Dental Bridges - Introduction

When the jawbone displays gaps, this has in most cases not only optical consequences, but can also quickly develop into a problem that must be taken seriously from a medical perspective. Remaining teeth can rotate themselves or dislocate, which can lead to defective positioning of the entire jawbone. If the dental gaps are situated in a visible part of the jaw, this is, from an aesthetic point of view, a shortcoming for the affected person that cannot be ignored: an open-mouthed smile or laughter quickly becomes a test of courage. Not infrequently do disadvantageous dental gaps lead to reduced interactions with fellow human beings and waning self-confidence.

A comfortable solution for closing existing gaps is the introduction of a fixed bridge, also known as a dental bridge. Dental bridges are attached to neighboring teeth and span over the dental gaps stably and securely. Dental bridges represent the most commonly sought-after form of dental replacement.

A prerequisite for such a dental-prosthetic solution is the presence of stable and healthy teeth that can act as "bridgeposts" on either side of the gap. Inasmuch as this prerequisite is fulfilled and no serious functional deficiencies are present in the jawbone (gritting the teeth can be a criterium for ruling out dental bridges; healthy gums and stable dental roots in the neighboring teeth are equally important), your dentist can recommend a dental bridge to you. In preparation, your dentist will document the status of your jawbone using x-ray photographs. In order to anchor the bridge, the neighboring teeth must be debuffed. This is normally accomplished using local anaesthesia and is painless for the most part. The amount of dental substance that needs to be removed varies. Here, the composition of the teeth and the size of the bridge play a role. At the conclusion of the examination, a dental impression is made, which is then used to create an accurately fitting bridge in the laboratory. Until the final installation of the bridge is carried out, you are given a temporary protective covering for the debuffed teeth.

Dental bridges can also be affixed to implants - the individual solution that is best for you should be discussed with your dentist. Materials that can be used for bridges include metal-ceramic, cast bridges of pure metal, galvanic bridges, or bridges made of tooth-colored solid ceramic. Because of the high stability of solid ceramic bridges and the outstanding aesthetic results that can be achieved with this material, they are especially popular.
With professional manufacturing and precise fitting, dental bridges have a very long lifespan: depending on the material used and given good dental hygiene, they can last for up to 25 years. Their installation is only rarely accompanied by risks. Possible complications are similar to those found in the installation of crowns: secondary caries infestation on the edges of the bridge may be possible under certain circumstances. With careful oral hygiene and regular check-up appointments with your dentist, these risks can be minimised.

Dental bridges offer outstanding possibilities for closing disadvantageous dental gaps. In addition to the positive medical aspect which a complete jawbone reprsents, the optical aspect is naturally also very important for the patient. Finally, a beaming smile without disturbing gaps in the teeth is once again possible and no longer leads to a test of courage.