Bridges
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Bridges − Lake Orion & Washington MI
As much as we try to take care of our dental health, tooth loss happens. Dentists have mastered the art of replacing lost teeth & their toolkits are full of solutions to fit your specific needs.
It is important to understand that replacing missing or rotten teeth is not just about looks. It’s important for keeping your mouth healthy in the long run. Tooth loss can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place and it may become difficult for you to bite, chew and speak. The resulting bone shifting can even affect your overall facial structure.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are designed to replace a missing tooth & to stabilize the teeth on either side of the gap. There are few types of bridges available, but in most cases, bridges consist of a fake tooth (known as a pontic) that is supported by one or more neighboring teeth. Unlike a dental implant, a tooth replaced by a bridge is not directly rooted in your jaw, but is instead attached to nearby teeth.
Traditional Bridge
The most common kind of dental bridge is called a traditional bridge. This is a pontic tooth attached to two dental crowns that will cover the adjacent teeth. In order to fit the crowns over the other teeth, the dentist needs to file them down. The crowns (sometimes called abutments) are placed over your reshaped teeth & secured with a composite bonding resin.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but the pontic only attaches to one abutment instead of two. Because it is only secured on one side, this bridge is mostly used for teeth in the very back of your mouth.
Maryland Bridge
The last kind of bridge is called a Maryland bridge. Instead of using crowns to secure the pontic, a Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain bands that attach to nearby teeth with bonding resin. The main benefit of this method is that none of your teeth need to be filed down. The downside is that they are weaker than a traditional bridge & may not be suitable to replace molars, which put a lot more strain on the bridge when chewing.
Procedure Overview
Getting a dental bridge is more involved than your average checkup. If you’ve gotten a dental crown in the past, getting a bridge will be a pretty similar experience for you. It will take more than one appointment to prepare your teeth & place the bridge. If you need any dental work done on the supporting teeth, such as a filling or root canal, this must happen beforehand.
- Once any necessary treatment is complete, the dentist will remove enamel from the supporting teeth to make room for the abutment crowns.
- They will make a mold of the area & send it to a lab that will craft your own personalized bridge. This normally takes a few weeks.
- While you wait for your custom restoration, you will be given a temporary bridge.
- At the final appointment, the dentist will place your permanent bridge & make any necessary adjustments.
How long your bridge lasts depends on how well you take care of it. If properly cared for, a dental bridge can last well over 10 years. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, cleaning underneath the pontic, & coming in for regular teeth cleanings & maintenance will ensure the longest lifespan for your bridge.
Meet Your Award-Winning Doctors
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Dr. Jacob Witer
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Dr. Joseph Verrelli
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The Proof is in Our Patients
“I recently moved to the area and had not been to the dentist in over 4 years. I was obviously nervous but the team at Orion Lakes Family Dentistry did everything they could to make me calm and help me. They didn't judge when I told them how long it had been and they helped me get the care I needed. So far I had a root canal, after my initial exam, and it was painless and fast! I would recommend Orion Lakes Family Dentistry to anyone looking for a new dentist!”
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“Going to the dentist always makes me feel a little anxious and my last visit was not great. That wasn’t the case here. Both Ms. Debbie and Dr. Harris made me feel relaxed and provided me with more ...”
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“After years of neglecting going to the dentist they made me feel really comfortable. The staff is absolutely amazing. You’re instantly welcomed when you come in. The dentists are informative, friendly ...”
- Chuck J
“If I could give this office more stars I would! From the moment I walked in the door I felt like family. Greeted by everyone with a warm smile and kind words. Very efficient staff got me back before my appointment time. Lisa did my cleaning and was absolutely fantastic! Thorough, knowledgeable, kind, caring and quick. Being my first time there, it far exceeded my expectations. Dr. Witer was wonderful and he has organized an amazing support staff! Highly recommend this office.”
- Joie M.
“Best dentist and staff around! My husband and I started going here when we moved out this way and couldn't be happier. Dr. Witer has an awesome personality and is always asking how the family is doing. He remembers my husband's name and my kids name. We eventually switched my daughter over to him as well because she wasn't a big fan of her other dentist which was actually for kids with tvs on the ceiling to watch cartoons and all that, though I knew when she met Dr. Witer she would love him because of his personality and she did. She is very picky when it comes to doctors, teachers and etc so it's always nice finding a person she loves seeing.”
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2 Convenient Locations For Your Dental Needs
Comprehensive Dental Treatments
Caring & Compassionate Environment
Over 45 Years of Industry Experience
State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
Lake Orion & Washington, MI
Our Locations
Lake Orion, MI
Phone
Address
Working Hours
Monday
9AM - 5PM
Tuesday
9AM - 6PM
Wednesday
9AM - 5PM
Thursday
9AM - 5PM
Friday
9AM - 1PM
Saturday
8AM - 1PM
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Washington, MI
Phone
Address
Working Hours
Monday
9AM - 5PM
Tuesday
9AM - 6PM
Wednesday
9:30AM - 5PM
Thursday
9AM - 5PM
Friday
9AM - 2PM
Saturday
9AM - 1PM
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