Dental Bridges in Windham, ME: Roosevelt Dental

The loss of a tooth can create significant challenges, affecting your ability to chew and speak properly and potentially causing adjacent teeth to shift out of alignment. A dental bridge is a proven and reliable restorative solution to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth. At Roosevelt Dental in Windham, ME, we design and place custom dental bridges that look natural and provide long-lasting stability.

If you are considering a solution for missing teeth, contact our office at (207) 894-5580 to schedule a consultation and determine if a dental bridge is the right option for you.

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What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic appliance composed of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are held in place by dental crowns. These crowns are cemented onto the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth. The pontics are meticulously crafted from materials like high-strength ceramic or porcelain to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and realistic appearance.

Unlike removable options such as partial dentures, a dental bridge is permanently fixed in place, offering superior stability for chewing and speaking. They are a highly effective solution for replacing one to four consecutively missing teeth, providing a durable restoration that feels and functions like your natural dentition.

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Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges, each suited for different situations based on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of adjacent teeth.

1. Traditional Bridges: The most common type, featuring one or more pontics supported by crowns on adjacent teeth. These are typically made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal, suitable for replacing molars.
2. Cantilever Bridges: Used when only one adjacent tooth supports the pontic. Not recommended for the back of the mouth due to chewing forces; it's better for areas with less stress.
3. Maryland Bridges: A conservative option that uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of neighboring teeth, preserving more natural structure. Ideal for replacing front teeth.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges: This method uses dental implants anchored in the jawbone for maximum stability, avoiding alterations to healthy teeth and preserving bone structure.

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The Dental Bridge Procedure

The process of receiving a dental bridge is systematic and ensures a comfortable experience.

• Consultation and Planning: Your first visit includes a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone using advanced diagnostics like digital X-rays or CBCT. This helps determine your candidacy for a bridge and the most suitable type.
• Preparation of Abutment Teeth: For a traditional bridge, a small amount of enamel is removed from the abutment teeth to make space for the crowns. A digital impression is taken and sent to a lab to create your custom bridge, and a temporary bridge is placed. For an implant-supported bridge, implants are surgically inserted, followed by a healing period.
• Final Placement: At your final appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and the fit and color of the custom bridge are checked. After adjustments, the bridge is permanently cemented into place.
• Aftercare and Maintenance: Good oral hygiene is crucial for your bridge's longevity. We will provide instructions on cleaning around and under the bridge to ensure it lasts many years with regular dental check-ups.

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Advanced Technology and Materials

At Roosevelt Dental, we use modern technology to ensure every dental bridge is crafted and placed with the highest degree of precision.

• Digital Impressions: Our handheld digital scanner captures a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth without the discomfort of traditional impression putty. This leads to a better-fitting restoration and a more pleasant patient experience.
• 3D CBCT Imaging: For implant-supported bridges, our Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machine provides a detailed 3D view of your jawbone, nerves, and sinuses. This is essential for precise implant placement and a predictable outcome.
• High-Quality Materials: Our bridges are fabricated from durable, tooth-colored materials like ceramic and zirconia, which offer an excellent balance of strength and aesthetics. These materials mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel, resulting in a beautiful and confident smile.

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Meet Dr. Jenny Miedema

Dr. Jenny Miedema leads the clinical team at Roosevelt Dental. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the VA Dental Clinic in Togus, ME. With over seven years of clinical experience, Dr. Miedema has extensive skills in all aspects of restorative dentistry, including the precise design and placement of dental bridges.

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Insurance and Financing Options

Roosevelt Dental is in-network with all PPO dental insurance plans, and our staff is experienced in helping patients utilize their benefits for restorative care. We provide a clear cost estimate before beginning treatment and will work with your insurance provider to maximize your coverage.

For any out-of-pocket expenses, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit, which allows you to break down the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments.

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Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation

If you have one or more missing teeth and want to learn if a dental bridge is the right solution for you, contact Roosevelt Dental in Windham to schedule a consultation.