Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is one method to fill a gap created by a missing tooth (or teeth). A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. The false tooth is called pontic and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Restores your smile
• Restores your ability to properly chew and speak
• Maintains the shape of your face
• Distributes the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Helps preserve the natural function and position of the teeth
• Restores and maintains natural bite.

Types of Dental Bridges 

Traditional bridges Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge.

Cantilever bridges Cantilever bridges are usually used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.

Maryland bridges Maryland bridges also called a resin-bonded bridges or a Maryland bonded bridges. Maryland bridges supported by a metal framework which have metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to the back of existing teeth.  

Types of Dental Bridge Materials

There are three basic types of materials for dental bridges:

1.     Porcelain fused to metal dental bridges

2.     All porcelain dental bridges

3.     All metal dental bridges (Gold)

The all porcelain dental bridges and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) dental bridges are tooth colored bridges. PFM dental bridges are usually used to restore back teeth where the forces of chewing and grinding are strongest. All porcelain dental bridges are the most aesthetic and are used almost exclusively for front teeth where the need for strength is not as critical. Gold dental bridges are the most durable and offer the most precise fit. Gold dental bridges do not chip. 
The porcelain bridges used at Elite Smile Dental Clinic Aesthetic clinic include the IPS Empress e-max from Ivoclar Vivadent,  Procera Nobel Esthetics from Nobel Biocare, and Cercon Smart Ceramic (Zirconium Bridge) from Dentsply. 

Procedure for Dental Bridges Treatment

The course of treatment described here is for traditional bridges, one of several options available at our dental clinic. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

• First evaluation and bridge tooth preparation
• Local anesthesia is first administered at the region of bridge tooth preparation
• The natural teeth adjacent to the missing gap is reshaped to receive the dental bridge
• Records are taken and approved with the patient to determine the color, bite, length and shape of the bridge
• An impressions of your teeth are made, which serve as a model for dental technician.
• This model is sent to HEXA CERAM dental lab where the individualized bridge is fabricated
• A temporary bridge is placed on to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is made
• Fitting of bridge on delivery
• The temporary bridge is removed
• The new permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit.
• A quality assurance check is done for any re-adjustments of the dental bridge. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual's case.
• The permanent bridge is fitted and cemented into place on the teeth

Postoperative care Instructions for Dental Bridges

Both the preparation and placement of the temporary bridge as well as the bonding of the permanent bridge may cause some minor tenderness in the area. Some individuals may experience sensitivity in teeth. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks.
Replacing missing teeth should actually make eating easier but until you become accustomed to the bridge, eat soft foods that have been cut into small pieces.

• Avoid chewing on or eating hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented
• To help with discomfort or swelling rinse your mouth 3 times a day with warm salt water. (1tsp. of salt in 8oz of water)
• Keep crown area clean to maintain tissue compatibility (the contour of the prosthesis must allow the surrounding tissue to conform to a natural, healthy position)
• Some sensitivity in teeth may be experienced by certain patients. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks. If teeth are sensitive :
• Avoid hot, cold or acidic food and beverages
• Pain medication be taken as directed as long as there is no medical contradiction based upon your medical history
• Use fluoride rinse and toothpaste for sensitivity teeth
• Clean teeth properly

Care for Dental Bridges

Dental bridges require the same regular and consistent home and professional dental care, as your natural teeth to prevent decay at the tooth-dental crown junction. It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong to provide optimum longevity for your restorations since the bridge long term success depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. To accomplish that, please follow the home care tips below:

• Brush after eating and before bedtime around the bridge with a soft toothbrush, especially where the bridge meets the gum line. At the gum line harmful bacteria can be harbored to cause decay and gum disease.
• Floss at least once to twice a day. Use the proxy brush or super floss to remove plaque under and around these areas to maintain good oral hygiene. Build up of food debris and plaque on your teeth and gums can become infected.
• Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes
• Be careful about chewing toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area
• See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings