If you’re ready to restore your smile and improve your oral health, dental bridges may be the ideal solution. At Oakland Family Dental in Waterford, MI, Dr. Amanda Sheehan offers personalized, high-quality dental bridge treatments designed to look and feel natural. We proudly serve patients from Clarkston, Auburn Hills, Pontiac, and surrounding communities with compassionate care and advanced dental solutions. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back—schedule your consultation with the best dentist in Waterford and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!
Revive Your Smile with Dental Bridges at Our Waterford Office!
Missing one or more teeth? Dental bridges can restore your smile’s function and appearance with long-lasting, natural-looking results. At Oakland Family Dental, our dentist in Waterford, MI, Dr. Amanda Sheehan offers customized dental bridges to help patients regain their confidence and oral health. Whether you’re in Waterford, Clarkston, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, or the surrounding areas, our team is here to guide you through your tooth replacement options with compassionate, quality care. Contact Oakland Family Dental today by calling (248) 674-0384 to schedule your consultation and find out if a dental bridge is right for you!
Real Patient Experiences in Waterford: Care That Feels Like Family
At Oakland Family Dental, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every patient who walks through our doors. From your first visit to ongoing care, our team takes the time to ensure you feel heard, informed, and valued—just like family. One of our patients, Norbert B., shared his experience:
- “The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They actually care about the patient just as if you were family. They also take the time to discuss everything about your treatment with you—a definite recommendation to my family and friends. They always make time to repair or adjust anything wrong with your teeth.”
Testimonials like Norbert’s reflect our commitment to personalized care and attention to detail. Whether you’re coming in for a dental bridge or another treatment, you can count on our Waterford dentist to go above and beyond for your dental health and comfort.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device designed to replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. The pontics, which look and function like natural teeth, are custom-made to fit your mouth and match the color of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages for individuals with missing teeth:
- Improved Aesthetics: Bridges restore your smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
- Enhanced Oral Function: By replacing missing teeth, bridges help with chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial structure.
- Prevents Shifting of Teeth: Filling the gap left by missing teeth prevents neighboring teeth from shifting positions, which could lead to misalignment issues.
- Long-Lasting: With proper care, dental bridges can last for many years, making them a durable tooth replacement option.
- Quick and Non-Invasive Procedure: Compared to some other tooth replacement methods, getting a dental bridge is relatively simple and involves minimal discomfort.
Candidacy for Dental Bridges
Dental bridges may be suitable for individuals who:
- Have one or more missing teeth.
- Have healthy, strong teeth adjacent to the gap that can serve as abutments (anchors) for the bridge.
- Have good oral hygiene practices and are committed to maintaining their oral health.
Schedule a consultation with your Waterford dentist by calling (248) 674-0384 to determine whether a dental bridge is the right option for your specific case.
The Dental Bridge Process at Oakland Family Dental
The process of getting a dental bridge typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Consultation: Dr. Sheehan examines your oral health, takes X-rays, and discusses the treatment plan based on your specific needs.
- Tooth Preparation: If the adjacent teeth need reshaping to hold the dental crowns, the dentist will prepare them by removing a small amount of enamel.
- Impressions: Precise impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom-made bridge that fits perfectly in your mouth.
- Temporary Bridge: While the permanent bridge is being fabricated, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
- Fitting: Once the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist checks its fit and makes any necessary adjustments.
- Placement: The final bridge is then cemented or bonded into place, completing the restoration of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a dental bridge feel uncomfortable?
It is normal to have some initial discomfort or sensitivity after getting a dental bridge, but this usually subsides within a few days. Your mouth needs a little time to adjust to the new restoration. However, a well-fitted dental bridge should not cause ongoing discomfort or pain.
Are dental bridges permanent?
Dental bridges are not considered permanent solutions, but they can have a long lifespan with proper care and maintenance. On average, a well-maintained dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or even longer. However, their longevity can vary based on several factors, including the individual’s oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and overall oral health.
How do I care for my dental bridge?
Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Avoid chewing on hard objects or using your teeth to open packages.
Can anyone see that I have a dental bridge?
A well-fitted dental bridge should be designed to look natural and blend in with your surrounding teeth, making it difficult for people to notice it at a casual glance. However, whether someone can see that you have a dental bridge depends on various factors.