Dental Bridges

Dental Bridge Restorations: Complete Your Smile with Confidence

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you understand the impact it can have on your confidence and oral health. Our dental team offers reliable dental bridge restorations as an effective solution to restore your smile’s functionality and aesthetics. With these simple and affordable dental restorations, we can help patients in Grosse Pointe and surrounding areas such as Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, and Roseville, MI regain a complete and beautiful smile.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are custom-made prosthetic, restorative dentistry devices designed to bridge the gap created by missing teeth. Traditional dental bridges (fixed bridges) consist of artificial teeth (pontics) that are anchored in place by dental crowns attached to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges not only fill the empty spaces left by missing teeth but also restore proper biting and chewing functions, improve speech, and enhance your smile’s appearance.

What Are Implant-Supported Dental Bridges?

Implant-supported bridges utilize dental implants as secure anchors for the bridge. These titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone, fusing with the bone to create a strong foundation. Compared to traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges offer a more stable fit, allowing for improved chewing function and eliminating concerns about slippage.

One of the significant advantages of implant-supported bridges is their ability to closely mimic natural teeth in both appearance and function. They provide exceptional stability, durability, and longevity. Additionally, implant-supported bridges help stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving the facial structure.

Benefits of Dental Bridge Restorations

Dental bridges remain a popular restorative dentistry option for many reasons, some of which include the following:

• Replaces up to four teeth in a row
• Provides a more affordable, stable alternative to dental implants and dentures
• Restores your ability to bite, chew, and speak properly
• Improves the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps left by missing teeth
• Prevents the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of position
• Distributes the forces of your bite evenly, reducing strain on surrounding teeth
• Enhances your self-confidence and self-esteem

Who Qualifies For Dental Bridge Restorations?

If you’re considering a dental bridge, it’s important to determine whether you qualify for this treatment. Here are some factors that can determine your eligibility:

• Missing Teeth: Traditional fixed dental bridges are designed to replace one or more missing teeth. If you have one or more teeth missing and there are healthy teeth adjacent to the gap, you may be a good candidate for a dental bridge.
• Oral Health: Your oral health plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for a dental bridge. It’s essential to have a healthy mouth, free from gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues. Any existing oral health problems should be addressed before considering a traditional dental bridge.
• Tooth Stability: The adjacent teeth that will support the dental bridge need to be strong and stable. You should have enough structural integrity to support the bridge and withstand the forces of chewing. This is especially true if you opt for an implant-supported dental bridge restoration. 
• Overall Health: Your overall health and ability to undergo dental procedures are also important factors to consider. It’s crucial to discuss any medical conditions or medications you are taking with Dr. Miller to ensure that a traditional dental bridge is a safe and suitable option for you.

The Dental Bridge Placement Process

Unless you opt for an implant-supported bridge, having a traditional fixed dental bridge installed will typically involve the following steps:

Consultation

Your journey to a new smile begins with a consultation with Dr. Miller at our Grosse Pointe dental office. During this appointment, she will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and concerns, and determine if dental bridges are the right option for you. She will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and address any anxieties you may have. 

Preparation

If dental bridges are suitable for your needs, the next step involves preparing the abutment teeth. These are the adjacent teeth on which the dental crowns will be placed to support the bridge. Dr. Miller will carefully reshape these teeth to ensure a proper fit for the crowns. If you opted for an implant-supported dental bridge, you’ll go through the process of having implants installed. 

Impressions

Precise impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a custom dental bridge that perfectly matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. These impressions will serve as a blueprint for crafting your personalized dental bridge.

Temporary Bridge

While your custom dental bridge is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your smile’s appearance and functionality.

Placement

Once your dental bridge is ready, you will return for the final placement. Dr. Miller will ensure that the bridge fits comfortably and looks natural. She will carefully bond the dental bridge in place, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a precise fit and bite.

Frequently Asked Questions