A fixed dental bridge is a type of dental prosthesis that sits on healthy teeth still in the patient’s mouth.
Typically, fixed partial dentures (also called dentures) replace adjacent missing teeth that coexist in the patient’s mouth. Along with dental implants, these fixed partial dentures are the best solution for people who have lost one or more natural teeth.
Steps Before Placement of Fixed Prosthesis
To place a fixed dental bridge, your dentist will first take a series of X-rays and take an impression of your mouth with an alginate paste. This will allow you to make a cast that you can work on calmly when you leave the clinic.
Then, around the “space” formed by the missing teeth, the natural teeth that the patient still has will go into the carving process. This provides enough space for the bridge to be placed on them and a better gripping surface. In this process, some teeth may need to be devitalized with an endodontic procedure.
How is a Fixed Dental Bridge Placed?
After carving your teeth, the specialist places temporary dentures in resin or acrylic so you don’t lose aesthetics or functionality until the dental technicians make your definitive fixed dental bridge.
Keep in mind that dental prostheses are made in dental laboratories outside of clinics and it takes a few days for your bridge to be ready to be placed in your mouth. Shape and color adjustments may require one or two more clinic visits, but an optimal outcome will be worth it.
Functions of Fixed Dental Bridges
In addition to the most obvious advantages such as restoring chewing function and restoring the aesthetics of your smile, a dental bridge prevents various risks to the patient’s oral health. When there are missing teeth in the patient’s mouth, the parts surrounding the empty space tend to rotate or shift over time. This causes bite problems in patients, bruxism and an increased risk of caries and periodontal disease.
A dental bridge also allows the patient to improve their appearance, both smiling and face: people with missing teeth often have a loss of vertical dimension, distance between the nose and chin.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixed Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are less expensive than dental implants and are a real alternative to dental implants, especially for people on a budget. Fixed partial dentures offer great strength and durability and retain their appearance very well over time. It is also much easier to clean than removable dentures. The biggest downside is that you have to cut healthy teeth, so it’s a much more invasive treatment than these. However, for many patients, the results are worth it.
