Generality
The dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device, which allows to cover the space left empty (gap) from one or more missing teeth and to replace the latter in both appearance and function.
Three porcelain dental elements fused by a metal PFM bridge. Image from wikipedia.org
Not to be confused with the dental implant, the dental bridge basically comprises two parts: a pair of capsules, which serve to anchor the dental bridge, and the intermediate elements, which are in fact the "false teeth" that must replace the teeth. missing.
The installation of a dental bridge is a method of dental restoration, which involves three phases: the phase of preparation of the abutment teeth (first phase), the phase of collecting dental impressions with consequent construction of the dental implant (second phase) and finally, the phase of housing the dental bridge (third phase).
Currently, there is the possibility of making dental bridges in: ceramic, metal ceramic, zirconium-ceramic or porcelain.
If the patient takes care of their oral hygiene - then brush their teeth thoroughly after each meal, floss at least once a day, adopt a caries-preserving diet, etc. - a dental bridge can last up to 15 years.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device, which serves to cover the space left free by one or more missing or extracted teeth. In specialized terms, this empty space is called gap dental or simply gap.
The installation of a dental bridge is a method of dental restoration.
The dental bridge should not be confused with the so-called dental implant, which is also a fixed prosthetic device for replacing one or more missing or extracted teeth.
Features
The dental bridge has, in fact, the appearance and functions of the missing tooth or teeth that it must replace. Normally, its installation involves anchoring to the two teeth that delimit the area presenting the gap dental.
Structurally speaking, two elements can be recognized in a dental bridge: the capsules and the intermediate element (or intermediate elements).
Two in number, the capsules serve to anchor the dental bridge to the teeth delimiting the gap; in the dental field, these teeth take the specific name of pillar teeth.
The intermediate elements, on the other hand, are the “false teeth” which must functionally and aesthetically replace the missing teeth (N.B: we speak of an intermediate element, when there is only one missing tooth).
WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE DENTAL BRIDGE FROM THE "DENTAL IMPLANT?"
Dental bridge and dental implant have several differences. Among these, one in particular should be noted: while the dental bridge provides for its anchoring to the teeth adjacent to the gap (N.B: union between the intermediate elements of the dental bridge and the so-called pillar teeth), the dental implant foresees its anchoring to the bones which, as a rule, support the human teeth (mandible and maxilla);
Indications
The installation of a dental bridge is indicated whenever one or more teeth are missing:
- Impairs the chewing function;
- It affects the phonetic function;
- It spoils the appearance of the smile, creating an aesthetic discomfort;
- It risks causing displacement of adjacent healthy teeth.
Table. The purposes of a dental bridge.
- It restores the chewing function and the phonetic function, where these are compromised due to the lack of one or more teeth;
- It restores a normal appearance to the smile, where the absence of one or more teeth disfigures the aesthetics of the mouth;
- Prevents displacement of healthy teeth adjacent to the gap;
- It allows the correct distribution, on the teeth, of the so-called bite force.
CAUSES OF THE LACK OF ONE OR MORE TEETH
- A severe and incurable caries, which necessitated the extraction of the affected tooth or teeth;
- A severe fracture not only of the crown, but also of the root of one or more teeth;
- Major dental abscess;
- Old age;
- Severe periodontitis, which made dental extraction essential.
Installation
The installation of a dental bridge basically consists of three phases which, in temporal order from the first to the last, are: the preparation phase of the abutment teeth, the phase of collecting dental impressions and building the dental bridge and, finally, the seating phase of the dental bridge.
The dental bridge installation procedure is not a surgical procedure.
PREPARATION OF THE PILLAR TEETH
As anticipated in part, the anchoring of the dental bridge takes place through the so-called capsules, which the dentist inserts - as if they were the cap of a pen - on the two teeth delimiting the gap (the so-called pillar teeth).
The two capsules serve to anchor the dental bridge to the abutment teeth and are comparable, in many respects, to the cap of a pen.
The realization of the encapsulation of the dental bridge always requires the filing of the enamel of the teeth intended to act as abutment teeth.
In other words, in order to anchor a dental bridge, it is essential to modify the teeth adjacent to the gap, preparing them for the insertion of the capsules.
Only after the preparation of the abutment teeth is completed, it is possible to move on to the next step, namely the collection of dental impressions.
COLLECTION OF DENTAL IMPRESSIONS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE DENTAL BRIDGE
The collection of dental impressions consists, in fact, in a photograph of the abutment teeth, previously prepared and on which the dentist will have to insert the caps for anchoring.
Dental impressions are essential for the construction of capsules suitable for the abutment teeth and for the creation of intermediate elements suitable for the correct coverage of the gap.
To maintain the chewing and aesthetic function of the teeth subjected to filing, the two capsules that cover the latter are made in such a way as to have the appearance of normal teeth (specifically, they reproduce the canonical appearance of the teeth they will have to cover).
Generally, the assembly of a dental bridge takes place in a dental laboratory and takes a few days. Normally, while waiting for the dental bridge to be ready, dentists cover the gap with a temporary prosthesis.
DENTAL BRIDGE HOUSING
With the housing of the dental bridge, the dentist provides for the encapsulation of the abutment teeth and the covering of the gap, by means of the intermediate element or elements.
Encapsulation requires the use of an adhesive, commonly called cement. The cement takes about two weeks to solidify definitively.
Dental bridge or dental implant? Brief summary of when the first is preferable to the second.
- The dental bridge is suitable for those patients where the teeth adjacent to the gap they are in fair condition (but not optimal!) and the maxilla and mandible are subject to bone resorption.
- The dental implant is the best choice for those patients where the teeth adjacent to the gap they are perfectly healthy or extremely sick and in which the jaw and jaw are in excellent health.
- Teeth adjacent to the gap in excellent health, they exclude the use of a dental bridge, because, according to dentists, it is not worth filing perfectly healthy and functional teeth.
- Teeth adjacent to the gap very sick people exclude the use of the dental bridge, because they would not be able to perform the task of abutment teeth.
Materials
Currently, there is the possibility of making dental bridges in ceramic, metal ceramic, zirconium-ceramic or porcelain.
The dentist and the patient decide the construction material of a dental bridge, after a proper discussion on the pros, cons and costs.
Duration and management
The life of a generic dental bridge lasts between 5 and 15 years.
If the wearer takes care of their oral hygiene, the chances that the dental bridge will last at least ten "years are quite high. After all, the health of the teeth and, in particular, of the abutment teeth is fundamental for correct positioning and functioning. of dental bridges.
MANAGEMENT
To extend the life of a dental bridge, dentists recommend:
- Brush your teeth immediately after meals, brushing them correctly;
- Floss at least once a day (ideally twice);
- Use antiseptic mouthwash daily;
- Periodically undergo a teeth cleaning;
- Adopt a diet low in those foods that are risk factors for tooth decay.
Comparison between dental bridge and dental implant, regarding management
Compared to the dental implant, the dental bridge requires much more attention from the point of view of oral hygiene.
