Dental Bridges in Midland, MI

When one or a few of your teeth are missing, it's more than just a problem with appearance — missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift unfavorably. This can result in extra tension when you bite, increased pain during chewing, or even trouble speaking. A dental bridge restores the appearance and health of your mouth by covering spaces with a false tooth supported by either dental implants, your natural teeth, or a combination of both. At Great Lakes Bay Dental in Midland, MI, experienced dentist Dr. Daniel Clement offers custom-made bridges crafted with top-quality materials that will help to restore your beautiful smile. If you have missing teeth and would like to seek reliable treatment, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Clement to learn about your restoration options with a custom bridge.

Missing teeth aren't merely an appearance issue — gaps between the teeth can have a powerful impact on your oral health. Your mouth is carefully balanced, and a gap can affect its function incredibly. In time, a missing tooth can lead to teeth shifting, creating bite problems (such as an underbite, crossbite, or overbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone over time. A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be strong enough to support the restoration, which includes sufficient jawbone density and gums. Dr. Clement will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw during your exam and consultation to help you select the best bridge type (traditional, cantilever, Maryland bonded, or resin bonded) for your needs. For most of his restorations, Dr. Clement utilizes high-quality pressed e.max ceramic, which allows his restorations to be performed fully in-house, a method that he has perfected over the last decade.

After your teeth are prepped, our team will take digital x-rays and impressions of your teeth so your custom bridge can be created. If needed, a temporary bridge or restoration can be placed while your custom one is being made. Once your restoration is ready, the necessary areas of your mouth will be prepped with a numbing agent. Other anesthesia or sedation options may be used if you have anxiety or a strong gag reflex so you will be comfortable during the procedure. The dental bridge will either be cemented in place or attached to dental implants, depending on the support you and our team selected during your consultation. Dr. Clement will carefully adjust the fit of the bridge so it feels right in your mouth and remains in place.

Once your bridge is in place, you should notice an improvement in the function and appearance of your teeth. You may need a second visit to Great Lakes Bay Dental to improve the fit of your bridge if it seems loose or uncomfortable in the first few weeks after placement. Dr. Clement or a member of his team will show you how to maintain your restoration, including the best way to clean it and if you need to avoid any foods. It is crucial to regularly clean your bridge and mouth since cavities can still develop underneath the restoration. With proper care, your custom bridge can last for many years. You need to continue to attend appointments at Great Lakes Bay Dental for your annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings. At your dental exam, Dr. Clement will evaluate the wear and health of your custom bridge to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Restorations, like dental bridges, are usually covered partially by most dental insurance companies. A member of our team will contact your dental insurance to determine how much your insurance will pay. Great Lakes Bay Dental accepts many payment methods, including medical financing, that can be talked about at your consultation with Dr. Clement.

Even if you don't mind how your smile looks with a gap, it can lead to bigger issues if the gap is not addressed. Schedule a consultation with experienced dentist Dr. Clement to learn more about dental bridges and what options will fit your specific needs. Great Lakes Bay Dental is proud to offer high-quality dental restorations that can help improve the appearance and health of your teeth. Contact our front office in Midland, MI to schedule your appointment.