Many of our patients at Aura Dental have questions about the requirement of Dental Bridges. To understand more about this, let’s first understand what happens when teeth are not replaced. Why is a dental bridge required?
When a missing tooth is not replaced, the opposite and adjacent teeth may move in its place. This may cause spaces between the teeth. This, in turn, leads to dental caries and changes in the teeth alignment, and disturbances in the harmony of the teeth and jaw.
Additionally, not replacing missing teeth may affect seven other teeth and can lead to dental caries, abnormal tooth wear, and gum disease. Timely replacement of missing teeth is hence very important.
Dental Bridges – How they work?
A dental bridge is a custom-made replacement tooth or teeth that fill the space where teeth are missing. Bridge not only helps you restore your bite, but it also enhances the natural shape of your face.
In order to replace missing teeth, a bridge is made that is supported by natural teeth on either side of the gap. Support teeth are placed to receive the dental bridge. The bridge consists of two crowns placed on abutment teeth or implants on either side of a gap in the mouth. Additionally, there is a pontic that joins the two crowns to fill the gap.
The impression of the prepared teeth is taken and the bridge is prepared. Testing is carried out before the final placement for function and aesthetics. Finally, the bridge is cemented or bonded after ensuring that the new teeth feel, look, and function like natural teeth.
Technological advancements in Dental Bridges
Digital CAD/CAM Technology
CAD/CAM technology and digital impressions have very high accuracy and precision. They are also more comfortable for the patients, faster for the dental team and the images enable them to create restorations that seat easily and quickly. It also eliminates the possibility of human errors and creates a bridge that’s accurate and comfortable.
Laser 3D Printed Crowns
Laser 3D printed crowns are also known as DLMS or Direct metal laser sintering technology.
Using this technology, the metal backing of the bridge is directly printed using a computer which gives extraordinary precision and accuracy.
This is very useful in short crowns and implant cases where precision is of utmost importance.
Bonded restorations
Bonded restorations are extremely helpful instead of conventional cement technology. There are many obvious advantages because of resin materials, you avoid loose crowns and wedges. It eliminates the possibility of caries at the crown tooth junction and improves the overall look as there is no opaque cement interface.
PFM crowns
Porcelain fused to metal crowns also known as PFMS have been used successfully for many years helping dental experts with reliable and aesthetically pleasing restorations.
PFMs have been in use for over 60 years and their durability is one factor for choosing PFM.
Zirconia or Emax crowns are also becoming popular. So what should you opt for? Ceramic/PFM Zirconia/Emax?
In terms of translucency, Zirconia achieves a near-natural look with its translucent appearance whereas Ceramic/PFM is more opaque. In terms of aesthetics, Zirconia/Emax looks more natural.
Also, in ceramic/PFM restorations, a black margin is visible due to the metal backing. This is not the case in Zirconia crowns. The teeth blend with the gums.
Zirconia teeth also used state of the art bonding technology using a resin material. Ceramic/PFM bridges use conventional cementation technology that is not seamless and leaves an opaque cement margin. This can cause problems in the future such as caries at the junction of tooth and bridge.
Zirconia/ e- max requires very little tooth cutting as compared to Ceramic/PFM because of the natural strength of the material used. Ceramic/PFM also makes use of conventional wax elimination technology that may have room for human errors as opposed to the latest 3D printing and laser technology used in Zirconia or Emax restorations. The advantage of 3D printing and laser is better accuracy on site, more comfort, and speed in creating the bridges.
In terms of pricing, Zirconia/ Emax is considered moderately high priced whereas Ceramic/PFM are moderately priced.
Process of creating dental bridge at Aura Dental
At AURA Dental we have a detailed and meticulous process of creating dental bridges. A detailed dental examination is done along with an elaborate dental and medical history of the patient. Then, a plaster study model is created to evaluate the support of the teeth. Dental photography helps us analyze and give accurate measurements.
Then the adjacent teeth are prepared and shaped, and the impression is taken using the latest 3D technology. A provisional bridge is now provided to give patient comfort and precision. Now testing of the bridge is done to check the aesthetics and functions. Finally, the bridge is bonded or cemented. This is followed by counseling the patient on oral hygiene and instructions on taking care of the restorations.
If you are suffering from tooth loss and interested in taking Aura Dental’s services for a dental bridge or other restorative treatments, please get in touch with us.
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