Dental bridges are prosthetic constructions that can be used to replace one or more lost teeth. As with dental crowns, a dental bridge can also be placed on either natural teeth or dental implant.
What will you learn in this article?
In this article, read about the following topics:
- When do you need a dental bridge?
- Installation of a dental bridge on existing teeth
- Installation of a dental bridge on dental implants
- Lifespan and maintenance of a dental bridge
When do you need a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is actually a series of dental crowns joined in one prosthetic appliance. If you are missing one or more teeth in a row, we can replace them with a dental bridge.
Like any bridge, a dental bridge also has to propped against on some supports. Teeth can be used for that, as well as dental implants, which are in the long term a better solution.
In addition to compensating for lost teeth, we sometimes install a dental bridge for fixation of unstable teeth (so-called periodontal splint).
Placement of a dental bridge on existing teeth
Although it has been practiced for many years, the placement of a dental bridge on existing teeth has a lot of shortcomings and is increasingly falling out of use.
Maximum preservation of the health of existing teeth
Namely, modern dentistry aims to preserve natural teeth as long as possible. No prosthetic work is as high-quality, comfortable, beautiful and durable as a healthy tooth.
However, in order to place a dental bridge on existing teeth, it is necessary to reduce two adjacent, healthy teeth.
We have to shape them into supports for the dental bridge construction. It is opposite to the viewpoint of maintaining dental tissue for as long as possible and minimally invasive dentistry.
To that extent, the installation of a dental bridge on existing teeth is somewhat of an obsolete method.
Mantaining bone vitality and volume
Also, if a dental bridge rests on two adjacent teeth, its durability will depend on the longevity of its supports.
Namely, natural tooth roots or dental implants, stimulate maintaining vitality of the alveolar bone. If we just bridge the empty spot, the bone in that spot will slowly lose shape and volume.
This can lead to instability and looseness of the teeth that served as supports for the dental bridge. If they loosen or cavities appear, the bridge will lose stability and will have to be replaced.
Our clinic specializes in dental prosthetics with half a century of tradition based on dental prosthetics.
We will surely find a quality, affordable and long-lasting solution for your lack of teeth.
Have trust in us and contact us in case you need advice or have a question.
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Placing a dental bridge on existing teeth
There are serious disadvantages to be taken into consideration before a decision is made to place a dental bridge on existing teeth.
The placement of a dental bridge on existing teeth is in many aspects identical to the placement of a dental crown, but there are also differences.
Step 1: Shaping a bridge abutment
- First the teeth that will support the dental bridge have to be shaved. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is completely painless.
- The teeth that will serve as the bridge abutment must be healthy and stable, that is, previously treated and restored.
Step 2: Dental impression
- Then we make a dental impression for the final prosthesis, in this case the dental bridge.
- A dental impression is an accurate presentation of the bite, position and interrelation of teeth. In the Apolonija Dental Clinic, depending on the indication, we make a classic or 3D digital imprint.
- After taking an imprint, we always make a provisional dental bridge to protect the reduced teeth. It meets the function and aesthetics of the teeth we are replacing until a permanent bridge is made.
Step 3: Making a dental bridge
- A scan or impression of the teeth is sent to a dental laboratory. It is used to make a dental bridge in the desired material.
- Since a dental bridge is nothing but a series of connected dental crowns, we can make it in all materials in which we also make dental crowns.
- While a metal-ceramic dental bridge is the most favourable solution, we will achieve a more beautiful aesthetic effect with a zirconia dental bridge.
- Find out more about the materials on our website: “Solutions to replace one tooth”.
Step 4: Try-in and permanent fixation of the dental bridge
- It may take 7 to 15 days to make a dental bridge. Then you may come for a try-in.
- After a successful try-in and, possibly, adjustment of the dental bridge, we will fix it permanently.
If you are missing several teeth in a row, a dental bridge is the ideal solution for such a lack of teeth.
Our specialists can find a quality, affordable and long-lasting solution for your lack of teeth.
Have trust in us and contact us in case you need advice or have a question.
Get a professional check-up without leaving your home!
We offer a virtual dental examination. Learn more!
Placing a dental bridge on dental implants
As mentioned earlier, a dental bridge can also be placed on an artificial tooth root: a dental implant.
This method has a number of advantages in the long run:
- The vitality of the jawbone at the point where the tooth is missing is stimulated and maintained.
- It is not necessary to sacrifice two healthy teeth to place a dental bridge.
- Therefore, this solution is far more stable in the long run , because it does not depend solely on the health of adjacent teeth.
However, when placing a dental bridge on dental implants should be met.
The installation of dental implants is always an invasive procedure that requires along recovery period. If, in addition, it is necessary to rebuild the jawbone, this can additionally prolong the recovery and increase the price of installation.
Although it is a more expensive and invasive solution that requires longer recovery, the installation of a dental bridge on dental implants preserves dental health of the patient and is therefore a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
The procedure of placing a dental bridge on dental implants
This procedure begins by installing dental implants, after which the bone should be allowed to fuse to the implant. Detailed information on the installation of dental implants can be found under the category “Dental implants”.
Most patients will need to have two dental implants places for a dental bridge.
In case of a toothless jaw, when a single prosthesis needs to replace all teeth, we placel 4 to 6 dental implants.
It is a special type of dental bridge called “All-on-4”. Find out more about this implant-prosthetic solution on our website: “All-on-4, a dental bridge on implants”.
After the placement of implants, the recovery period lasts for 3 to 6 months. During this period, you may wear a provisional dental bridge that will not only cover up the lack of teeth, but you will also be able to chew with it.
Step 1: Taking a digital impression
- Once the dental implants have fused well with the bone, we will do a 3D scan or dental impression on the basis of which we make your dental bridge.
Step 2: Making a dental bridge
- We send a scan or impression of the teeth to a dental laboratory which will make a dental bridge using the selected ceramic material.
Step 3: Try-in and permanent fixation of the dental bridge
- After making a permanent prosthesis, which will take 7 to 15 days, you will come for a try-in. If the work fits you as planned, which may require additional refinement, we will fix it permanently.
Lifespan and maintenance of the dental bridge
All prostheses have a certain lifespan. The material and construction of prostheses usually last at least 5 to 7 years. This is usually how long the warranty for a prosthesis lasts as well.
However, if properly maintained and used as recommended, a prosthesis can last much longer, even up to 20 years!
It is therefore worthwhile to put an extra effort into their maintenance and act on the following advice:
- Brush your teeth regularly, 2 times a day.
- For a dental bridge, use an interdental brush to clean the spaces between the teeth and even under the dental bridge.
- Use dental floss after each brushing.
- Do not try to chew hard food, such as ice or the like or bite objects, such as a pencil, with your teeth.
- After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with a fluorine based mouthwash.
- Visit your dentist every 4 to 6 months for a check-up.
- If you notice looseness of the dental bridge or the teeth it is placed on, visit your dentist.
Did you find out what you wanted to know?
In this article you have learned more about dental bridges and their placement. You may want to learn more about the following topics:
- Solutions to replace one tooth
- Solutions to replace all teeth
- All-on-4: a dental bridge on implants
- Prerequisites for the installation of dental implants
Our clinic specializes in dental prosthetics with half a century of tradition based on dental prosthetics.
We will surely find a quality, affordable and long-lasting solution for your lack of teeth.
Have trust in us and contact us in case you need advice or have a question.
Get a professional check-up without leaving your home!
We offer a virtual dental examination. Learn more!