In a situation, where there is one or more teeth missing, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap. In its basic form, a dental bridge involves placing a crown on each tooth on either side of the missing tooth, with a tooth suspended between the two crowns. The two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth. The suspended tooth is called a pontic. A dental bridge can also be supported by implants or even by a combination of natural teeth and implants.
When it comes to a bridge anchored to natural teeth, the abutment teeth have to be reduced in size by grinding, to compensate for the thickness of the material or materials used in the bridge, as the bridge should restore the size and shape of the original teeth and also their contact with the opposing teeth. In most cases two visits are needed to complete a dental bridge.
Traditional bridges are made of either porcelain (ceramic) alone or porcelain fused to metal (gold, semi-precious or non-precious).
Porcelain bridges are dental bridges made completely of porcelain. The core (framework) in porcelain bridges is often zirconium, especially when bridges are long (covers much of the arch), when bridges have longer hanging sections or when bridges are being used in the molar regions, where the bite forces are higher. The reason is the exceptional hardness of the material. The zirconium is veneered (covered) with more conventional porcelain. When properly seated, a bridge in zirconium is nearly as strong as a metal-porcelain bridge. Short bridges (one tooth missing) can be made in the front region or on the teeth immediately behind the front teeth (bicuspids or premolars), in an even more aesthetic material, IPS e.max ceramic.
Porcelain fused to metal bridges have metal on the inside and porcelain on the outside. The metal inside adapts perfectly to the teeth and provides strength and resistance to biting forces. The porcelain outside provides the beautiful appearance, matching the color and shape of your other teeth.
The main advantage of a metal-porcelain bridge is its strength and durability. If there is any uncertainty concerning the level of chewing forces used on the back teeth, a porcelain fused to metal bridge is often recommended.