Fix Your Smile and Restore Your Oral Health
If you’re grappling with the challenges of missing teeth, the solution might be closer than you think. Welcome to Northwood Dental, where Dr. Brian Klym and his team specialize in crafting high-quality dental bridges with artificial teeth to match the color and shape of your natural teeth while helping to fend off tooth decay.
Beyond mere aesthetics, getting a dental bridge can offer a pathway to restore your smile and enhance your confidence and oral well-being. Learn more by calling our Petoskey office at (231) 347-2188 or the Traverse City office at (231) 947-7202.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth, blending with your existing teeth on either side of the gap, which also helps the jaw bone. Using two or more dental crowns anchoring adjacent teeth and a false tooth or teeth in the middle, bridges consist of porcelain or ceramic. The result is a restoration that perfectly matches the color and shape of your natural teeth, offering a harmonious and natural-looking smile.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Choosing to replace missing teeth with dental bridges comes with several benefits, including:
- Restored Smile’s Radiance: Dental bridges significantly improve the appearance of your smile, instilling confidence in your everyday life.
- Enhanced Oral Health: By preventing the remaining teeth from shifting or tilting, dental bridges play a crucial role in averting potential dental issues and maintaining overall oral health.
- Revitalized Smile Functionality: Dental bridges contribute to an even distribution of your bite’s force, facilitating easier chewing and speaking.
- Elevated Self-Esteem: Completing your smile with dental bridges goes beyond aesthetics, boosting your self-esteem and fostering positive interactions with others.
Candidacy for Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer a viable solution for individuals:
- Missing one or several adjacent teeth.
- Experiencing gaps affecting smile aesthetics.
- Seeking to prevent potential dental issues caused by teeth shifting or tilting.
- Wishing to restore both the appearance and functionality of their smile.
During a comprehensive consultation at Northwood Dental, Dr. Klym will evaluate your case, considering oral health, the extent of tooth loss, and your aesthetic goals. This personalized assessment ensures that dental bridges align with your unique needs.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
Placing dental bridges is an easy process, involving:
- Initial Assessment: Dr. Klym conducts a thorough examination, including X-rays, to evaluate your oral health and determine the suitability for dental bridges.
- Preparation of Abutment Teeth: If deemed a suitable candidate, the process begins by preparing the abutment teeth. This involves removing a small portion of enamel to create space for dental crowns that will support the bridge.
- Impressions for Customization: Impressions of your mouth serve as blueprints for crafting a custom-made bridge that perfectly matches the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Temporary Bridge Placement: While your permanent bridge is being created in a dental lab, we’ll provide a temporary bridge to maintain functionality.
- Final Appointment: Once the permanent bridge is ready, you return for a final appointment. Dr. Klym ensures the bridge’s fit, making any necessary adjustments, and then permanently cements it in place.
Aftercare for Dental Bridges
Regular Oral Hygiene Practices
Continue your commitment to oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the dental bridges. Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Specialized Cleaning Tools
Dr. Klym may recommend specific dental tools, such as interdental brushes or floss threaders, to facilitate thorough cleaning around the dental bridges. These tools help maintain the health of the supporting teeth and the more traditional dental bridge and structure.
Caution with Dietary Choices
Exercise caution with your diet to protect the integrity of your dental bridges. Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage or dislodge the bridge. Opt for a balanced diet that supports both traditional bridges and your oral and overall health.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Schedule and attend regular check-ups with Dr. Klym at Northwood Dental. These appointments allow for a comprehensive assessment of your oral health and the condition of your dental bridges. Early detection of any issues ensures timely intervention and preserves the longevity of your restorative work.
Financing Dental Bridges
Convenient Financing Options
For those seeking more flexible payment plans, we offer financing options with approved credit through Wells Fargo and CareCredit. This allows you to enhance your appearance and restore oral health while managing payments over time.
Insurance Coverage
Northwood Dental accepts most insurance plans and is a proud provider for Delta Dental. Contact us to discuss your insurance coverage, and our team will assist you in maximizing its benefits.
Dental Membership Program
Explore our many types of dental bridge membership packages for individuals and families. These packages provide affordable access to comprehensive dental care. If uninsured, ask about our Dental Membership Program tailored to your needs.
Don’t let financial concerns hinder your path to a healthier, more confident smile. Contact Northwood Dental today to discuss the payment option that suits you best and take a step closer to your healthy teeth and achieving your dream smile.