Dental bridges are applied in one of two main ways: using fixed bridges that are cemented in place, or using removable bridges that can be taken out.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Fixed Dental Bridges:
Fixed bridges are permanently attached to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. There are two common methods for applying them:
-
Crown-Supported Bridges: This is the most common type. The bridge consists of a pontic (the artificial tooth replacing the missing tooth) and two abutment crowns (crowns that fit over the teeth on either side of the gap).
- Preparation: The abutment teeth are prepared by reshaping them to allow space for the crowns. This involves removing some of the outer enamel.
- Impressions: An impression of the prepared teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is being fabricated.
- Cementation: Once the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is cemented onto the abutment teeth.
-
Resin-Bonded Bridges (Maryland Bridges): These bridges are typically used when the abutment teeth are healthy and don't have large fillings. The pontic is fused to metal or porcelain wings that are bonded to the backs of the abutment teeth.
- Preparation: Minimal or no preparation is needed on the abutment teeth. They may be lightly etched to create a better bonding surface.
- Bonding: The bridge is bonded to the abutment teeth using a special resin.
2. Removable Dental Bridges (Partial Dentures):
Removable bridges, also known as partial dentures, are not permanently fixed and can be removed by the patient for cleaning and sleeping. These bridges are usually used when there are multiple missing teeth or when the abutment teeth are not strong enough to support a fixed bridge.
- Attachment Methods: Removable bridges are typically attached to the remaining teeth using one or more of the following methods:
- Metal Clasps: Metal clasps wrap around the abutment teeth to hold the bridge in place. These are typically visible.
- Tooth-Colored Clasps: These are made of a flexible, tooth-colored material and are less visible than metal clasps.
- Precision Attachments: These attachments are more discreet and provide a more secure fit. They involve placing a small attachment on the abutment teeth and a corresponding attachment on the bridge.
Here's a summary in table form:
| Type of Bridge | Attachment Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed (Crown) | Cemented to abutment teeth with crowns | Strong, stable, natural-looking | Requires reshaping of abutment teeth |
| Fixed (Resin-Bonded) | Bonded to abutment teeth with resin | Minimal or no preparation of abutment teeth | Less strong than crown-supported bridges, may debond |
| Removable | Metal clasps, tooth-colored clasps, precision attachments | More affordable than fixed bridges, doesn't require altering adjacent teeth | Less stable than fixed bridges, can be uncomfortable, requires daily removal and cleaning |
