Dental Bridge

For a seamless smile

A beautiful, confident smile is priceless. Dental bridges play an important role in this. Not only do they serve to bridge unsightly gaps in your teeth and restore full chewing function, but they also give you a natural look that will make your smile shine.

The use of bridges may become necessary for various reasons.

Missing teeth, especially in the anterior region, can have a negative effect on pronunciation and impair the function of the masticatory organ. By restoring the entire dental arch and simulating a natural row of teeth, a dental bridge can address these problems.

To fix a dental bridge, natural teeth are used as "abutment teeth". These teeth serve as support points for the bridge and anchor it securely in the mouth. Thus, a dental bridge ensures that you can smile confidently and enjoy all the advantages of a complete row of teeth.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed denture that is used to close gaps in the dentition caused by the lack of teeth. Tooth migration, tooth tilting and damage to the jawbone are effectively prevented by closing the gap with a dental bridge. To avoid tension, bone loss and other ailments, missing teeth should always be replaced.

Dental bridges typically consist of artificial teeth that are anchored to natural neighboring teeth (abutment teeth) with at least two dental crowns. They are usually made of an aesthetic ceramic material that has a natural look and is very durable.

The decisive factor when deciding on a dental bridge is the number of missing teeth: Normally, a bridge replaces a maximum of four teeth to ensure stability and a snug fit. It should be noted, however, that the insertion of a bridge requires the removal of healthy tooth substance, which can be a possible cause of caries formation at the edge of the crown and possible overloading of the abutment teeth.

There is a choice between a bridge or an implant, depending on the aesthetic requirements and how many teeth are left. While implants can replace lost teeth 1:1, dental bridges require a support structure and grinding of the adjacent teeth.

Dental bridges have a long lifespan of 10 to 20 years, and good oral hygiene and care of the bridge can increase their lifespan to up to 20 years and more. Compared to prostheses, their production is less time-consuming.

A common model is the three-unit dental bridge. It consists of two crowns and a bridge link to fill the gap of a missing tooth. The cost of such a bridge depends on what material it is made of and where the gap is.

Difference Between a Dental Crown and a Dental Bridge

Although dental crowns and dental bridges are two types of dentures and are often used in similar contexts, there are some important differences between them.

A dental crown is a type of "sheath" that is placed on top of a damaged or worn tooth to protect and improve its shape, size, and function. It is often used when a tooth is badly worn or broken, or when it has been damaged by tooth decay. Dental crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth. This is the case, for example, with discolored or deformed teeth.

In contrast, a dental bridge is a custom-made construction designed to bridge gaps caused by the absence of one or more teeth. As the name suggests, it "bridges" the gap between neighboring teeth.

There is therefore a significant difference between the two in terms of application: dental crowns are used to repair and improve individual teeth, while dental bridges are used to bridge gaps in the dentition due to missing teeth. On top of that, the insertion of a dental bridge usually requires grinding the adjacent teeth to make room for the dental crowns that support the bridge. In the case of dental crowns, usually only the affected tooth is ground.

When is a bridge necessary?

The need for a dental bridge is obvious. It is recommended if one or more teeth have been lost. Missing teeth should never be left untreated, as they can severely affect the function and aesthetics of the dentition.

• Tooth loss: A clear reason for a dental bridge is the loss of one or more teeth due to tooth decay, periodontitis or an accident. Missing teeth not only affect smiling, but also make it difficult to chew and speak.
• Pain when chewing: Pain or discomfort when chewing can be an indication that it is necessary to close a gap between your teeth with a dental bridge in order to restore normal function of your teeth.
• Tooth migration: Due to the loss of teeth, adjacent teeth can migrate into the resulting gap. This can cause the teeth to be crooked or too tight, causing problems with the bite.
• Jawbone loss: The loss of a tooth can cause the jawbone to shrink in the location of the missing tooth. The consequence can be a loss of the structure of the jaw and a change in facial expression.

It is important to understand: missing teeth should always be treated. A dental bridge is an effective solution to replace missing teeth.

Types of bridges

Depending on the patient's individual situation, there are different types of dental bridges.

