Illinois Guided Implants

Restorative and Reconstructive Bridgework Dentistry

Dental bridges are a popular treatment choice for replacing one, a few or all teeth on a given jaw structure. Bridgework is available for the maxilla as well as the mandible.

The most common examples are those used to replace one or two teeth that are either missing or need to be extracted. These types of bridges are usually cemented to adjacent, healthy tooth structures, which serve as an abutment. In other instances, they may be supported by dental implants.

Cemented bridges pose the threat of becoming loose, and, in extreme cases, cause failure of the anchoring teeth. Implant supported bridges overcome this limitation.

Each replacement tooth, or pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments or anchor ends of the bridge. As the span of a bridge increases (replaces 2-3-4 or more teeth) additional pontics are used to create the desired cosmetic result.

The infrastructure of the bridge will vary, depending on the length of the span. Most bridge substructures are either metallic or ceramic. Where the bridge is to be used plays a determining role in how the bridge is designed.

The Lava Bridge has become a well known and popular choice for attractive cosmetic outcomes since the entire structure is porcelain. Some dentists, nonetheless, may recommend a metallic bridge in areas of the jaw where biting and physical forces are significant.

For some patients, unnatural lateral forces arising from disturbed occlusal factors may be better suited for metallic bridgework. These same lateral forces can cause common bridgework to fail due to bonding leakages occuring at the anchor points of the bridge. As bacteria seep into and accumulate between the bonding surfaces, decay begins and makes eventual bridge replacement almost inevitable. Treatment of missing teeth is normally recommended for all patients. Wisdom teeth are rarely treated... but may be required for some patients. Open gaps between teeth can cause teeth to shift and rotate. Occlusion can become disrupted. Severe movements and rotations of teeth can lead to tooth breakage if left untreated.

Going a step further, it is not uncommon for patients with malaligned or shifted teeth to develop disorders of the tmjoints. In extreme cases jaw positioning and jaw movement becomes affected which can create additional symptoms for one side or both sides of the jaw.

Missing teeth can also accelerate bone loss in the immediate area. Bone stimulation is required for maintaining healthy jawbone. When a tooth is removed, bone tissue in the extraction site typically begins to deteriorate eventually. The opposing tooth will typically super erupt, simulataneously causing the threat of bone and tooth loss issues for the opposing tooth.

With good attention to detail and thorough articulation studies, bridgework can be fabricated to produce excellent aesthetics and dental function. Sizing and color shading requires close scrutiny. The use of temporary crowns and bridges can provide the ability to make adjustments in color shading.

Patients undergoing bridge and crown work are advised to view temporaries and final color shading selections under different light sources. Office lighting (fluorescent, incadescent) creates different effects, compared to sunlight or daylight.

Endurance levels for bridgework are highly varied and are affected by life style, eating habits, occlusal factors, oral health habits and the frequency of maintaining regular dental check ups. Bridgework has been known to fail in 2-3 years ... but has also been known to last 25 years and more.

Anchor teeth for a non implant supported bridge are prepared to be fitted with crowns, to which the missing teeth are attached. The anchor teeth are reduced in size and prepared with specialized bonding compounds.

Implant supported bridgework is the preferred treatment of choice for some, although cost can be a factor. For large spans or the entire length of the jawbone, fixed bridges are popular, but are serviced typically by the dentist. As with cemented bridgework, fixed bridges are subject to the same bacteria and decay issues. Thorough cleaning and inspection is usually performed by the dentist.

Dr. Marinic will provide you with the objective details and available treatment options you can have and need for making an informed decision about which combinations of advanced tooth replacement technologies would be available for you.

Our restorative procedures can be reviewed in more detail at our cosmetic website.

Home   Laboratory   Credentials   NobelGuide   Virtual Planning   CatScans   Resorption   Gum Disease
Marius Bridge   Denture   Implants   Failures   Fix - Repair   Bone Loss   Ask The Dentist   Consultation
Financing   Chicago Tribune   Photo Gallery   Video

Illinois IL Full Mouth Guided Implant Dental Reconstruction
Daniel Marinic, DDS, FIOCI
2611 Broadway Avenue
Cook County Evanston
Chicago IL 60201
(847) 475-8700
National Consultant at