Fixed dental bridge
What is a fixed bridge?
A bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of a set of at least three rings welded together. One or more artificial teeth rest on adjacent natural teeth or on two implants. The teeth or implants on each side serve as pillars for the bridge. The average duration of a bridge is 10 years.
The main disadvantage of a bridge is that it alters the healthy teeth adjacent to the artificial tooth. Failure of a part of the bridge can result in the loss of a healthy abutment tooth, as can the loss or erosion of the bridge cement.
Sometimes, a dental implant and a crown, although generally more expensive, are a better long-term solution and over the years prevent bone resorption in your mouth.
The butterfly bridge
This type of bridge is made of an artificial tooth with two metal fins (butterfly wings), which will be permanently glued to the teeth adjacent to the one to be replaced. The main advantage is that the butterfly bridge is less likely to damage neighbouring teeth than the traditional bridge, which requires the milling of adjacent healthy teeth.
Problems solved (by the solution):
- Avoid misalignment of the remaining teeth;
- Replace one or two missing teeth.
The risks and consequences of not correcting:
- Migration of adjacent teeth;
- Extrusion of the antagonistic teeth.
The cost of the fixed bridge
The cost varies according to the number of teeth to be replaced. Ask your dentist for more information.
Maintenance
Oral hygiene should be the same as for natural teeth. In order to clean under the bridge, it is necessary to floss with a threader such as your dentist or hygienist has taught you to do.
Limitation
The bridge will not be possible if the tooth(s) to be replaced have been missing for several years and the abutment teeth have tilted; another solution should be considered.
Steps and time frame (to deal with the problem):
- At the first appointment, the abutment teeth are cut, the color choice is made and an impression is taken for the fabrication of the bridge, which will be designed in the laboratory;
- Seven to ten days later, permanent cementing of the bridge to adjacent teeth will be performed;
- An additional appointment may be required for an occlusion adjustment.
Of course, the steps may vary from one clinic to another.