Dental bridge – or prosthetic restoration using a bridge: prices, types
Why is a dental bridge good? What are its advantages and disadvantages? What is it made of and how is it made?
What does a dental bridge look like: dental bridge images, information in one place
On our site, we address the above questions. We have gathered the most important information about dental bridges to answer all your questions.
…but let’s see what a dental bridge actually means?
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that replaces missing teeth by spanning the gap created by tooth loss. It can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. Besides being anchored to natural teeth (traditional bridge), a dental bridge can also be mounted on implants. You can read more about it in detail here. In this case, it can even serve as an alternative to a complete removable denture.
Mitől híd a foghíd?
A dental bridge or prosthetic bridge is recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. After the loss of one or more teeth, the chewing force is borne not by the mucous membrane but by the adjacent teeth surrounding the gap. These teeth serve as the pillars of the dental bridge, known as abutment teeth. In this case, the body of the bridge spans the area of the missing tooth, connecting the abutment teeth and eliminating the gap created by the missing tooth.
In the simplest scenario, a dental bridge consists of three units (connected dental crowns), with the two outer crowns situated on the patient’s own teeth, and the central one occupying the space of the missing tooth. A well-crafted bridge allows patients to regain both their chewing function and their natural smile.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge positively impacts facial structure and improves bite quality. A key requirement for creating a stable dental bridge is that the surrounding teeth must be sufficiently stable.
Advantages, inconveniences of a dental bridge
Advantages of Dental Bridges:
- Quick to fabricate;
- Produces a noticeable result;
- Eliminates the tooth gap and restores chewing function.
Inconveniences of Dental Bridges:
- Charges extra stress on the abutment teeth;
- Requires tooth preparation;
- Requires more careful cleaning;
- Dental floss cannot be used between the bridge units.
Dental bridge materials, types of dental bridges
At Helvetic Clinics, you can choose from several types of dental bridges. The most commonly used types of dental bridges are:
- Porcelaine fused to metal dental bridge;
- Metal-free aesthetic dental bridge.
Tooth replacement made from porcelaine fused to metal bridge
The porcelaine fused to metal dental bridge is one of the most popular types of dental prostheses in Hungary. Its fabrication begins with the creation of a metal framework, which is a scaled-down version of the final dental bridge.
The dental technician then layers the previously prepared framework with special dental ceramics, porcelain, thereby shaping the aesthetic and form of the dental bridge. The disadvantage of the porcelaine fused to metal bridge compared to the metal-free bridge lies in its material properties. See dental bridge images on the right.
Natural teeth are translucent to light, so the most perfect result can only be achieved with similarly transparent materials. Since porcelaine fused to metal bridges use a metal-colored framework as the base of the crown, achieving flawless aesthetic results can be challenging.
Aesthetic tooth replacement by metal-free dental bridge
Under the hands of a properly trained dental technician, dental prostheses can be created that closely resemble our own healthy teeth. One of the fastest-growing areas in dentistry is the refinement of metal-free materials for dental prosthetics. The most common material for metal-free dental bridges is zirconium dioxide (zirconia bridge).
Zirconium dental bridge
Just like dental crowns, the base material for bridges can also be zirconium (zirconium dioxide). By using zirconium bridges, aesthetic solutions can be achieved, even though, from a material science perspective, they fall into the category of metals and are therefore not entirely metal-free, but only aesthetically so. A major advantage over metal-ceramic bridges is its superior light transmission properties. This material is suitable for creating very precise, rigid, and stable dental prosthetics.
This aesthetic zirconia dental prosthesis is not always made from a single material. Similar to metal-ceramic bridges, this prosthesis can have a framework made from a white material resembling natural teeth. The dental technician then applies a ceramic coating to this framework, which provides the final shape and color of the bridge.
In some cases, the entire base material of the zirconium dental bridge is made of zirconium. These prostheses are also created using computer-controlled CAD/CAM technology.
…Let’s see how the bridge is made!
Steps of crafting a dental bridge
After the consultation and treatment plan are completed, the first step in making a dental bridge is the removal of dental calculus, creating a healthy, inflammation-free condition.
This is followed by the preparation of the pillar teeth, which is done under local anesthesia.
Following tooth preparation, our dental team will create a temporary bridge or crown to cover the prepared teeth, so you won’t leave without teeth. The temporary crown or bridge is made based on impressions taken from your original teeth. The completed temporary crowns protect the teeth while the dental laboratory fabricates the final prosthesis. We also take impressions of the remaining teeth.
The next step is taking impressions. Impressions of the prepared teeth can be made using traditional impression material or with a digital impression technique. In the latter case, there is no need for impression materials, as a digital camera scans the tooth surfaces.
Based on the impression, the dental technician will create the bridge prosthesis in the dental laboratory.
In the next step, the dentist specialized in prosthetics will try in the completed dental bridge, and if you are satisfied with its comfort and aesthetics, it will be bonded in place with a special adhesive cement.
The final step is the correction of the permanent bridge, which involves the verification phase.
Dental bridge prices - How much does a dental bridge cost?
Dental bridge prices can be categorized into different ranges. The cost is influenced by the material, type, size of the prosthesis, and the technological requirements for its fabrication. Dental bridge prices are generally calculated based on the number of units or teeth in the bridge. Specific dental bridge prices can be found at the bottom of the page or on the dental pricelist page.
If you are interested in a dental bridge or need a dental bridge prosthesis, schedule a consultation by calling 053 930 1323 and seek the advice of our specialists at Helvetic Clinics!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about dental bridges
What does a dental bridge mean?
A dental bridge is a type of dental prosthesis that replaces missing teeth using the adjacent teeth next to the gap. Essentially, the simplest dental bridge consists of three units. The two outer units are the bridge abutments, which are bonded to the teeth adjacent to the gap, while the middle unit is the pontic, which replaces the missing tooth. All three units are created as a single piece.
My tooth has become inflamed under the bridge, what should I do?
If the teeth under the bridge are inflamed (dental bridge pain), but the dental prosthesis is in good condition and there is no decay underneath, it may be possible to attempt root canal treatment through the bridge without removing the dental bridge.
Can a 6-unit bridge be supported by only 2 teeth?
For replacing front teeth, this concept might work, but it is not recommended in the molar region. The condition of the teeth and the load they will bear must always be considered, as in this case, two roots would bear the chewing force originally distributed among six teeth.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The price of a dental bridge can be calculated based on the number of units. For example, the cost of a 3-unit bridge is determined by multiplying the price per unit by three.
Can a dental bridge be made on a root-treated tooth?
A dental bridge can be made on root-treated teeth, but it is important to consider the amount of lost tooth structure and its impact on stability. When creating a bridge, the teeth will bear a greater chewing force compared to when crowns are made.
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