What are dental bridges?
The dental bridges are fixed dental structures that replace several missing teeth, restore smile and normal masticatory function, and keep the remaining teeth in place.
The teeth bridges are attached by crowns to existing teeth (or implants) in place of the missing ones. That is why they are called bridges - they make a connection between existing teeth (bridge carriers), replacing missing ones.
If you need to build a bridge where there are no natural supports for it, you can resort to either implants or glass supports. They are made of glass material that undergoes special treatment, and they are placed instead of the missing tooth for the sole purpose of attaching a bridge to them. In contrast, implants allow the placement of an artificial tooth.
Types of dental bridges
The teeth that make up the bridge are named after the medical pontiff (or bridge body). They can be made from different materials (alloys, porcelain, etc.), most often using cermets because of the value for money and the ability to restore a large number of teeth, but pure ceramics has the best aesthetic effect.
Zirconium is also an increasingly preferred option, despite its higher price. Recently, adhesive bridges are also gaining popularity; they are made of a special ceramic material using a CAD/CAM system and are computer-modeled.
Their main advantage is that they require less sharpening of the teeth that hold the bridge than other types. In addition, they can be made and placed in one visit to the dentist's office. They are especially preferred for front teeth.
Our dental specialist from Kavident will present you with the various options, and the decision is ultimately yours, based primarily on your financial capabilities.
The essence of the dental bridge procedure
As with implants, the placement of bridges also requires perfect oral hygiene. The teeth that will hold the bridge are first treated, if necessary, and then sharpened. It is necessary to take imprints that will be used to construct the bridge. If you have chosen an adhesive-type bridge, everything is done digitally.
If you choose a metal-ceramic, ceramic, or zirconium version, a temporary bridge can also be placed until the permanent bridge is ready. When the permanent structure is ready, a test is performed. It will stay in place if it fits properly.
What complications can occur with dental bridges
Bridges are a foreign body in the oral cavity, and you will need time to adapt before you can eat, talk, or smile normally. This time is unique to each person, but it's not too long.
It is possible that the bridge is not exactly the right size and will need to be redeveloped; during this time, our dentist can put up a temporary bridge. The gums may become inflamed in such cases.
It is very important that you visit our dental specialist, who will look after the health of your teeth and gums. In cases of periodontitis, the base of the bridge, which is the bridge-supporting teeth, is compromised, which can lead to dislocation and the need for corrections.
In most cases, older patients with progressive tooth loss require bridge building. Therefore, the support teeth may wobble and fail to perform their function. These teeth are removed, and artificial teeth are added to the bridge to avoid discomfort.
