Dental Bridges

A bridge is a fixed dental restoration (a fixed dental prosthesis) used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth definitively to adjacent teeth or dental implants.

Bridges

Types of bridge

Conventional bridge

Conventional dental bridges are bridges that are supported by full-coverage crowns, three-quarter crowns, post-retained crowns, onlays, and inlays on the abutment teeth. 

Fixed-fixed bridges

A fixed-fixed bridge refers to a pontic which is attached to a retainer.

Cantilever

A cantilever is a bridge where a pontic is attached to a retainer only on one side. 

Fixed-movable

A major advantage of this type of dental bridge is that the movable joint can accommodate the angulation differences in the abutment teeth.

Adhesive bridge – “Maryland bridge”

Also known as a resin-bonded fixed partial denture. Like a traditional bridge, it includes a floating tooth to replace the missing one, but it adheres to the adjacent teeth in a unique way. Instead of fully covering the teeth next to the missing space with crowns, this device bonds to the existing teeth using a metal framework.

Combination Designs

The incorporation of elements of different conventional bridge designs. A popular combination design is the use of a fixed-fixed design with a cantilever.

Hybrid Designs

Bridges that incorporate elements of both conventional and adhesive bridge designs.

Terminology

Fixed bridge: A dental prosthesis that is definitively attached to natural teeth and replaces missing teeth.

Abutment: The tooth that supports and retains a dental prosthesis.

Pontic: The artificial tooth that replaces a missing natural tooth.

Retainer: The component attached to the abutment for retention of the prosthesis.

Unit: Pontics and abutment teeth are referred to as units. The total number of units in a bridge is equal to the number of pontics plus the number of abutment teeth.

Saddle: The area on the alveolar ridge which is edentulous where at least one missing tooth is to be reinstated.

Connector: Joins the pontic to the retainer or two retainers together. Connectors may be fixed or movable.

Span: The length of the alveolar ridge between the natural teeth where the bridge will be placed.

Abutment: The tooth or implant that supports and retains a dental prosthesis.

Resin-bonded bridge: A dental prosthesis where the pontic is connected to the surface of natural teeth which are either unprepared or minimally prepared.

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All on 4 London Examination

Step One : Consultation

  • Assessment: Clinical assessment of the patient’s suitability for bridgework.
  • Primary impressions
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All on 4 London

Step Two :

  • Master impressions
  • Occlusal registration
  • Temporary restoration
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All on 4 London review

Step Three :

Try in and bridge placement

Indications for use

  1. Replacement of a single tooth or a small spanning space.
  2. Good oral health status and motivation of pat to maintain oral health.
  3. Periodontal status of remaining dentition at a stable and satisfactory level.
  4. Abutment teeth are of good quality with minimal restorations and enough surface.
  5. Splinting of periodontally compromised teeth to improve occlusal stability, and comfort and decrease mobility.
  6. As a way of fixed retention after orthodontic treatment or extraction.
  7. The patient is unsuitable for implants. That may be due to inadequate bone levels, expense, or the patient not wanting to receive implants.

fees

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Treatment Finance is a popular option for patients considering cosmetic, orthodontic, or dental implant treatment. It provides a simple and affordable way to spread the cost of your dental treatment with an 0% interest loan over 12 months.

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