Dental Bridge in Caledonia

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is placed when you are missing one or a few teeth and want to prevent your teeth from shifting. Not only will filling in the gap maintain space in the mouth so you don’t end up with a misaligned bite but the aesthetics of your smile and functionality of your teeth will be restored. It’s much more difficult to speak clearly and chew certain foods with missing teeth. 

With a fixed bridge, you won’t have to worry about your teeth moving around as dentures can. Since your teeth aren’t removable, they feel and look just like real teeth, so you feel confident in your smile again and don’t need to remember to remove them at night. If you are interested in dental bridges, contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Did you know…

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The lifespan of a dental bridge is about 5 to 7 years.

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How It Works: The Bridge Placement Process

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Consultation

Dr. Williams will examine your teeth and assess your oral health to determine if a dental bridge is the right option for you.

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Pain Relief & Sedation Options

Before we prepare your teeth to receive a bridge, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. You will also be given the option to be sedated during the appointment.

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Enameloplasty

We need to place dental crowns over abutment teeth to anchor the bridge. To create enough space for these crowns, we will shave down and shape your teeth.

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Impressions & Temporary Bridge

Impressions taken of your filed-down teeth will be sent to a dental lab that will fabricate your bridge. A temporary bridge will be placed in the meantime to help with functionality and aesthetics.

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Bridge Placement

After a few weeks, your bridge will be ready at the office to check the fit and bond it to your teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

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Traditional Bridge

A traditional bridge is the standard type of dental bridge that most patients receive. To replace a missing tooth where there are teeth on either side of the gap, we will place dental crowns on these abutment teeth and a pontic tooth will be attached to the crowns in the middle to form a bridge. The teeth adjacent to the gap anchor the bridge and the pontic tooth replaces the missing tooth.

Cantilever Bridge

If there are only teeth on one side adjacent to the missing tooth, then a cantilever bridge will be needed. This places a dental crown on this abutment tooth that is next to the gap and suspends a pontic tooth next to it to fill in the missing tooth. Instead of two teeth anchoring the bridge, only one does. This is best suited for rear teeth.

Maryland Bridge

This is also known as a resin-bonded bridge because instead of using crowns on adjacent teeth to anchor the bridge, wings made of metal or porcelain extend against the back of the teeth and are bonded in place. The wings are not visible from the front.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Much like a traditional bridge, two teeth next to the gap are used to anchor the bridge, but instead of using dental crowns, these teeth are replaced with dental implants. Crowns are attached to the implants and a pontic tooth is connected between them. This tooth replacement is very sturdy and prevents bone loss.

Did you know…

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The implants in an implant-supported bridge last for 25 years to life with proper care. You will only need to replace the attached restoration.

Need an appointment right away?

call (616) 891-8931 to book an aPpointment

Have questions about Same Day Crowns? Find answers here.

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What issues can a same-day crown treat?

Most commonly, same-day crowns are used to protect and restore teeth that have been damaged by a serious cavity, or that have been cracked or broken by dental trauma, like an accident or injury. Because same-day crowns cover up and protect your entire tooth structure, they are ideal for preventing further complications and restoring the shape, appearance, and function of damaged teeth.

Same-day crowns are also used to cover up and protect teeth after root canal treatment. In more rare cases, they may also be used for cosmetic dentistry if other treatments like veneers and dental bonding are not appropriate. 

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How do I know if I need a same-day crown?

If you have a damaged or severely decayed tooth, or are in need of emergency care, you may need a same-day crown. You should see your dentist if you are experiencing tooth pain and discomfort, or if your teeth are visibly damaged or discolored. Depending on the cause of your dental issues, they may recommend a same-day crown or another restorative treatment.

How long do same-day crowns last?

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A well-made and properly placed same-day crown can last up to 15 years. It’s critical to maintain good oral health habits to enhance your crown’s longevity. These practices include brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and seeing your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and exam.

How do I care for my same-day crown? 

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You can treat your same-day crown just like a natural tooth. Make sure you brush twice a day for at least two minutes, ensuring you scrub the full surface of every tooth. You should floss at least once per day, preferably at night. This should only take a few minutes, but be sure to floss against the tooth and below the gum line. You should also see your dentist every six months for a check-up to make sure that your dental work and teeth are healthy. 

Are same-day dental crowns covered by insurance?

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Same-day dental crowns that are required for restorative purposes, such as severe cavities or a broken tooth, are typically covered by insurance. The exact amount of coverage you receive will depend on the deductible and yearly limits of your policy. 

If you require a crown for cosmetic purposes, such as covering up a discolored tooth, the procedure may not be covered by insurance. To make sure your procedure is covered, we recommend consulting with your insurer. 

Can I get same-day crowns on my front teeth?

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Yes! A same-day crown will cover any visible discoloration or chips on your tooth. This coverage is especially beneficial in the case of highly-visible front teeth. Your dentist will match it to the color of your other teeth so it fits in with the rest of your smile.

Did you know…

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The first CEREC crown was created in 1980.

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