What is a Porcelain Bridge and how Over the implant Porcelain bridges are made?
It is the procedure performed in cases where single or multiple teeth loss occurs for whatever reason, the neighboring teeth are first minimized and then coated with a special veneer, which is then used as support for filling used to fill for the lost tooth. Following teeth loss, the neighboring teeth may slide towards the area where teeth is lost, which may result with gum problems, bone thinning, decrease in aesthetic appeal and loss in chewing capacity. If not treated with an implant or a bridge, other teeth may also be lost. Bridge is a fixed prothesis, which means it is a prosthesis that is not removable by the patient, and they are more easily accepted by the patients compared to removable prosthetics. The procedure requires preparation and measuring of the neighboring teeth, .and can be completed in 3 to 4 sessions, within a week. There are various types of fixed prosthesis, and your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon will choose the correct type for you. For many years, the prosthesis bases were made out of metal, while the top veneer is made out of aesthetically appealing ceramics, such as porcelain.
What are the advantages of over the Implant Porcelain Bridges to the patient?
Following a teeth loss, if not treated with a bridge, teeth in the opposite jaw and neighboring teeth will move towards the gap. This may cause rashes and aches in gum tissue, and may result with cavities and even loss of additional teeth. If the treatment is delayed, not only mouth and dental health but gastrointestinal problems may also occur due to decrease in chewing function. Depending on the location of the lost teeth, aesthetic or speech related problems may also occur.
Prosthesis application is aimed towards making the patient recover back lost functions.
With the over-the-implant porcelain bridge, there is no need to perform implant procedure for every lost tooth; a porcelain bridge of 3-4 teeth can be placed upon 2 implants on jaw. This procedure allows the patient to regain the aesthetically appealing look and recover from any speech related problems. With the loss tooth regained, patients may recover from social and self-esteem related problems they may be suffering from. Teeth located in the mouth are constantly eroded and weakened due to chewing, from various impacts or jaw clenching at sleep. Teeth loss and cracks occurs following tooth cavities and various accidents. Fixed prosthesis such as bridges are used to recover such losses.
How Long does it take to prepare a Porcelain Bridge and what are the phases?
The decision of treatment is made at the clinic following an examination and diagnosis. The first phase is measuring the mouth and teeth structure with special equipment, and the necessary prerequisite operations are performed on the teeth that the bridge will be made on. The bridge is made at laboratories based on the measurements taken. The time this process takes may vary depending on the patient, although it is generally a short and comfortable procedure.
How a Porcelain bridge must be maintained?
Many patients today use dental prosthesis such as bridges, veneers, fillings or implants or undergo root canal treatments for various reasons. If a patient is using a dental prosthesis, it means more care must be taken to properly maintain dental or oral hygiene. There is a widely known but factually wrong notion that prosthesis doesn’t need as much care as actual teeth. Quite the contrary. The prosthesis accumulates more plaque compared to normal teeth and unless proper care is shown, the following problems may occur.
- Gum diseases
- Spots appearing on the prosthesis
- Teeth cavities
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Dental infection