Bridges

Bridges are appliances that are definitively attached—‘fixed’—to the remaining teeth or implants. This makes them ‘non-removable’ by anyone other than the dentist, unlike complete or partial dentures which can be cleaned by the wearer themselves. Research indicates that fixed replacements, deliver greater improvement in the oral-health-related-quality-of-life compared to removable replacements.

Bridges use crowns which are secured on the neighbouring teeth as bolsters or pillars that attach to the replacement of missing teeth that literally helps ‘bridge’ the gap. As such, bridges have straightforward indications in the following situations:

• Definitively replacements for short- to medium-span edentulous spaces
• Correction of lost aesthetics due to missing front teeth
• Enhancing the smile to improve dental alignment in presence of tooth loss
• Restoring chewing capacity that has reduced due to missing front and back teeth

Gaps in dentition due to missing teeth are not only an aesthetic challenge, they are also a detriment to function and stability of your dentition. Bridges offer a time-tested solution that allows you to not only restore the missing tooth structure, it also lets you prevent deterioration of your oral health. Some advantages that bridges present include:

• Relatively simple workflow to receive definitive fixed restorations which look, feel and function in a way that similar to your natural dentition
• Satisfactory long-term return to optimum function
• Easy incorporation of aesthetic corrections in the treatment plan
• Higher gains in oral-health-related quality-of-life compared to removable replacements which means you feel good about your teeth

With a long history of innovation in the technology and materials that are used to manufacture crowns and bridges, your Genix dentists are more empowered than ever to deliver a precise and aesthetic replacement that serves you in the long run. Genix partners with dental labs that share our values when it comes to creating high-quality treatment outcomes, and that collaborate with our dentists closely to tailor your bridge to your unique situation.

Making a bridge involves creating space for the material from which they will be made. Depending on your clinical situation, your Genix dentist will present to you the treatment possibilities that are appropriate to restore your aesthetics and function. Once you have chosen the material you would like your bridge to be made out of, your dentist will shape the teeth to receive the bridge keeping in mind the specific requirements for that material. An impression or a scan of your teeth is then taken to prepare a model of your jaw, and your bite is recorded.

The dental lab then prepares your bespoke bridge. Once the bridge is trialled for the fit, bite, appearance and comfort, it is cemented securely in your mouth.

You may be offered the following types of bridges:

Types of bridges based on the material used

Metal

The time-honoured choice to make a strong, long-lasting restoration, metal bridges are made of a variety of purpose-created metal alloys. These include alloys that contain gold or other precious metals like platinum or palladium, as well as non-precious metal alloys that contain nickel and chromium. A particularly great choice in back teeth where space is tight or when the bite is heavy, metal bridges are most appropriate in areas that are aesthetically not very critical due to their metallic appearance. The dental lab employs different methods to make these: traditional casting, metal-laser-sintering and milling.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal

Occupying the middle ground with tooth-like appearance and strength from the metal in them, porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges—also sometimes known as porcelain-bonded-to-metal bridges—are created by layering porcelain on a metal substructure. This unique combination is put to use not only in the back teeth, but also sometimes in the front teeth. Due to the need to mask the metal, these bridges are not as translucent as teeth. This opacity limits their use in aesthetically sensitive areas.

All-ceramic

All-ceramic bridges—also called all-porcelain bridges—are made of specialty tooth-coloured ceramics of different varieties, and hence can offer life-like aesthetic appearance thanks to their translucency which approaches that of the natural teeth. The different types of ceramics used include lithium disilicate (e.g. e.max®), alumina-reinforced (e.g. Procera®) and zirconia (Lava®, BruxZir®). They excel in different areas: some are better cosmetically; some are stronger than others. Your Genix dentist will help you arrive at which one is best for you.

Types of bridges based on tooth coverage

Conventional bridges

Conventional bridges refer to replacements for missing teeth that are suspended between two or more crowns on either side. These are secured with the help of strongly adherent cements on the teeth that receive the crowns. The material choices for conventional bridges are the same as those available for crowns: metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic. In case of bridges, however, additional considerations are needed for the extra forces that the restorations are subject to, and that fine tunes the material choice.

Resin-bonded bridges

The minimally-invasive option when you want a bridge, a resin-bonded—or ‘adhesive’ or ‘resin-retained’ or ‘Maryland’—bridge makes use of small metal wings that are bonded with a special cement to the inner surface of the adjacent teeth. Sometimes, it is possible to prepare this bridge with minimal or no tooth shaping, which makes this the most conservative option. This design is especially useful in the front teeth with a gentle bite.

Temporary crowns and bridges

Until your permanent crown and bridge is cemented in your mouth, it may be necessary to provide a provisional replacement to ensure that the shaped teeth are held in place and to take care of possible sensitivity. Temporary crowns and bridges made of materials like acrylic and composite are useful for this purpose, and sometimes may be made chairside by the dentist themselves. They are cemented with temporary cements to allow easy retrieval when the permanent restoration is to be placed.

Imagine a tiny construction crew inside your mouth, complete with miniature hard hats and tool belts. They start by setting up scaffolding around the gap where your tooth used to be, chatting about the latest dental gossip. The foreman, usually a wise old molar, directs the team to carefully measure the space. Then, they mix up a batch of tooth-coloured cement, making sure not to spill any on their tiny boots. As they place the dental bridge, they high-five each other with their tiny hands, celebrating a job well done. Finally, they pack up their tools, leaving behind a perfectly crafted bridge and a note saying: ‘Thanks for the gig! Keep flossing!’

The multi-step process for making crowns and bridges includes the following steps usually covered across multiple appointments:

Appointment 1 or more
A thorough exam of the gums of the missing teeth, the support and integrity of adjacent teeth that the bridge may potentially rest on, and x-rays if necessary

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Discussion of the treatment plan to arrive at the material of choice for the crown and bridge

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Correction of gum health and structure of the supporting teeth if necessary

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Recording the shade of the teeth

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Shaping of the teeth to receive a crown or a bridge

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Recording an impression of the shaped teeth and registering the bite

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Manufacture of the bridge in our state-of-the-art lab partners’ facilities

Appointment 2 or beyond
Trying the bridge in your mouth for fit, bite, comfort and aesthetics

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Making adjustments if necessary and polishing the bridge. Sometimes this involves sending the bridge back to the lab

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Cementing the bridge in your mouth securely and permanently

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You are all set!

Time to flex your newfound chewing power! Remember to follow the post-operative instructions carefully to prolong the life of your bridge.

• Caring for a dental bridge includes brushing twice daily using a toothbrush to clean your teeth and bridge thoroughly.
• Using a floss threader or special dental floss to clean under the bridge and between teeth is always recommended. Your dentist will show you how.
• Steer clear of hard or sticky foods that could damage or de-cement the bridge.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.

• Bridges are generally a very successful treatment, but their success depends on good oral hygiene around them. Sometimes the teeth that the bridge rests on can develop decay or may need root canal treatment over a period of time.
• Resin-bonded bridges can be recemented easily after cleaning them.

A dental bridge is like a tiny suspension bridge in your mouth, except it doesn’t charge tolls and keeps your smile traffic-free! Crucial for maintaining oral health and functionality after tooth loss, it helps restore your smile, enabling you to chew and speak properly. By filling the gap left by missing teeth, a dental bridge prevents the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and jaw pain. Additionally, it helps maintain the shape of your face, providing support to the surrounding teeth and gums. Proper care of a dental bridge ensures its longevity and contributes to overall dental hygiene. Begin your journey to get your teeth replaced at Genix now!