Bridges
Dental Bridges in Farmington Hills, MI – Restoring Your Smile and Function
At Smile at Life Dentistry, we provide dental bridges as a reliable solution to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. A dental bridge not only enhances the appearance of your smile but also restores functionality, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile confidently. Whether you're missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, a dental bridge can fill the gap and give you back your full, beautiful smile.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally "bridges" the gap left by missing teeth using artificial teeth (pontics) that are supported by natural teeth or dental implants on either side. Bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a natural and functional smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
At Smile at Life Dentistry, we offer several types of dental bridges to meet your specific needs:
- Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most common type, which involves placing crowns on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap to support the artificial tooth or teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: In cases where there are no adjacent natural teeth to support a bridge, dental implants can be used as anchors, providing a secure and permanent solution.
- Cantilever Bridge: This type of bridge is used when there is only one adjacent natural tooth to support the bridge.
- Maryland Bonded Bridge: A less invasive option that uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth to support the artificial tooth.
Our experienced team will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best type of bridge based on your needs.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge offers a range of benefits, including:
- Restoring Your Smile: A bridge fills the gap in your smile, giving you back the confidence to smile freely.
- Improving Functionality: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew or speak clearly. A bridge restores the function of your teeth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.
- Preventing Teeth Shifting: When you have a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth may shift out of alignment, leading to bite problems. A bridge helps maintain the proper alignment of your teeth.
- Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can lead to bone loss and changes in your facial structure. A bridge helps preserve your facial shape and prevent sunken or sagging features.
How Are Dental Bridges Placed?
The process of getting a dental bridge typically takes two visits:
- Consultation and Preparation: During your initial consultation, we will examine your teeth and gums and take digital impressions to ensure a perfect fit. If necessary, the adjacent teeth will be reshaped to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge.
- Placement of the Bridge: Once your custom bridge is ready, we will place it in your mouth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. The bridge is then permanently cemented into place, restoring your smile and dental function. For implant-supported bridges, dental implants will need to be placed first, followed by a healing period before the bridge can be attached.
Do You Need a Dental Bridge?
You may need a dental bridge if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Want a permanent and fixed solution to restore your smile
- Are looking for an alternative to dentures or implants
- Want to prevent your remaining teeth from shifting
If you’re unsure whether a dental bridge is right for you, our team can help you evaluate your options and find the best solution for your dental needs.
Sedation Options for Comfort
For patients who feel anxious about dental procedures, we offer sedation dentistry to ensure your experience is comfortable and stress-free. Whether you need a bridge or any other dental treatment, sedation can help you relax and make the procedure feel effortless. Learn more about our sedation options on our Sedation Dentistry Page.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
To maintain the longevity of your dental bridge, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, including:
- Brushing and Flossing Daily: Keep your bridge and surrounding teeth clean to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit us regularly to ensure your bridge remains in good condition and to catch any potential issues early.
- Avoiding Hard Foods: Be mindful of biting down on hard or sticky foods that could damage your bridge.
With proper care, a dental bridge can last many years and provide you with a fully functional and beautiful smile.
FAQs About
Dental Bridges
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental bridges can last 10-15 years or longer.
Getting a dental bridge is typically not painful. We use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort, and for those who feel anxious, we offer sedation options to make the process even easier.
A traditional dental bridge is fixed and cannot be removed by the patient. However, if a bridge needs adjustment or repair, it can be removed by a dentist.
The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on the type and the number of teeth being replaced. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed estimate and discuss payment options.
Both bridges and implants are excellent solutions for replacing missing teeth. A bridge may be recommended if the surrounding teeth are healthy enough to support it, while implants may be preferred for a more permanent solution. We will discuss the best option based on your individual needs.
Contact Us for Dental Bridges
If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t wait to restore your smile. Contact Smile at Life Dentistry today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how a dental bridge can help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. Call us at 248-553-355 to schedule your appointment. We’re here to help you regain the confidence and function of a full, natural smile!