• The basic bridge: This bridge, which rests on the ridge of the jaw, serves as a standard restoration in the area of dentures.
• Floating bridge: In the case of the suspension bridge, there is a bridge intermediate link that does not rest on the jaw. Since this type of bridge makes it easier to clean the space under the bridge link and is gentle on the gums, it is often used in the non-visible molar area.
• Free-end bridge: If there is no natural tooth left on one side of the tooth gap or if too much substance would have to be sacrificed by grinding a healthy tooth, free-end bridges are used. The principle of the free-end bridge is to dispense with the use of abutment teeth on both sides and the use of two piers next to each other on one side.
• Composite bridge (also called hybrid bridge): In a composite bridge, different types of bridges are used in combination. The term can refer to the materials used, but in most cases, the term refers to a dental bridge with different pillars, such as natural teeth and dental implants. In the case of a bridge that is supported on implants, the implants must first be inserted into the jawbone and heal before the bridge can be placed.
• Inlay bridges: In order to protect the tooth substance, these bridges are anchored to the inlays of the neighboring teeth.
• Adhesive bridge (Maryland bridge): Adhesive bridges protect the healthy neighboring teeth because they are glued to the natural teeth. They are often used for children and adolescents in whom it is not possible to block several teeth due to growth. Since no crowns are required for an adhesive bridge, the preparation effort is lower in practice.
• All-on-4 Supported Bridge: The All-on-4 treatment concept enables a complete bridge restoration with only four implants per jaw, making it a solution for edentulous jaws.

The choice of the type of bridge depends on the individual situation of the patient. Dental implants can be used to increase abutments in free-end situations or when the tooth substance is severely damaged. The possibilities of attaching a dental bridge depend on the existing bridge abutments and the remaining tooth stock. For a long-term successful and satisfactory treatment, it is important to find the right solution for you together with your dentist.

Materials used in bridges

The choice of material for a dental bridge depends on various factors such as aesthetics, durability and compatibility and is crucial. We prefer ceramic dentures in our practice.

• All-ceramic: As an aesthetically oriented practice, all-ceramics are the material of choice when it comes to the production of dental bridges. The reason for this is due to the excellent ability of this material to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. All-ceramic dentures are well tolerated, last a long time and look natural. Particularly aesthetic and hardly distinguishable from natural teeth are all-ceramic bridges, especially made of zirconium oxide. Zirconium oxide is also better tolerated than metal alloys and plastic and has a higher breaking strength than other ceramics.
• Metal: Although gold dental bridges are very stable and durable, they are usually only used in the non-visible area of the mouth because of their eye-catching color.
• Metal-ceramic: Another option is metal-ceramic bridges, where metal and ceramics are combined. They are characterized by high strength and durability and offer satisfactory aesthetics.
• Plastic: Plastic dental bridges are more cost-effective. However, they have the disadvantage that they are not as durable and can discolor over time. While waiting for a more permanent bridge, they are usually used as a temporary solution.

Light transmission, which allows the most accurate imitation of tooth color, is one of the most important features of ceramic bridges. In this way, the bridge fits perfectly into the row of teeth. We recommend an in-depth consultation to discuss your aesthetic and functional requirements when choosing the right material for your dental bridge. Our goal is to offer you a solution that suits you perfectly and puts a smile on your face.

What is the procedure for inserting the bridge?

The detailed procedure of a dental bridge treatment, which usually requires two to four appointments in our practice, is described in the following section. Our goal is to achieve a perfect fit and aesthetics. Your dental health always comes first.

1. Control: Before the treatment, we thoroughly examine the neighboring teeth for caries and remove them if necessary. In the case of periodontitis, therapy against gingivitis is necessary before the bridge is inserted.
2. First appointment – preparation and planning: At the first appointment, the adjacent teeth are ground and prepared for the bridge restoration. To ensure an optimal hold, the abutment teeth of the dental bridge must be parallel to each other. To ensure that your new dental bridge fits naturally and aesthetically, the tooth shade is determined. Finally, an impression is taken and a temporary prosthesis that is gentle on the teeth is inserted.
3. Second appointment – intermediate check: The intermediate check is used to check the fit of the dental bridge. Your dentist will perform a bite registration to check the fit of the bridge. This ensures that the dental bridge does not cause a feeling of tension. During this intermediate inspection, we pay careful attention to accuracy of fit and freedom from tension.
4. Third appointment – Insertion of the bridge: At the third or later appointment, your custom-made dental bridge will be inserted. The accuracy of the fit of the dental bridge in relation to the abutment teeth and the adjacent teeth is of great importance for ensuring comfort and function. The accuracy of fit and the absence of tension of the bridge will be carefully checked again at this last appointment.

