Dental bridges are a form of fixed prosthodontic restoration. They are placed to replace missing teeth when there are healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap. These adjacent teeth are used as abutments to support and stabilize the bridge.
A dental bridge provides a highly natural and aesthetically excellent result. Its lifespan can be very long, provided that the patient maintains proper oral hygiene and visits the dentist regularly for check-ups.
Materials Used for Dental Bridges
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Bridges: Featuring a metal core made of nickel–chromium (Ni-Cr), silver–palladium (Ag-Pd) or gold (Au), externally covered with porcelain.
- All-Ceramic Bridges: Fabricated entirely from porcelain, offering excellent aesthetics. However, they are generally more sensitive compared to metal-ceramic and zirconia bridges.
- Zirconia Bridges: Either with a zirconia core layered with porcelain or full-contour zirconia. Zirconia is a modern, white ceramic material with higher strength than metals. It is biocompatible and gum-friendly, resistant to corrosion and fracture, and provides a highly natural, tooth-like appearance.
The Bridge Placement Procedure
A dental bridge is fabricated over a series of dental appointments. Before proceeding, any existing issues affecting the adjacent teeth, such as dental fillings or root canal treatment, must be addressed to ensure a healthy oral environment.
The procedure begins with tooth preparation (shaping) of the supporting teeth, followed by taking a dental impression and selecting the appropriate tooth shade. A trial fitting of the bridge framework is then performed, during which the fit and occlusal contacts are carefully evaluated.
After final polishing and any necessary adjustments, the dental bridge is permanently cemented, restoring function, stability and aesthetics.
