your natural teeth. Call (309) 663-9421 to see if a bridge is right for you.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two main parts:
- Abutments: The anchoring teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap, which are crowned to support the bridge.
- Pontics: The artificial tooth (or teeth) that fills the space, custom-crafted to match the color and shape of your real teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, bridges not only restore your smile but also help distribute bite forces evenly and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
Types of Bridges We Offer
Dr. Nord will recommend the best type of bridge based on the location of your missing tooth and the health of your surrounding teeth:
- Traditional Fixed Bridge: The most common type, made of porcelain fused to metal or high-strength ceramics. It uses crowns on the adjacent teeth for support.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Instead of crowning natural teeth, this bridge is supported by dental implants. It is an excellent option when several teeth in a row are missing.
- Cantilever Bridge: Used when there is only one adjacent tooth available for support, though this is less common today.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
Restoring your smile with a bridge typically takes two visits:
- Preparation: Dr. Nord prepares the anchor teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to allow room for the crowns. We take a precise impression to send to our dental lab.
- Placement: Once your custom bridge is ready, you return to our office. Dr. Nord checks the fit, color, and bite before permanently cementing the bridge in place.
What Our Patients Say
“Annie and her staff are very skilled, efficient and all around just great to be around. They will always
take care of mine and my family’s dental needs.”
– Nick Carey, Bloomington, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dental bridge hard to clean?
It requires a slightly different technique than normal flossing. You will need to clean under the false tooth (pontic) to keep the gum tissue healthy. We will show you how to use a “floss threader” or superfloss to make this process easy and effective.
How long does a bridge last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. The health of the “anchor” teeth is critical, so brushing and flossing are essential.
Which is better: a bridge or an implant?
Both are excellent options. A bridge is often faster to complete and may be preferred if the adjacent teeth already need crowns. An implant is often better if you want to avoid altering healthy neighboring teeth. Dr. Nord will help you compare options based on your specific needs.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t let a missing tooth limit your life. Explore our full range of restorative dentistry services to find the perfect solution for your smile.
Call (309) 663-9421 to book your visit. Or visit our contact page for our location details.