Bridges are used to fill gaps caused by missing teeth. They are non-removable and have a very good appearance. Not all gaps can be restored with a bridge and in general terms the larger the gap the more difficult it is to restore. If it is impossible to provide a bridge a partial denture may be used instead.
The teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared to retain the bridge by the dentist then a laboratory fabricates the bridge and it is cemented in place by your dentist.
There are several different types of bridge
Fixed Bridges
These tend to have better aesthetics and tend to be a more long term solution. There are two types, Porcelain bonded and metal free.
Porcelain bonded bridges are constructed with a metal subframe which is covered in a tooth coloured material (porcelain). It is finished to match the adjacent teeth.
Metal-free bridges are constructed using a revolutionary new material, Empress 2, which is specially formulated for the construction of metal free crowns and bridges. The advantage is that the material is very strong and the metal substructure is not required so that a more translucent natural appearance is acheived.
Before After
Maryland Bridge
This has metal wings which are bonded to the inside surface of the adjacent teeth. The advantages are reasonable cost and the teeth need little, if any drilling. The disadvantages are below average appearance and about 20% become loose in the first two years. They are suitable for situations where the teeth are not under high load.
| Back |
