Bridges 
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge restores a missing tooth by adhering crowns to the adjacent teeth. A bridge comprises of two dental crowns which are anchored onto neighboring teeth in order to replace one or more missing teeth. In the middle of the bridge just above the gum line is the pontic tooth (false tooth) which is fused to the adjacent crowns that serve as anchors, thereby bridging them together. This is how a missing tooth is replaced. This form of restoration is effective even up to 3 missing teeth.
What are the indications for making a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are made:
to prevent natural teeth shifting by closing off the free space in the presence of a missing tooth.
to prevent bone loss which causes the appearance of premature facial aging.
to prevent gingival disease and decay formation caused by the accumulation of food in the missing tooth.
to regain a proper bite by properly distributing the forces of eating.
to regain a beautiful smile.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
In our clinic we make two types of dental bridges:
-
Traditional porcelain fixed bridge
This is the most commonly used type of bridge and consists of a pontic tooth fused between two porcelain crowns that are anchored on neighboring teeth or implants. This type of bridge is usually made of either porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramics.
-
Resin bonded composite/fiberglass bridge
This type of bridge is made from the same material as in fillings and additionally it is strengthened with fiberglass. It is not as durable as a porcelain bridge but the main advantage of this type is that it does not require filing of the anchoring teeth.
What types of materials are used to make dental bridges?
Dental bridges are made of the same material as dental crowns. These include:
- porcelain fused to metal bridges (porcelain fused to metal crowns on a steel or gold base),
- all-ceramic bridges (all-ceramic LAVA™ crowns)
- composite/fiberglass bridges
Dental bridges are also commonly used with implants which serve as a support unit replacing the natural root of the tooth. On implants we can make bridges from:
- porcelain fused to metal bridges (porcelain fused to metal crowns on a steel base)
- all-ceramic bridges (all-ceramic LAVA™ crowns)
How are dental bridges made?
In our clinic making a dental bridge usually involves three visits to the dental office. On the first visit the dentist will conduct a thorough examination and prepares the tooth, on the second the dentist will check the fit with a temporary model and on the third cement the final bridge in place.
First visit: Examination and preparation of the teeth
On the first visit our dentist will make an x-ray in order to check the status of the roots on which the crown will be placed as well as the surrounding bone. If the dentist notices large carries, a big risk of infection, or damaged pulp, the tooth will first have to undergo a root canal treatment which may lengthen the prosthodontic restoration process. More information about root canal treatments.
After receiving a local anesthetic the dentist will file down the teeth receiving the crowns (bridge) along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. Our dentists know exactly how much tissue must be filled down in preparation for the dental bridge. If however, a large portion of the tooth is missing and the tooth will not be able to support the dental crown, a root crown post will have to be made. More information about root crown posts below.
After filling the tooth and choosing the appropriate colour, the dentist makes a precise impression of the filled teeth with a special silicone mass. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to receive the dental bridge will also be made to make sure that the crown will not affect your bite. The impressions are sent to a technician’s laboratory and the new dental crown returns to the clinic usually after 7 days. On the first visit our dentist will also make a temporary crown in order to secure the filled teeth. Temporary crowns are made from acryl and are secured in place with temporary adhesive cement.
Preparation of the neighboring teeth
Second visit: Test fit
On this visit the dentist will perform a test fit of the preliminary work to assess the seal, proper bite and colour.
Bridge prior to test fit
Third visit: Cementing of the permanent dental bridge
On the third visit the dentist removes the temporary crowns or bridge and checks the colour and shape of the new bridge. If the patient is satisfied and accepts the restoration, the new bridge is set in place with special permanent dental cement.
After cementing of the permanent bridge
In the case of a composite/fiberglass bridge the preparation is shorter by one step omitting the test fit stage. On the first visit the anchoring teeth are prepared by making retention grooves which serve as anchors for the fiberglass (commonly this simply involves removing old fillings) and an impression is made. On the second visit the bridge is cemented in place.
What is a root crown post?
A root crown post is a stud-like structure that is cemented to the root of a tooth, which strengthens a partially or completely broken tooth. In situations where the amount of remaining tooth structure is little, making a filling with composite, crown or bridge, puts the tooth at an extremely high risk of fracture and most commonly this is completely not possible. In this case, it is necessary to create a root crown post that will transfer the forces of chewing directly to the root of the tooth.
Root crown posts can be made from metal (steel or gold alloys) or fiberglass. Prior to making a root crown post of the patient’s choice it is necessary to perform a proper root canal treatment , at which point a root crown post can then be made. Since root crown posts are only made in teeth that have been treated endodontically i.e. dead teeth; the procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia.
What is the cost of a dental bridge?
The cost of a bridge is dependent on how many points the bridge will have. Each point is counted as a one dental crown. For example, a bridge replacing a single missing tooth is a three point bridge (two crowns on the anchoring teeth and one pontic crown replacing the missing tooth); in the case of two missing teeth beside each other this would be a four point bridge (two anchoring crowns and two pontic crowns) etc. Furthermore, the cost of each point (crown) is dependent on what type of material the crown is made from - more information in our price list. .
Zobacz również:
