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, which has lately been discussed, since it is binding the firmly positioned implant with the naturally slightly movable tooth, which is attached to the bone by a fiber structure.

When it comes to a bridge anchored to natural teeth, the abutment teeth have to be reduced in size (so called tooth preparation), 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.

• During the first visit the abutment teeth are prepared. Impressions are taken of both the upper and the lower teeth. Before you leave the dental clinic in Puerto Banus (close to Marbella, Malaga) you will receive a temporary bridge, which is needed to protect the prepared teeth and to keep the abutments in place. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where exact models of your teeth are produced and the dental bridge made.
• During the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the lab-made fixed bridge is tried on. Provided that you and the dentist like the function and aesthetics of the bridge, it gets firmly cemented (bonded) to the abutment teeth. For that reason, a bridge cannot be removed, as one can with a removable partial denture.

Reasons for considering a fixed dental bridge:

• Filling the space of missing teeth
• Preventing the remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Restoring the chewing and speaking ability
• Restoring the tooth filled smile

Traditional bridges are made of porcelain fused to metal (gold, semi-precious or non-precious). The word “traditional” doesn’t mean that they are bad. There are still justifications for the traditional bridges in some cases. The modern bridges can made out of full ceramics, or zirconia. 

Full porcelain bridges

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 then veneered (covered) with ceramics.  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.

Metal porcelain bridges

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.

In Stockholm Dental Clinic we offer of course all the possible bridge solutions, after having set the proper justification individually for every patient and every individual situation, just as always to obtain the best performance and aesthetic result.