Dental bridges close the gaps between your teeth to restore a healthy, confident smile

Just like an architectural bridge spans a space between two points, dental bridges span the gap between two teeth! At West Suburban Oral Health Care in Naperville, Illinois, we are privileged to offer this time-tested form of tooth replacement to our patients from Wheaton, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, North Aurora, and the surrounding area.

Get to know dental bridges

Fixed or permanent, secured dental bridges generally require some existing, healthy teeth adjacent to the missing teeth or gaps. Why? The adjacent, neighboring teeth on either side of the space will support the replacement tooth (or teeth). These teeth are crowned for the ultimate in stability and support to the new tooth (or pontic). The crowned abutments anchor the pontic in place.

There are many different designs for conventional dental bridges, making it an option for more patients who may not have neighboring teeth on either side of the gap. However, these designs can have drawbacks as there may not be sufficient support to hold up the pontic over the long haul. Our dentists, Drs. Susan Mazzei, Kelsey Esposito, and Ashley Nguyen, are happy to discuss the pros and cons of various options with you and new types of bridges that are available courtesy of modern dental technologies and techniques.

A “standard” approach to bridges is reducing and reshaping the anchoring abutment teeth. Impressions or models of these teeth are taken to fabricate the crowns. The crowns are made and then fused or joined to the pontic or replacement tooth, which is also perfectly color-matched to blend in with the neighboring teeth. Once the bridge is completed, it is bonded or secured to the reduced abutments. With the bridge in place, the pontic closes the gap between the teeth! Our bridges are built to last, but we will demonstrate ways to clean underneath the bridge properly and protect the teeth from decay. You may also benefit from special floss or cleaners to remove food particles from hard-to-reach and tight spaces underneath the bridge unit.

A note on dental implants

Bridges may also be supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth that are reduced and crowned. Implants are small cylinders placed in the jawbone. They naturally and safely fuse to the surrounding bone. Once this healing process is completed, the replacement teeth (be it a crown, bridge, or denture) are then connected to the implant. So, the new teeth are “rooted” in the jaw through the replacement tooth root or implant.

Today’s patients with scattered missing teeth are fortunate to have many options to fill their gaps and boost their self-confidence and quality of life. We look forward to working with you to restore your stunning and healthy smile. Call 630-393-3045 to schedule your appointment at our Naperville office.

Dr. Susan Mazzei is a skilled dentist specializing in prosthodontics. A graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, she completed a Certification in Prosthodontics before joining the faculty of Northwestern University Dental School as a Clinical Assistant Professor, where she served for 12 years and became Assistant Professor Emeritus. Dr. Mazzei believes that excellent oral health begins with education and prevention and is committed to continuing her education. She is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, a Charter Fellow in the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), and has completed the Bale and Doneen Method Preceptorship Program.

Dr. Kelsey Esposito worked in healthcare advertising and communications before realizing that her passions were dentistry and patient care. She holds a BA in Economics and Fine Art from Kalamazoo College, a Premedicine Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from Northwestern University, and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Illinois in Chicago. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Chicago Dental Society (CDS), Illinois Dental Society (IDS), Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and AAOSH.

Dr. Marco Fajardo is a graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, where he also served as a part-time Assistant Clinical Instructor. He was a member of the University Dental Associates of the University of Chicago too. In 1994, he formed the basis of West Suburban Oral Healthcare with Dr. Mazzei. He is now its Team Leader.

Dr. Ashley Nguyen studied at the University of Buffalo and Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL (dental school). She is a member of the ADA, CDS, IDS, and other local organizations. She continues her education by attending dental conferences and seminars.