dental bridge

Unfortunately, some diseases of the oral cavity inevitably lead to the loss of one or more teeth, even if the correct treatment has been carried out. In addition, such situations can arise due to mechanical injuries, strong blows to the jaw.

To prevent complications and fill the empty space, a dental bridge is installed – an orthopedic structure, which is a fixed prosthesis.

Types of dental bridges

There are several options for classifying the devices under consideration. They are differentiated depending on the material, manufacturing technique and installation.

In the first case, the following types of prostheses are distinguished:

1. Plastic and metal-plastic. These are budget designs that are made of hypoallergenic plastic that imitates natural enamel. Typically, such orthopedic appliances are used as a temporary dental bridge before installing a permanent prosthesis. Their service life does not exceed 5 years.
2. Metal. The most durable and relatively cheap design option. At the same time, these bridges do not meet aesthetic requirements, they can provoke the destruction of supporting teeth and allergic reactions.
3. All-ceramic and metal-ceramic. The first type of device indicated is the most acceptable in terms of aesthetic functions, but metal-ceramic dental bridges are stronger and more durable. Modern orthopedists prefer a zirconium oxide framework for prostheses.

According to the type of manufacture, there are such designs:

1. Stamped. Several individual crowns or artificial teeth are soldered together.
2. Cast. The device is made in one piece, cast on the basis of a plaster cast made from the patient’s jaw.
3. Adhesive. The bridge is made directly in the oral cavity. A fiberglass arch is stretched between the abutment teeth, which serves as a support for the prosthesis.

Depending on the location of the orthopedic device, the dentist chooses one of the following options for connecting the bridge and the mucous membrane:

• tangent;
• washing;
• saddle.

What are the best dental bridges?

High quality, durability and strength, providing a long service life (up to 30 years), has an all-ceramic and metal-ceramic dental bridge on implants. Their advantages:

• resistance to any chewing loads;
• immunity to aggressive and acidic environments;
• preservation of the original color and shape for many years;
• not too high price, if we correlate the service life and the cost of the structure;
• ease of installation;
• excellent appearance, the prosthesis is almost indistinguishable from real teeth.

It is important to note that the choice of the type of bridge, the method of its manufacture and installation depends on many individual factors. Therefore, such decisions are made only by an orthopedic dentist based on a study of the patient’s oral cavity, the volume and density of his bone tissue, the presence of bad habits and other nuances.

Removal and replacement of a dental bridge

If the described design is already outdated or its service life is coming to an end, errors in fixation have appeared, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner. Only a professional dentist will be able to perform manipulations to correct the position and fastening of the bridge, remove and replace it, and possibly implement another, more acceptable prosthetic technique.

Independent attempts to remove the structure can end very badly – damage to bone, soft and mucous tissue, destruction of supporting teeth, the development of severe inflammatory processes, and the addition of a bacterial infection.