A dental bridge is a custom-made dental restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are fixed in place and can’t be removed like dentures. They’re designed to look natural and restore your ability to smile, speak, and eat with confidence.
At Garfield Dental in Traverse City, MI, Dr. Kristen Guptill creates dental bridges that are carefully crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. Each bridge is custom-made for your unique smile, ensuring comfort and functionality.
Why You Might Need a Dental Bridge
Missing teeth can cause more problems than just gaps in your smile. There are several important reasons why Dr. Guptill might recommend a dental bridge. A bridge can restore your smile and confidence while maintaining the shape of your face and preventing sagging. Bridges also properly distribute your bite force by replacing missing teeth and keep remaining teeth from drifting out of position. Many patients find their ability to speak clearly improves with a bridge, and they can chew food properly again. For some patients, a dental bridge offers an opportunity to replace removable partial dentures with a fixed, more comfortable solution.
Leaving gaps from missing teeth untreated can lead to further dental problems. Your remaining teeth may shift, your bite can change, and you might experience jaw pain. A dental bridge helps prevent these issues while giving you back a complete smile.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
When considering options for replacing missing teeth, many patients ask about the differences between dental bridges and dental implants. The two options differ in several important ways.
Dental bridges typically require less treatment time, usually completed in 2-3 weeks, and involve a less invasive procedure that doesn’t require surgery. They’re generally more affordable upfront compared to implants. With proper care, bridges typically last 10-15 years, though they do require special cleaning techniques. Bridges are an excellent option for replacing several teeth in a row and for patients who can’t have surgery.
Dental implants, on the other hand, can take 3-6 months for the complete process as they require surgical placement into the jawbone. While they represent a higher initial investment, implants can be more cost-effective long-term because of their durability. Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. They’re particularly good for long-term solutions, preventing bone loss, and replacing single teeth.
Dr. Guptill will help you decide which option is best for your specific needs during your consultation at Garfield Dental. She’ll consider factors like your oral health, budget, timeline, and personal preferences.
Types of Dental Bridges
At Garfield Dental, Dr. Guptill offers several types of dental bridges to meet your specific needs.
Traditional bridges are the most common type and consist of one or more artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns. These crowns are cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges are strong and stable, making them a reliable choice for most patients.
For superior stability and to avoid modifying healthy adjacent teeth, Dr. Guptill may recommend an implant-supported bridge. These bridges use dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone to support the replacement teeth. They provide exceptional durability and help preserve jawbone health.
Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring less modification of nearby teeth. Maryland bridges are often used to replace front teeth.
Used when there are healthy teeth on only one side of the gap, cantilever bridges are anchored by one or more crowns on just one side.
What to Expect: The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge with Dr. Guptill at Garfield Dental typically involves several steps. First comes the initial consultation where Dr. Guptill examines your teeth and discusses your options. This is followed by a preparation appointment during which the supporting teeth are gently reshaped to make room for the crowns that will hold your bridge. Impressions of your teeth are taken to create your custom bridge.
While your permanent bridge is being crafted in a dental lab, Dr. Guptill places a temporary bridge to protect your exposed teeth and gums. Once your custom bridge is ready, usually in 2-3 weeks, you’ll return to have it fitted. Dr. Guptill will make any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits perfectly and feels comfortable. A short follow-up appointment ensures your bridge is functioning properly and your gums are responding well.
Most patients adjust to their new bridge quickly. You might experience some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a few weeks, but this typically resolves on its own.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, your dental bridge can last 10-15 years or longer. Dr. Guptill recommends brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily, using special floss threaders to clean under the bridge. An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria, and avoiding very hard or sticky foods can prevent damage to your bridge. Regular visits to Garfield Dental for checkups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining your bridge and overall oral health.
Schedule Your Appointment
Ready to fill the gaps in your smile with a beautiful, functional dental bridge? Contact Garfield Dental in Traverse City, MI, today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kristen Guptill.
Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and help you restore your complete, confident smile. We offer flexible scheduling and will work with you to find appointment times that fit your busy life.
Call us at (231) 518-3715 or use our online scheduling tool to take the first step toward a restored smile today!