Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Bridges at Our Lansing Dental Office
Missing teeth can impact your smile, bite, and confidence. Dental bridges are a reliable solution to replace one or more missing teeth and restore your oral health. At Kim Dentistry, our restorative dentist in Lansing, MI, Dr. Caroline Kim provides advanced care in creating beautiful, functional dental bridges for patients in Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, Mason, and surrounding communities. With skill in both traditional and fixed bridges, Dr. Kim ensures your bridge looks natural and fits comfortably.
Dental bridges help maintain your facial shape, prevent teeth from shifting, and improve chewing and speaking. If you are seeking a restorative dentist in Lansing, contact Kim Dentistry by calling (517) 886-1100 for personalized care tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Kim Dentistry for Your Dental Bridge
At Kim Dentistry, we prioritize patient comfort, precise fit, and long-term results. Dr. Caroline Kim has specialized training in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics, making her very knowledgeable about dental bridges and other complex restorations. Patients from Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, Mason, and nearby areas trust Dr. Kim for her skill, attention to detail, and personalized approach.
Benefits of choosing Kim Dentistry for your dental bridge include:
- Customized treatment plans tailored to your oral health needs
- Advanced technology for accurate impressions and fitting
- Expertise in both traditional and fixed bridges
- Natural-looking results that enhance your smile and confidence
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. They bridge the gap between two natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges can restore your smile, improve oral function, and enhance your confidence. The two most common types include:
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are the most commonly used type. They consist of one or more artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns attached to adjacent natural teeth. This type of bridge is ideal when you have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. Traditional bridges are durable, long-lasting, and designed to match your natural teeth in color and shape.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are permanently cemented in place, providing a secure and stable solution for tooth replacement. Dr. Kim has advanced training in fixed and removable prosthodontics, allowing her to create bridges that not only restore function but also maintain the aesthetics of your smile. Fixed bridges can be used when adjacent teeth are strong enough to support the bridge or when dental implants are part of the restoration plan.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer several advantages for patients missing one or more teeth. At Kim Dentistry, Dr. Caroline Kim ensures every bridge provides both function and aesthetics. The benefits include:
- Restores Your Smile: Bridges fill gaps caused by missing teeth, giving you a natural-looking, confident smile.
- Improves Chewing and Speaking: Missing teeth can make eating and speaking difficult. Bridges restore normal function, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and speak clearly.
- Prevents Teeth from Shifting: When a tooth is missing, adjacent teeth can drift into the empty space, causing bite problems. Bridges maintain proper alignment.
- Supports Facial Structure: Missing teeth can lead to sunken cheeks and changes in facial appearance. Bridges help preserve the shape of your face.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: With proper care, dental bridges can last many years while maintaining their appearance and function.
Choosing a dental bridge at Kim Dentistry ensures a solution that is reliable, comfortable, and designed to complement your natural teeth.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are an excellent option for many patients who have lost teeth. You may be a candidate if you:
- Are Missing One or More Teeth: Bridges are ideal for filling gaps caused by missing teeth in either the front or back of your mouth.
- Have Healthy Adjacent Teeth: Traditional bridges require healthy teeth on either side of the gap to support the bridge crowns.
- Seek Improved Function and Appearance: If missing teeth affect your ability to chew, speak, or smile confidently, a bridge can restore both function and aesthetics.
- Want a Long-Term Solution: Dental bridges are designed to provide lasting results, making them a practical choice for many patients.
Dr. Kim will carefully evaluate your oral health during a consultation at Kim Dentistry in Lansing, MI. To determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for you, contact our Lansing dental office by calling (517) 886-1100.
The Dental Bridge Process at Kim Dentistry
Getting a dental bridge at Kim Dentistry involves several steps designed to ensure comfort and precision:
- Initial Consultation: Dr. Kim evaluates your oral health, takes X-rays, and discusses your goals for your dental bridge.
- Tooth Preparation: For traditional bridges, the teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared to support crowns.
- Impressions: Accurate impressions are taken to create a bridge that fits perfectly and matches your natural teeth.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to protect your prepared teeth while your permanent bridge is crafted.
- Placement of Permanent Bridge: Once your bridge is ready, Dr. Kim carefully places it, ensuring a comfortable fit and natural appearance.
- Follow-Up Care: We provide guidance on maintaining your bridge, including cleaning techniques and routine dental visits.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Proper care of your dental bridge is essential to maintain oral health and extend the life of your restoration. Dr. Kim recommends:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing or using specialized interdental brushes around the bridge
- Regular dental checkups at Kim Dentistry
- Avoiding very hard foods that can damage the bridge
With the right care, dental bridges can last for many years while keeping your smile healthy and beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their lifespan depends on maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or chewing very hard foods. Dr. Caroline Kim at Kim Dentistry will also provide guidance on caring for your bridge to ensure it remains functional and natural-looking for many years.
Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure because local anesthesia is used while preparing the teeth for crowns or bridges. After placement, mild sensitivity or soreness may occur for a few days, which is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Dr. Kim ensures your comfort throughout the entire process and provides aftercare instructions for a smooth recovery.
Yes. Once your dental bridge is securely placed, you can chew most foods comfortably. Soft foods are recommended during the first few days as you adjust. Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could loosen or damage the bridge. With proper care, your bridge will allow you to enjoy a wide variety of foods just like natural teeth.
Cleaning under a bridge is crucial to prevent gum disease and decay on supporting teeth. Use a floss threader or specialized interdental brushes to remove plaque and food particles beneath the bridge. Dr. Caroline Kim and her hygienist at Kim Dentistry will provide a personalized demonstration and tips for keeping your bridge clean and your mouth healthy. Regular dental visits help monitor your bridge’s condition and overall oral health.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Bridges at Kim Dentistry!
Dental bridges are a safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth. At Kim Dentistry in Lansing, MI, Dr. Caroline Kim combines advanced training in prosthodontics with personalized care to ensure your dental bridge restores both function and confidence. Serving Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, Mason, and surrounding areas, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Contact our dentist near East Lansing by calling (517) 886-1100 to schedule a consultation and learn more about dental bridges near you. Let us help you bridge the gap and restore your smile.
