Dental Bridges | Dentist Grand Rapids, MI

If you have one or two missing teeth, you may be a candidate for dental bridges. As the name suggests, dental bridges are used to “bridge” the gaps in your smile. Our Grand Rapids dentist can help you determine if dental bridges are the right choice for your smile.

Here’s what you need to know.

Candidates for Dental Bridges

You will need healthy teeth or dental implants on the right and left sides of the gap to be eligible for dental bridges. During your consultation with our family dentist, you’ll be able to consider dental bridge pros and cons. Our dentist will also help you determine whether dental bridges or implants are the better choice for your smile.

How Dental Bridges Work

The dental bridge procedure usually takes two or more appointments with our Grand Rapids dental practice. During the first visit, our dentist removes enamel off teeth on both sides of the gap.

Next, Dr. Dodds will take dental impressions, which will be sent to the lab where the bridge will be made. A temporary bridge will be put in place to protect your teeth and gums while you wait for your permanent bridge.

During your second appointment, our dentist removes the temporary bridge and replaces it with the permanent one. The dental bridge is all one piece consisting of a prosthetic tooth and crowns on both sides to hold it in place.

How Missing Teeth Affect Quality of Life

A missing adult tooth can impact how you speak and eat. Over time, it can also change how your face looks. When there is a gap in your smile, your teeth tilt toward the empty space. This can cause further tooth loss when teeth start shifting. To learn how to fix a smile with missing teeth, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our dentist.

Request an Appointment with Dr. Dodds

Dr. Alexandra Dodds is an experienced family dentist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to welcome you to our practice. To request an appointment, please call Renew Family Dental at (616) 245-3205. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will reach out to you soon.