What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis that mimics natural teeth and helps restore the aesthetics of a smile.
When are Dental Bridges Necessary?
A dental bridge is used if a patient is missing several adjacent teeth (up to three frontal teeth or up to two chewing teeth). In other situations, the doctor may recommend dental implant placement, which is an analog of a natural tooth. Each implant is installed separately.
Dental bridges are held in place by abutment teeth that act as supports for the entire structure. According to the method of attachment, there are two types of dental bridges:
- Classical. It involves placing dental crowns on adjacent teeth that serve as abutments.
- Adhesive. In this case, the dental prosthesis is attached to separate parts of the crowns, which are installed on the natural teeth with special dental glue.
The second option benefits from making no alteration of abutment teeth, keeping their original form. However, only a doctor can determine the best prosthetic approach for each patient.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- A dental bridge does not usually require a lengthy healing process, which can take several months.
- Bridges are more cost-effective than dental implants.
- The most advanced technologies and materials used in the Dental World clinic provide a high-quality aesthetic appearance for dental prosthetics.
- It is a type of long-term restoration that can last up to 10 years.
- Unlike dental implants, the placement of a dental bridge has fewer contraindications.
Contraindications for Placement of Dental Bridges
- cases of severe periodontitis (inflammation of gingival and bone tissue)
- 3 or more missing teeth in a row
- severe malocclusion
- adentia (complete absence of teeth)
- exacerbation of infections
- bruxism
Materials for Dental Bridges
The choice of materials used for dental prosthetics has the greatest impact on comfort and convenience after the procedure. The majority of modern dental bridges are crafted from the following materials.
Metal-ceramic
The base of a dental crown, also called a cap, is made of metal. Then it is covered by layers of ceramics. Metal gives strength, while ceramic provides a color match, aesthetic appeal, and a natural appearance. There are different metals that can be used for bridges, including steel, nickel, gold, platinum, titanium, and cobalt-chromium. This type has enough strength to withstand heavy loads.
Ceramics
Modern techniques of dental materials manufacturers achieve outstanding properties of ceramic composition that have equal or even better hardness compared to metals. Ceramic alloys are made using different materials, but they all have an important characteristic that allows the transmission and reflection of light. Actually, they mimic natural tooth enamel and have the same abrasion resistance.
Zirconia
Preparation for zirconia dental bridges can be done in a very short period of time. Zirconia composition is often used due to its minimal thickness and superior hardness. But due to the fact that this material does not transmit light, it is installed on chewing teeth. Zirconia is a biocompatible, hypoallergenic material that has proven itself in fixed dental prostheses.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
First of all, it requires regular care. You can make your dental prosthesis last longer and function better by brushing your teeth in the morning and evening with a toothbrush and toothpaste, removing food debris after meals. Besides, visit your dentist 1-2 times a year for professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque buildup and for a preventive examination of the entire oral cavity, installed prosthetic devices and teeth underneath.
Our team of dentists will be glad to present you with all the options you have and help to pick the right one. Schedule an appointment at Dental World Marietta — you won’t be disappointed.
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