There are three basic types of materials for dental bridges:

1. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) 
2. All ceramics or full porcelain 
3. Full metal (Gold)

Porcelain-fused to Metal (PFM) Bridge

Porcelain-fused-to-metal-alloy bridges are the standard materials used for tooth bridges. The external cap of the bridge is made from porcelain with an internal metal sub-structure.

All Porcelain Bridge

All ceramic bridges is an increasingly popular material bridge opted for good aesthetics. There is no metal within the tooth bridges.

All Gold Bridge

Porcelain-fused-to-gold-alloy bridges is an ideal tooth bridges material. Gold has good adaptability to tooth structure and provides good aesthetics. However, gold alloy bridges tends to be more costly than other options. 

All ceramic bridges, porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or  PFM gold dental bridges are tooth colored. Posterior teeth normally have a higher chewing and grinding force compared to front teeth, this means PFM or ceramic zirconia dental bridges is likely recommended by your prosthodontist. Tooth bridges with gold, metal and zirconia are strong and tough.

All ceramic dental bridges are increasingly used today as they provide for good aesthetics and does not contain metal. Gold dental bridges are the most durable and offer the most precise fit but tends to be expensive. 

See comparison between various dental crown materials in tooth bridges. There are various ranges of all ceramaic bridge systems offered at BIDC. 

• IPS Empress from Ivoclar Vivadent
• Zirconia Crowns from Amanngirrbach
• Lava Crowns from 3M ESPE
• Cercon from Dentsply Sirona
• Procera from Nobel Biocare

1. First evaluation and bridge tooth preparation

   • Local anesthesia is first adminstered at the region of tooth bridge preparation
   • The natural teeth adjacent to the missing gap is reshaped to receive the dental bridge
   • Records are taken and approved with the patient to determine the color, bite, length and shape of the bridge
   • An impression is taken for a replica model of the teeth
   • This model is sent to a lab where the individualized bridge is fabricated
   • A temporary bridge is placed on whilst the permanent bridge is made

2. Fitting of dental bridge on delivery

   • The temporary bridge is removed
   • The permanent bridge is fitted and cemented into place on the teeth
   • A quality assurance check is done for any re-adjustments or re-works 
3. Care of tooth bridge
   • Brush and floss the bridge as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist

Step 1

Tooth Bridge Preparation

Step 2

Fitting of Tooth Bridge

Step 3

Care of Tooth Bridge

During both phases when the temporary bridge or permanent bridge is bonded, there may be some minor tenderness over those areas. Some individuals may experience sensitivity in teeth. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks.

Replacing missing teeth will make eating easier over the long-run. However, until you become accustomed to the dental bridge, eat soft foods that have been cut into small pieces.

It is important to keep all your teeth healthy and strong. The success of the dental bridge depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth.

1. Avoid chewing on or eating hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented
2. To help with discomfort or swelling rinse your mouth with warm salt water. (1tsp. of salt in 8oz of water)
3. Keep crown area clean to maintain tissue compatibility (the contour of the prosthesis must allow the surrounding tissue to conform to a natural, healthy position)
4. Some sensitivity in teeth may be experienced by certain patients. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks. If teeth are sensitive :
   • Avoid hot, cold or acidic food and beverages
   • Pain medication be taken as directed as long as there is no medical contradiction based upon your medical history
   • Use flouride rinse and toothpaste for sensivity teeth
   • Clean teeth properly

Dental bridges require the same regular and consistent home and professional dental care, as your natural teeth to prevent decay at the tooth-dental crown junction. To provide optimum longevity for your restorations, please follow the home care tips below:

1. Brush after eating and before bedtime around the bridge with a soft toothbrush, especially where the bridge meets the gum line. At the gum line harmful bacteria can be harbored to cause decay and gum disease.
2. Floss at least once to twice a day. Use the proxy brush or floss threader to remove plaque under and around these areas to maintain good oral hygiene. Buildup of food debris and plaque on your teeth and gums can become infected.
3. Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes
4. Be careful about chewing toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area
5. See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings

Standard dental bridges replace missing teeth between existing anchor teeth. A cantilever bridge is supported on one side by an anchor tooth. Whilst a maryland bridge has wings attached the the lingual side of existing anchorage teeth. The standard dental bridge most commonly recommended. If there is insufficient or no anchorage teeth, dental implants or dentures are alternative prosthetic dentistry treatment options.

Like tooth crowns, there are various range of dental bridges material that include porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), full porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-gold alloy material. 

Dental bridges can quickly replace missing teeth or restore damaged teeth within a week. They are fixed and easy to care for.