Do you often find yourself hiding your smile due to missing teeth? Dental bridges are remarkable solutions that bridge the gap between missing teeth, restoring both functionality and aesthetics to your smile. At Polished Dental Care, our highly qualified, Grand Rapids, MI dentist, Dr. Elizabeth White offers this restorative dental solution to enhance the natural beauty of your smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restorative dental treatment designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of a false tooth or teeth (pontics) that are anchored in place by dental crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges are a popular solution for restoring both the appearance and function of a smile affected by tooth loss.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Improved Smile: Dental bridges can enhance your smile by filling in the gaps caused by missing teeth, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Restored Chewing and Speaking Abilities: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly and articulate certain sounds. Dental bridges restore these functions, allowing you to enjoy a varied diet and communicate clearly.
- Preserved Facial Structure: When teeth are missing, the jawbone can deteriorate over time, leading to a sunken facial appearance. By filling the gaps with dental bridges, the natural contours of your face can be maintained.
- Prevention of Teeth Shifting: When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may start to shift into the empty space, causing misalignment. Dental bridges prevent this movement by occupying the space and keeping the remaining teeth in their proper positions.
Candidacy for Dental Bridges
Ideal candidates for dental bridges are individuals who have one or more missing teeth and have sufficient healthy teeth adjacent to the gap to support the bridge. Good oral health, including healthy gums and a strong jawbone, is essential. During a consultation with your Grand Rapids dentist, she will evaluate your specific situation and determine if dental bridges are the right solution for you.
Dental Bridge Procedure
- Initial Consultation: The first step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. White at Polished Dental Care. During this visit, your oral health will be assessed, and the feasibility of dental bridges will be discussed. X-rays or scans may be taken to evaluate the condition of your teeth and jawbone.
- Tooth Preparation: If dental bridges are deemed suitable for you, the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap will be prepared for the placement of dental crowns. This involves removing a small portion of enamel to make room for the crowns.
- Impressions: Accurate impressions of your teeth will be taken, which will serve as a model for the creation of your custom dental bridge. The bridge will be fabricated in a dental laboratory, matching the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
- Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being crafted, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect the prepared teeth and restore your smile’s appearance and functionality.
- Fitting and Bonding: Once the dental bridge is ready, you will return to our Grand Rapids dental office for the final appointment. The temporary bridge will be removed, and the permanent bridge will be checked for fit and appearance. Once satisfied, the bridge will be bonded into place using dental cement.
- Follow-up Care: After the procedure, you may need a short adjustment period to get accustomed to the bridge. Follow Dr. White’s instructions for oral hygiene and care to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dental bridge.
Transform Your Smile with Dental Bridges at Polished Dental Care
At Polished Dental Care, we believe in the power of a healthy, confident smile. Dental bridges offer a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring both the function and aesthetics of your smile. Our Grand Rapids dentist is dedicated to providing personalized care and exceptional results. Schedule a consultation today by giving us a call at (616) 698-6663.
