Dental Bridges
in Grand Rapids, MI

Losing a tooth as an adult affects more than just your appearance. It can change the way you eat, the way you speak, and the way you feel about your smile. A dental bridge is a time-tested restorative solution that can replace one to three consecutive missing teeth, giving you back the function and confidence you may have lost along with the tooth.

At Sherry Dental in Grand Rapids, MI, we take a personalized approach to tooth replacement. Dr. Sherry will take the time to understand your situation, evaluate your oral health, and walk you through every option available so you can make a decision that feels right for you. If a dental bridge is the best fit, we will make sure it looks natural, fits comfortably, and lasts for years to come.

How tooth loss affects your oral health

A missing tooth creates more than just a visible gap. When that space is left unfilled, the surrounding teeth gradually begin to shift toward the opening. This movement can throw off your bite, create new alignment issues, and put uneven pressure on your remaining teeth, leading to wear and damage that would not have occurred otherwise.

Chewing becomes more difficult, particularly with harder or chewier foods. Some patients also notice changes in their speech, especially with sounds that rely on how your tongue meets your teeth. Over time, the jawbone beneath the gap begins to lose density because it no longer has a tooth root to stimulate it. This bone loss can eventually alter the shape of your face, causing a sunken or aged appearance in the area around the missing tooth.

Beyond the physical effects, many patients find that missing teeth take a quiet toll on their confidence. Feeling self-conscious about a gap in your smile can affect how freely you speak, laugh, and engage with others. Addressing tooth loss sooner rather than later helps prevent these complications from compounding over time.

What is a dental bridge and how does it work?

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that literally bridges the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, held in place by dental crowns that are bonded to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These anchor teeth, known as abutment teeth, provide the support that keeps the bridge stable and secure.

Unlike removable options such as partial dentures, a dental bridge is permanently fixed in your mouth. You care for it just like your natural teeth, with brushing, flossing, and keeping up with your regular dental visits. Because it is anchored firmly in place, a bridge restores the full chewing function of your missing teeth and blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

What to expect during the dental bridge process

Getting a dental bridge typically takes two to three appointments spread over a few weeks. At your first visit, Dr. Sherry will examine your smile, discuss your tooth replacement options, which may include a bridge, implants, or dentures, and help you determine the best path forward based on your oral health and goals.

Once you decide to move forward with a bridge, the abutment teeth on either side of the gap are prepared to receive the supporting crowns. A digital impression of your smile is then taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom bridge is carefully crafted to match the shape, size, and shade of your natural teeth.

When your bridge is ready, you will return to have it placed and checked for fit, comfort, and bite alignment. Dr. Sherry will make any necessary adjustments before securing it permanently, ensuring you leave with a restoration that feels as natural as it looks.

Ready to fill the gap in your smile? Call our Grand Rapids office at (616) 330-1008 to schedule your dental bridge consultation with Dr. Sherry.