We are proud of the highest quality standards and aesthetic results in our practice. Throughout the process, your comfort and satisfaction are our top priority. We look forward to helping you achieve a radiant and healthy smile.

After the treatment

After the insertion of the dental bridge, regular check-ups and careful oral hygiene are crucial. Keeping the bridge and surrounding teeth clean is important for the prevention of tooth decay and periodontitis. Special care instructions for your new dental bridge are available in our practice. The following are some general tips:

• Oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean the spaces between your teeth with dental floss or interdental brushes.
• Maintenance of the dental bridge: Special flossers and superflossers can be used to clean the area under the bridge. In addition to mechanical cleaning, mouthwashes can also be used.
• Regular visits to the dentist: Regular check-ups and professional dental cleanings help to ensure the longevity of the dental bridge.

It should be noted that despite good care, it may be necessary to replace the dental bridge after about 10 to 20 years. The exact lifespan depends on various factors. These include oral hygiene and the strain caused by chewing and crunching. In order to maximize the life of your dental bridge, we offer you the best possible advice and care in our practice.

Immediately after the bridge is inserted, there may be slight pain or an unpleasant sensation in the oral cavity. However, these should decline rapidly. If you have long-lasting discomfort or pain, please contact us immediately. Our ultimate goal is your satisfaction and well-being.

Implant or bridge?

When comparing dental bridges and implants, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account. Both solutions for dentures have their specific advantages and disadvantages, and the decision for one of the two solutions depends to a large extent on the individual needs and the specific situation of the patient.

Bridges use adjacent teeth to replace or bridge missing teeth. This is an effective and aesthetically pleasing method. However, healthy tooth substance usually has to be ground down for the bridge abutments. In addition, the jawbone, which lies under the replaced tooth, is not stressed during a dental bridge, which can lead to the loss of bone substance.

Dental implants, on the other hand, completely replace missing teeth from the tooth to the root of the tooth. This stimulates the jawbone and prevents bone loss. Healthy neighboring teeth remain untouched. However, implantation is a surgical procedure in which foreign material is inserted into the jawbone and thus there is a certain risk. Choosing an experienced implantologist for this procedure is therefore important. The survival rate of implants is about 90% after 5 years, about 80% after 10 years and about 75% after 15 years.

Ultimately, the decision between the bridge and the implant is an individual one. It should be made in consultation with the dentist. Both options have the potential to restore both the function and aesthetics of the mouth and can make a huge difference to the patient's quality of life.

Implant or prosthesis?

Whether a dental bridge or a dental prosthesis is chosen depends heavily on the individual needs and the patient's state of health. However, as a decision-making aid, there are some clear differences between the two options.

Dental bridges are fixed dentures that remain permanently in the mouth. They are durable and offer high utility value as they feel and function naturally. They are not subject to the wear and tear that can occur with removable prostheses. In addition, dental bridges offer a higher quality of life, as they can imitate the function and appearance of natural teeth very well: there are hardly any restrictions when speaking, chewing and smiling. In addition, it usually takes less time to make a dental bridge than to make a denture.

In contrast, partial and full dentures are a type of removable denture in which the patient has the option of removing the dentures from the mouth independently. This can be beneficial for cleaning and maintaining the denture and underlying gums. However, the comfort and function of removable dentures cannot be compared to dental bridges. This is especially noticeable when eating and speaking.

In conclusion, dental bridges are often the preferred solution for people looking for a permanent, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing solution to missing teeth. A conversation with the dentist can help to find the best solution for the individual case.

Ceramics, our favorite for bridges

In our practice, we value the superior aesthetics and function of ceramic crowns. That's why we recommend it to our patients as their first choice. Ceramic offers a natural look that is almost indistinguishable from real tooth enamel. We can make crowns, bridges, veneers, etc. to perfectly match your natural teeth in color and shape. This is especially important because for us, improving your smile is not only a matter of health, but also of aesthetics.

In addition to aesthetic adaptability, ceramic is a very durable material. Ceramic crowns are abrasion-resistant and do not discolor, making ceramic a permanent denture. Ceramics are biocompatible, i.e. they are well tolerated by the body and do not cause allergies.

In our practice, ceramic crowns are also chosen for their functionality and their compatibility with modern digital manufacturing techniques, which allow for a precise fit and quick restoration. By using ceramic crowns, we can offer our patients not only a radiant smile, but also comfort and safety. After all, it's your smile that makes us proud.