Bridges on implants – characteristics, course of the procedure, durability

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Implant bridges are a way to fill missing teeth, especially if the patient is missing several teeth. To replace the missing teeth, the dentist must place at least two implants on which the bridge will be held. What are the characteristics of implant bridges? What are the advantages and disadvantages of implant bridges? How is the procedure of fixing bridges on implants performed?

Bridges on implants – a short description

Implant bridges are, in short, filling the gaps of more than one tooth with dental implants. Dental bridges are fixed between two teeth or implants, and on top of them there are tooth crowns. Patients decide to use implant bridges because it significantly reduces the costs associated with restoring missing teeth. The same crowns without an implant are cheaper by half, which is why patients choose bridges instead of crowns on implants. The bridge can be made with two or more implants, depending on how many teeth the patient has lost. Most often, 3-4 teeth are restored and fixed on two implants. However, there are cases in which 12 teeth are supplemented with bridges and fixed on 8 implanted implants. In the case of a 10-tooth bridge, they are usually mounted on 6 implants. The bridge can be screwed to the implants or cemented. The technique of placing the bridge in the patient’s mouth depends on the conditions in the patient’s mouth. Implant bridges are made in the same way as crowns. A prosthetic bridge based on implants can be made with the use of standard porcelain crowns on metal, as well as zirconium all-ceramic crowns. The choice of material from which the bridge will be made is always consulted with the patient.

What are the differences between a bridge, veneer and crown? Check it out: Crown – veneer – bridge: similarities and differences

When are bridges on implants used?

Implant bridges are made and used when a larger number of adjacent teeth are lost. A bridge on implants is a perfect solution for people who have lost teeth in the posterior region and for those who want to get rid of uncomfortable dentures while keeping their own teeth in the anterior region. It is quite a challenge for dentists to replace a few missing teeth. In many cases, it is not possible to make a classic reconstruction with the use of a prosthetic bridge that could be supported on the patient’s permanent teeth. The reason is too large span of such a bridge and the lack of stability, which is not provided by teeth embedded in weakened gums. Thanks to implants, the fixing of bridges has become possible. Even two implants allow you to fix the bridge. The bridge on implants is completely tolerated by the patient due to the permanent fixing method and the natural appearance of the teeth.

What is worth knowing about dental implants? Check: Dental implants – types, complications, contraindications

Types of bridges on implants

The material from which implants are always made for fastening bridges is titanium or its alloy. Remember to find one that is distinguished by high professionalism when looking for the right dentist’s office. In many dental offices, low-quality titanium alloys are used, which negatively affects the durability and life of the implant. Titanium is a biocompatible material, which means that the human body does not treat it as a foreign body. As a result, there is only a small risk that the implant will be rejected or that an infection will occur. Due to the fact that the implant is always made of titanium, the choice of material only applies to the bridge that is placed on the implant. The choice concerns both the durability of the material and its color. The materials that are most often used in the production of bridges on implants include:

1. Porcelain bridges on ceramics – these are bridges that have been used for over 10 years and are very popular. They are a proven and durable material. To further increase the durability of this material, special compounds such as zirconium oxide are applied to the porcelain surface;
2. all-ceramic bridges – bridges that are 100% made of porcelain. Like the previous bridges, they are very durable and resemble natural teeth to the greatest extent. Most often they are used to fill gaps in the front dentition;
3. mixed nickel-free bridges – this type of bridge is made of porcelain only on the outer part. The remainder of the bridge is a mixed metal, but nickel-free. Nickel is an element belonging to the group of allergens and many people are allergic to this element;
4. porcelain bridges on gold – this is a better version of mixed bridges on metal, but they do not look as natural as 100% porcelain bridges;
5. porcelain bridges on zircons – bridges of this type are very aesthetic and the most durable. Additionally, they contain a white base under the top part. At the same time, they are the most expensive of all the previously mentioned materials.

Find out about other types of dental implants. Read: Dental implants – types, prices, opinions

Bridges on implants – the course of the procedure

Fixing bridges on implants usually consists of two parts. In the first one, the dentist puts in implants, and in the second one fixes bridges on them. The stages of fixing bridges on implants can be presented as follows:

1. stage I: during the first visit, the dentist usually takes a panoramic photo of the teeth and on its basis decides about treatment options and, if necessary, an indication of implantation. If the patient accepts the initial treatment plan, the dentist will refer the patient for further examinations. When the dentist has a full set of tests, he begins to plan the type and placement of implants in the maxilla and mandible. The visit usually ends with an assessment of the oral hygiene status and often referring the patient to a hygiene visit. Before starting implantation treatment, tartar should be removed;
2. stage II: it is the time of implantation. Initially, the dentist performs local anesthesia. When the anesthesia starts working, the dentist cuts the mucosa at the site of the planned implant. Then he gently drills the bone with a very small diameter drill. The dentist then places the implant in the bone opening. It is very important to perfectly fit the implant to the drilled hole, as this will ensure stability for the later applied bridge;
3. stage III: after placing the implant in the bone, the dentist unscrews the so-called implant carrier. This is the part that allows the implant to be transferred to the patient’s mouth and implanted into the bone without touching the titanium surface. Then the dentist tightens the screw that protects the center of the implant against tissue ingrowth inside it.
4. stage IV: the implant placement procedure ends with the placement of sutures that support the proper healing of the wound. The implant remains in the bone for 2-3 months in the case of the mandible and 5-6 months in the case of the maxilla.
5. stage V: the dentist unscrews the screws and screws the impression pieces to the implant. Their task is to perfectly reproduce the conditions in the oral cavity and to determine the position of the implant in the future model, which will be cast by the technician. Then the dentist takes impressions and reattaches the screws to the implants. At this point, the doctor determines the type of reconstruction planned with the patient.
6. stage VI: prosthetic technician casts plaster models and makes a prosthetic bridge. The doctor checks the fit of the bridges to the implants and, after the patient’s approval, tightens them permanently. At the end of this visit, the doctor informs the patient about how to care for the implants and how often he or she should report for follow-up visits.

Do you want to know more about zirconium implants? Check: What are zirconium implants?

Implant bridges – advantages and disadvantages

Implant bridges are very popular among dentists. The advantages of bridges on implants include their durability, effectiveness and high aesthetics. A well-made bridge can serve the patient for many years. Bridges on implants make it possible to chew any food without discomfort or fear that the teeth will crack, break or fall out. However, dentists also point to the disadvantages of this solution. Well, in the case of using bridges on implants, after a dozen or so years, the jaw bone may disappear. This process is due to the lack of natural stress on this part of the mouth.

How much do dental implants cost? Find out: What is the cost of dental implants?

Caring for bridges on implants

The method of care for bridges on implants and oral hygiene are practically the same as for natural teeth. However, one should not forget about follow-up visits, during which the dentist will assess the condition of the bridges, gums and teeth. Two follow-up visits should be made after the procedure. The first one should take place a month after the procedure, while the second one about six months after the bridge has been placed. In subsequent years, check-ups should be arranged once every 12 months.

Bridges on implants – durability

In the case of high care for the bridges on implants and proper oral hygiene, the durability of the bridges is the same as the durability of natural, permanent teeth. If the bridge on the implants is damaged, the dentist can always remove it and put on a new one. Damage does not in any way affect the durability of the implants.

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