Dental Bridges

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridgework is one of the most well-known solutions for missing teeth. Not much can compare to the affordability and versatility of dental bridgework, you can replace one tooth or several teeth using a bridge. Dr. Koeppel, director of Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company, uses many varied materials and techniques when it comes to fabricating a bridge right for each situation. Zirconia, porcelain, and high noble gold are all materials possibly used for each dental bridge.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

If you are missing teeth, dental bridges are an important part of restorative treatment. Missing teeth can cause a multitude of issues including deteriorating bone structure and shifting teeth which may cause an unsightly smile.

Types of Dental Bridges

Before, all ceramic bridges were unheard of. With recent dental technological advances, Dr. Koeppel can place all porcelain bridges (metal free) almost anywhere! This allows for superior esthetics and optimal bite relationships.

Dr. Koeppel always studies the area of the mouth where he will be placing a bridge before deciding on the material to be used. Each patient’s bite dynamics and occlusal forces are evaluated and then, with the patient, Dr. Koeppel decides which material will function the best for the purpose.

Porcelain Bridges

Those with hard biting forces and broad smiles are usually recommended a high noble gold framework under a layered porcelain shell. This allows for supreme esthetics and superior occlusal force to withstand the magnitude of the bite. With artistic detail, Dr. Koeppel and his team of master ceramists creates breathtaking smile line PFM (porcelain fused to metal) bridges that appear to be natural teeth, matching the others flawlessly, however always when possible Koeppel Dental Group will choose not to use metal.

When it comes to esthetics, nothing beats all porcelain. Dr. Koeppel uses the Lava, zirconia and E-max brand porcelain to allow for some natural light and translucency to appear in the teeth, making it the choice for esthetically driven treatment plans. Also, patients who have the unusual ability to taste the metallic components of dental restoration products are evaluated for porcelain bridge treatment.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges are usually used to replace one missing anterior (front) tooth. A major advantage of this type of bridge is that the adjacent teeth require no prep or very minimal prep, unlike traditional bridges. Because there is no major prep to the adjacent teeth, this solution requires much less expense since there is no need to retreat anchor teeth. Also, a Maryland bridge can be phased out into an implant crown later allowing for a more stable solution.

Implant Supported Bridges

When a patient is missing teeth, and there are no anchor teeth surrounding the space, an implant bridge is often utilized. Implants are placed, and a temporary bridge is attached until the implants and bone have integrated properly (osseointegration). A final porcelain fused to metal bridge is screwed in and retained by two or more implants, allowing for maximum stability. This type of implant supported bridge is the strongest and the longest lasting.

Which dental bridge is right for me?

During the initial examination, Dr. Koeppel gathers data to evaluate all choices possible and decides, with the patient, which bridge would be the best fit for them.

Contact Us

If you are in need of teeth replacement, let Koeppel dental group help you. Our experienced and caring staff will help you through the entire process from education to the procedure ensuring your comfort the entire time. Contact us today!