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Bridges
Home » Bridges

How dental bridges fill the space between teeth to complete your healthy, appealing smile

At VanderLaan Family Dentistry, we treat multi-generational families from Byron Center and western Michigan. We help family members of all ages to keep their natural teeth. In the event of tooth loss, Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is equipped to replace teeth with a range of prosthetic options promptly.  One of these options include dental bridges. 

Closing the gap 

Like an architectural bridge that spans two points, the dental bridge spans the space between teeth. In effect, the bridge replaces an extracted tooth or a tooth lost due to disease or other forms of trauma. There are many different types of bridges. And the bridge design also varies depending on the number of teeth that are missing and need to be replaced.  

Dental bridge illustration
Illustration of Dental Bridge

The teeth on either side of the edentulous space (spot missing the tooth) are shaped like crowns.  The crowns are then fabricated with a prosthetic tooth between them forming the actual bridge! 

While bridges are a time-tested method of replacing teeth, they are not the most conservative option. That honor goes to dental implants. Embedded in the jawbone, the implants serve as natural tooth roots to stabilize crowns, bridges, or dentures. They do not require the removal of any natural tooth structure, which is why they are more ideal.  Also, cleaning around an implant is similar to cleaning a tooth, while bridges may need special cleaning techniques and products to remove food and bacteria from tight, hard-to-reach spaces underneath the bridge. 

That said, dental bridges are a comparatively affordable and fast way to replace missing teeth. If you have gaps in your smile or are concerned about a damaged tooth, call VanderLaan Family Dentistry at (616) 288-2554.

Dr. Matthew VanderLaan

Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012. 

Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.

Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces.  Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety.  He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.

Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man.  He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11).  As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football.  They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.  

Dana VanderLaan

Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012.  She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager.  Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.

Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter.  She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.