Bridges
A bridge is a possibility when a gap emerged due to tooth loss and thus affects the function and aesthetic of the row of teeth. Here the missing tooth or teeth have to be replaced since only like this the chew function can be recreated. The combination of aesthetic and biomechanical function is focused here.
1. Porcelain fused to metal crowns or bridges
On the teeth neighbouring to the dental gap metal porcelain crowns are positioned that carry the missing link as a pontic. The framework of such bridges can be made out of nickel free tooth alloy or noble metal alloy (platinum, gold). According to that we call these bridges metal porcelain – or gold porcelain crowns. In case of these types several teeth can be replaced, which means that long links are possible. The maximum length amounts 14 links, where a lot of teeth can be replaced. The exact number of the teeth to be replaced is dependant on the position and the constitution of the existing teeth.
2. Zirconium bridges
The stability of Zirconium bridges is comparable to the one of the metal porcelain or gold porcelain crowns. But they however answer far higher aesthetic claims. Thanks to the CAD/CAM technology an extremely precise production is possible. The aesthetic and biological advantages have a got price-performance ratio. This solution generally is the most optimal one and is highly recommended to patients.
3. Inlay bridges
Instead of polishing the neighbouring teeth, only an Inlay (cavity) preparation is made as a solution. These poured Inlays are linked be the pontic. Inlay bridges are only recommendable when they are made out of gold alloy. The advantage is that only few tooth substance is lost. However only one missing tooth can be replaced with an Inlay bridge and the necessary hygiene is very difficult to maintain under these bridges.
4. Bridges on implants
If there are already a lot of teeth missing and the remaining teeth are no more capable of holding a bridge, implants have to be used for anchoring the bridge. In case of a sufficient number of implants, the polishing of the own teeth is not necessary. At this the abutments screwed on the implants assure the anchoring of the bridge. The bridge is either produced to be bolted down or to be applied with cement.
