Dental bridge

The loss of one or several teeth is not only a matter of aesthetics. Over time, the bite may change, the load on neighboring teeth may increase, and even the work of the TMJ. To avoid such changes, restoration of the dental row should preferably be planned without delay, and one of the possible options is to install a bridge on the teeth.

In Oxford Medical dentistry, doctors first carefully assess the clinical situation: the condition of the supporting teeth, gums, bite, and the patient's wishes regarding the appearance of the future construction. This allows selecting an individual solution for prosthetics — so that the bridge is comfortable, reliable, and looks natural. Schedule a consultation to choose the optimal option for restoring the dental row.

A dental bridge is an orthopedic construction that replaces one or several missing teeth and rests on neighboring teeth or implants. It consists of artificial crowns connected to each other into a single construction, which is made individually for each patient.

Such a bridge on teeth allows the chewing load to be distributed more evenly, prevents displacement of neighboring teeth, and restores the aesthetics of the smile. Which specific type of construction will be optimal is determined by the dentist after examination and diagnostics.

There are different variants of dental bridges, which differ by the method of fixation, type of construction, and material.

By the method of fixation, they distinguish:

• bridges supported by one's own teeth — a classic variant that is used when there are healthy supporting units;

• bridges supported by implants — used when one's own are not suitable as support or there are none.

By structural features, the following bridge-like prostheses are distinguished:

• solid-cast — strong metal constructions that today are used mainly for restoring chewing units;

• adhesive bridge — is fixed using special adhesive materials or thin wing-like elements and can be used to replace one tooth when there are appropriate indications;

• fastened (soldered) — consist of separate elements connected to each other, however today they are used rarely;

• cantilever — have only one support, therefore they are used only in separate clinical cases;

• bridges on implants — are installed on dental implants, which perform the function of support for the construction.

Dental bridges — materials for their manufacture can be the following:

• metal-ceramics;

• ceramics;

• zirconium.

The choice of material depends on the location of the construction, requirements for aesthetics, and the expected chewing load.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: each type of bridge has its own indications and limitations. That is why the final choice of construction is possible only after diagnostics and assessment of the condition of the oral cavity.

Doctors of Oxford Medical recommend not postponing prosthetics after the loss of a tooth. This helps reduce the risk of displacement of neighboring teeth, bite changes, and other complications.

In some clinical situations, an alternative to a bridge-like prosthesis may be a “butterfly” prosthesis for teeth. Most often it is used as a temporary construction until the completion of the main treatment or the manufacture of a permanent prosthesis.

Bridge-like prosthetics is not suitable for all patients. Before its performance, the dentist assesses the condition of the oral cavity, supporting teeth, bite, and bone tissue to make sure that the construction will be reliable and durable.

Contraindications or restrictions to the installation of a bridge may be:

• absence of a sufficient number of reliable supporting teeth;

• significant destruction of supporting units, when they cannot withstand the load;

• pronounced diseases of periodontal tissues, in particular periodontosis;

• acute inflammatory processes in the oral cavity until their elimination.

If during the examination caries, gum diseases, or other dental problems are detected, the necessary treatment is performed first. After eliminating the detected disorders, the doctor repeatedly assesses the possibility of installing a bridge-like prosthesis.

Bridges on teeth are one of the most common ways of restoring lost units. Like any method of dental prosthetics, they have their advantages and limitations, therefore the choice of construction always depends on the clinical situation.

Advantages of bridge-like prostheses:

• allow restoring one or several missing teeth;

• help fully chew food;

• are made faster compared with implantation;

• help prevent displacement of neighboring units.

Disadvantages of bridge-like prostheses:

• in most cases require preparation of supporting units;

• do not prevent gradual atrophy of bone tissue in the area of the missing tooth;

• cannot always be installed in the absence of reliable supports.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: in some clinical situations, a better solution may be a crown on an implant, which allows restoring a separate tooth without grinding down the neighboring ones. The final choice of the prosthetics method depends on the results of diagnostics and the patient's wishes.

The installation of a bridge on teeth is performed in stages. Before the start of prosthetics, the dentist conducts an examination and draws up an individual treatment plan.

The main stages of the procedure:

• Diagnostics. The doctor assesses the condition of the supporting teeth, gums, bite, and, if necessary, prescribes an X-ray examination.

• Preparation. If necessary, treatment of caries, gum diseases, professional cleaning of the oral cavity, and other preparatory procedures are performed.

• Preparation of supports. If the construction will rest on one's own teeth, they are prepared for further fixation of crowns.

• Taking impressions or digital scanning. According to the obtained data, an individual construction is manufactured in the dental laboratory.

• Fitting and fixation. The dentist checks the accuracy of fit, comfort, and bite, after which they finally install the prosthesis.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: the accuracy of diagnostics and the quality of manufacturing the construction directly affect its durability, comfort during use, and aesthetic result. That is why in our clinic all stages of prosthetics are performed in accordance with modern standards of dentistry.

Provided that it is correctly manufactured and the dentist's recommendations are followed, bridge-like prostheses usually serve well for many years. However, like any orthopedic construction, they may need correction in the event of certain problems.

Possible complications are:

• increased sensitivity of the supporting teeth in the first days after fixation;

• discomfort or a feeling of bite change if the construction needs correction;

• development of caries under the supporting crowns;

• inflammation of the gums due to plaque accumulation in the area of the construction;

• damage or decementation of the bridge.

Doctors of Oxford Medical recommend not postponing a visit to the dentist if pain, mobility of the prosthesis, unpleasant odor from the mouth, or other discomfort has appeared after installing the construction. Timely examination allows quickly eliminating the problem and preserving the orthopedic construction.

Proper care helps extend the service life of a bridge-like prosthesis and reduce the risk of developing caries and gum diseases. Regular oral hygiene also contributes to preserving the health of the supporting teeth and the durability of the construction.

It is recommended:

• to brush teeth correctly twice a day with a soft toothbrush;

• to use additional hygiene products daily (dental floss, interdental brushes, etc.) in accordance with the dentist's recommendations;

• to use an irrigator if necessary;

• to undergo preventive examinations and professional hygiene in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.

Doctors of Oxford Medical emphasize: even a well-made bridge requires regular care and professional control. This helps maintain the health of the oral cavity and maximally extend the service life of the construction.

In Oxford Medical dentistry, warranties apply to services, in particular to prosthetics. The warranty period depends on the type of orthopedic construction and the materials that are used for its manufacture.

The warranty is preserved provided that the dentist's recommendations are followed, preventive examinations are undergone regularly, and proper oral hygiene is maintained. The doctor will explain the detailed warranty conditions during the consultation.

The cost of prosthetics depends on the type of bridge-like prosthesis, the material from which it is made, and other features. You can preliminarily view prices for dental bridges here.

During the consultation, the dentist will conduct an examination, select the optimal prosthetics option, and orient you regarding the full cost. If necessary, the doctor will also tell you about other necessary medical services. If you plan to place a dental bridge in Kyiv, you can schedule a consultation by calling the contact center or through the online appointment form on the website. Dental departments of Oxford Medical are located in Pechersk, Pavlivska, Obolon, and Pozniaky, so you can choose the clinic that will be most convenient for you to contact.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• American Dental Association

• NCBI Bookshelf

• PubMed