Dental Bridges—Sterling Heights, MI
Close the Gap For Good
With a dental bridge, we can fill the gap left by one or more consecutive missing teeth and give your smile the strength and confidence it deserves. Dr. Young and Dr. Samona combine the highest quality materials and latest technology with their eye for detail to help patients not only recover what has been lost, but also look and feel better than ever before. If you’re ready to have your full smile again, reach out to Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights to get started.
WHY CHOOSE FOREVER YOUNG DENTISTRY OF STERLING HEIGHTS FOR DENTAL BRIDGES?
- Led by Dentist with 20+ Years of Experience
- Dental Implants Placed In-House
- Natural-Looking All-Ceramic Bridges
What is a Dental Bridge?
You’ve probably seen countless bridges, and a dental bridge works the same basic way. It spans the space left by one or more adjacent missing teeth using a series of dental crowns that are bonded together and fitted into the mouth. Every bridge we place is 100% custom-designed for each patient to deliver the best when it comes to aesthetics, function, and durability.
Types of Dental Bridges
No two people experience tooth loss the same way, and that’s why our practice offers two different kinds of dental bridges. We’ll discuss the unique points of both at your initial appointment so you and your dentist can decide which one would be best for you.
Traditional Dental Bridge
For this, the replacement teeth are anchored to dental crowns that are fitted over the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. A traditional dental bridge can be fixed or removable based on your preference, and getting one made and placed typically takes about two appointments.
Dental Implant Bridge
With a dental implant bridge, the crowns that restore your lost teeth are held in place by one or two dental implants topped with crowns placed on both ends. These offer more stability and strength compared to a traditional bridge, plus the prosthetic will keep the nearby jawbone strong as well.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
- Improved appearance you’ll enjoy for years to come
- Ability to eat a wider array of tasty foods
- Less gum soreness
- Reduced risk of future gum disease and tooth loss
- Remaining teeth are protected from shifting and misaligning
- Keeps the jawbone full to provide support for your lip and face (implant bridge only)
- Easy ongoing care and maintenance (simple daily cleaning routine)
Dental Bridges FAQs
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No, you cannot remove a dental bridge yourself. They are designed to remain in your mouth for many years after being placed. Only a dental professional can remove your bridge.
Some healthcare professionals may refer to a partial denture as a “removable bridge,” however, this is a misnomer. Partial dentures are similar to dental bridges, but the main difference is that partials can be removed by the patient at any time, while dental bridges cannot.
Is a Partial Denture the Same as a Bridge?
No, a partial denture is not the same as a dental bridge, although they are sometimes referred to as “removable bridges.” Dental bridges are designed to remain in place for many years and can only be removed by a dental professional. Conversely, a patient can easily remove a partial denture at any time.
The other main difference is that dental bridges can only replace missing teeth if they’re consecutive, whereas partial dentures can restore several teeth at various points along your arch.
Dental bridges are anchored in place via crowns that are fitted over two of your remaining teeth, while partials typically require metal clips or clasps that go behind your natural teeth to hold them in place.
Your dentist will review your restoration options with you and help you determine which replacement is best for your individual needs.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Depending on your individual needs, a dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four missing consecutive teeth. However, in most cases they only replace one or two teeth.
The longer your dental bridge extends, the less stable it could become, especially if the natural teeth supporting it aren’t strong and healthy. Thus, it could become risky to have them replace more than three teeth.
Implant bridges can lower the risk of this occurrence, as dental implants are just as strong and secure as natural teeth, if not more so!
Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?
No matter what material your dental bridge is made of it cannot be whitened like your natural teeth can. That’s because tooth enamel has tiny pores through which bleaching gels can enter to break up stains. Dental restorations such as bridges don’t have these pores, and therefore your bridge should always remain the same color.
Metal-free bridges are designed to blend in seamlessly with your remaining teeth. To minimize the risk of your natural teeth becoming discolored and making your bridge noticeable when you open your mouth, consider undergoing a professional whitening treatment before your bridge is placed. This way, your bridge can be matched to the ideal shade of your smile!