A micromirror device is disclosed, along with a method of making such a micromirror device that comprises a mirror plate, a hinge and an extension plate. The extension plate is formed on the mirror plate and between the mirror plate and the electrode associated with the mirror plate for rotating the mirror plate. The extension plate can be metallic or dielectric. Also disclosed is a method of making such a micromirror device. In particular, the extension plate is formed after the formation of the mirror plate. Moreover, also disclosed is a projection system that comprises a spatial light modulator having an array of such micromirrors, as well as a light source, condensing optics, wherein light from the light source is focused onto the array of micromirrors, projection optics for projecting light selectively reflected from the array of micromirrors onto a target, and a controller for selectively actuating the micromirrors in the array.