Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is one method to fill a gap created
by a missing tooth (or teeth). Dental bridge or
pontic is a custom-made false tooth or teeth,
that is permanently placed between two healthy
teeth, filling in the area left by a missing tooth
or teeth. The bridge is held in place by crowns
placed on the healthy teeth on each side of space
to be filled. |
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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. |
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Cantilever bridges
Cantilever bridges are usually used when there are
adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth
or teeth.
Maryland bridges
Marlyland bridges also called a resin-bonded bridges
or a Maryland bonded bridges. Maryland bridges supported
by a metal framework. 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:
- Porcelain fused to
metal dental bridges
- All porcelain dental bridges
- All metal dental bridges (Gold)
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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 does not chip.
The porcelain bridges used at Bangkok International
Dental Center include the IPS Empress Esthetics crowns
from Ivoclar Vivadent and Procera NobelEsthetics from
Nobel Biocare.
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 adminstered
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 impression is taken for
a replica model of the teeth
- This model is sent to a lab
where the individualized bridge is fabricated
- A temporary bridge is placed
on whilst the permanent bridge is made
- Fitting of bridge on delivery
- The temporary bridge is removed
- The permanent bridge is fitted
and cemented into place on the teeth
- A quality assurance check is
done for any re-adjustments or re-works of the
dental bridge
- Care of bridge
- Brush and floss the bridge as recommended by
your dentist or dental hygienist
Recovery Expectations
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.
Postcare Instructions for Dental Bridges
It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy
and strong as the success of the bridge. The bridge
depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding
teeth.
- 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 3xd 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 flouride rinse and toothpaste
for sensivity 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.
To provide optimum longevity for your restorations,
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 floss threader to remove
plaque under and around these areas to maintain good
oral hygiene. Buildup 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
Goto section on Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dental Bridges
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