Dental Bridges
Giving You the Smile You’ve Always Wanted
Missing one or more teeth often means you may need our dental bridges to restore both function and appearance. Beyond affecting the way your smile looks, missing teeth can also negatively impact your oral health and the way your teeth function. A mouth with missing teeth is more susceptible to changes in your bite, shifting teeth, speech impediments, joint disorders, a heightened risk for gum disease, and a higher chance of tooth decay. This happens because your existing teeth gradually shift out of position over time, which can lead to any of the health problems mentioned above.
Our dental bridges are one of the most effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. By filling the gap left behind, they help restore your bite, prevent further shifting, and support the natural function of your teeth. They also help maintain the shape of your face and reduce the risk of the complications that come with untreated tooth loss.
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A dental bridge is another way you can attain a healthy and natural looking smile in as few as two quick visits to our office. The dental experts at Dr. MacPhail, DDS are highly skilled and experienced in implementing dental bridges in Okemos. Over the past 30+ years, Dr. MacPhail has helped countless patients attain the smile they’ve dreamed of by using various treatments, including dental bridges. Regardless of how many teeth you are missing or how damaged they are, our proficient dental team can help you and your smile today.
Why Use Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is comprised of one false tooth surrounded by two crowns on either side. These two crowns fit over the already existing teeth and the false tooth fills the gap where the missing tooth used to be. There are various types of dental bridges and the one that you use will be dependent upon the cosmetic results you want and the condition of your smile. Regardless of if you want a permanent or temporary solution, there is a dental bridge that is perfect for you and your teeth.
The three types of dental bridges are:
- Maryland bonded bridge -– This is a relatively temporary type of bridge comprised generally of one tooth and supported by a frame made out of metal. These are a quick and effective fix but generally do not last as long as the other types of bridges.
- Cantilever bridge – This bridge is used when the existing teeth are only on one side of the missing tooth. The replacement tooth is fused to two crowns, connecting the bridge to the already existing teeth.
- Traditional bridge – It is the most commonly used type of bridge and is comprised of two crowns on either side of a false tooth, called a pontic. These bridges can be made out of either porcelain or ceramic and if there aren’t any surrounding teeth for the crowns to be supported by, we can efficiently install dental implants to securely fit the bridge into its proper position.
How We Can Help You
Dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years; though some last even much longer than that. These long-lasting bridges can fix your smile, provide you with a balanced and healthy bite, maintain your facial structure, prevent your existing teeth from shifting out of place, and restore your ability to properly speak and chew.
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For your first visit, Dr. MacPhail will determine if you are a good candidate for dental bridges and if so, will work to shape your existing teeth to best fit the bridge. Then, we will use a putty-like material to get a mold of your bite so we can create a precise replica of your missing tooth and existing surrounding teeth. Lastly, for your second visit, we will use the mold to create and give you a dental bridge that fits perfectly, providing you with a healthy and natural looking smile that could last for decades.
Learn More About Our Dental Bridges
If you have questions about how our dental bridges can help restore your smile, we’re here to help. Our team takes the time to explain your options so you can feel confident in your decision. Call us today at 517-347-6733 and speak with our knowledgeable Dr. MacPhail!
