What is a Crown Bridge Prosthesis?

A crown bridge prosthesis is a fixed dental restorative solution used to replace one or more missing teeth by connecting one or more crowns to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants

, serving as pillars. The “bridge” itself consists of one or more false teeth, called pontics, which are fixed and supported by the crowns on the abutment teeth. This configuration creates a literal “bridge” over the empty space left by the missing tooth(s). Crown bridge dentures can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, and are designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth.

How is a Crown Bridge Prosthesis made?

Manufacturing a crown bridge prosthesis involves several key steps, aimed at ensuring a precise fit and optimal functionality:

Assessment and Planning: A dentist assesses the patient’s oral health, including the health of the abutment teeth and measuring the gap to be filled. X-rays or 3D scans can be used for precise planning.

Preparation of Abutment Teeth: The teeth that will serve as abutments for the bridge are prepared by being slightly trimmed to allow the placement of the crowns. This step is carried out under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.

Taking Impressions: Precise impressions of the patient’s mouth are taken to create a model of the teeth, which will be used to make the bridge and crowns in a dental laboratory.

Manufacturing of the Bridge: From the impressions, the bridge is manufactured in the laboratory. The choice of material depends on patient preference and dentist recommendations, taking into account aesthetics, function and cost.

Temporary Placement: A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the teeth and empty space while the permanent bridge is being fabricated.

Try-in and Fit: Once the crown bridge is made, it is fitted and tried in the patient’s mouth to ensure it fits properly and the bite is comfortable. Adjustments can be made as needed.

Cementation: When the fit is deemed perfect, the crown bridge is secured in place with a special dental cement, securing the restoration permanently.

Follow-up: Follow-up visits are recommended to monitor the new denture and ensure the continued health of the patient’s mouth.

Advantages of Crown Bridge Prosthesis

The crown bridge prosthesis offers several significant advantages for people with one or more missing teeth:

Restoration of Function: Allows you to chew and speak more effectively by replacing missing teeth.

Aesthetic Enhancement: Restores the appearance of a full smile, improving confidence and facial aesthetics.

Tooth Shift Prevention: Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space, thus maintaining the correct alignment of the dentition.

Balanced Chewing Force Distribution: Helps evenly distribute forces during chewing, protecting natural teeth from excessive wear.

Durability: With proper care, crown bridges can last for many years, providing a long-term solution.

Non-Invasive to Adjacent Teeth: Unlike implants, the crown bridge does not require surgery in the jaw bone, which can be an advantage for some patients.

How is the maintenance of the crown bridge prosthesis carried out?

Maintaining a crown bridge prosthesis is essential for its durability and functionality:

Regular Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to thoroughly clean around and under the bridge, as well as the crowns.

Using Floss: Use special tools like interdental brushes or flossers with stiff tips to clean under the bridge and around the abutment teeth.

Mouth Rinses: Antiseptic mouthwashes can help reduce bacteria around the bridge and crowns.

Regular Dental Visits: Regular professional checkups and cleanings are crucial to monitor the condition of the denture and make minor adjustments if necessary.

When is Crown Bridge Prosthesis Preferred?

The crown bridge prosthesis is often chosen in specific situations, such as:

Replacement of Missing Teeth: When one or more adjacent teeth are missing and there are healthy teeth on both sides of the empty space, which can serve as abutments.

Limitations for Implants: For patients who cannot receive dental implants due to medical conditions, lack of bone, or personal preference.

Desire for a Quick Solution: Unlike implants, which can require several months for the entire process, bridges can be completed in just a few weeks.

Budget Considerations: Bridges may be more affordable than implants in some cases, although this depends on individual needs and the type of bridge.

Types and characteristics of Crown Bridge Prosthesis

There are different types of crown bridge prostheses, each with its own characteristics:

Traditional Bridges: These are the most common types of bridges, where the pontics (artificial teeth) are held in place by crowns attached to the abutment teeth.

Cantilever Bridges: Used when abutment teeth are present on only one side of the missing space, requiring less tooth preparation.

Maryland Bridges: Also called adhesive wing bridges, these use metal or porcelain wings attached to the back of adjacent teeth, requiring little or no modification to those teeth.

Materials: Bridges can be made from porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or a combination of these materials with metal for optimal durability and aesthetics.

What You Need to Know Before Having a Crown Bridge Prosthesis

Before proceeding with a crown bridge prosthesis, it is important to consider:

Dental Evaluation: A complete evaluation by a dentist is necessary to determine if the abutment teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge.

Maintenance: Bridges require rigorous maintenance, including special cleaning under the pontic to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Durability and Replacement: Although durable, decks may require replacement over time due to natural wear and tear or damage.

Costs: Costs may vary depending on the type of bridge, the number of pontics needed, and the material chosen.

Alternatives: Discuss alternatives, including dental implants and removable partial dentures, to choose the option best suited to your needs and preferences.

The process for obtaining a crown bridge prosthesis includes several key steps:

Initial Consultation: Evaluation by a dentist to determine if a crown bridge is the best option to replace missing teeth.

Treatment Planning: Discussion of options, materials, and procedure, as well as cost estimation and insurance coverage.

Tooth Preparation: The abutment teeth are prepared to receive the crowns that will support the bridge.

Dental Impressions: Taking precise impressions for the manufacture of the bridge and custom crowns.

Fabrication of the Bridge: The bridge is manufactured in a dental laboratory according to the specifications of the impression.

Placement of the Bridge Crown: The finished bridge is adjusted and cemented in place by the dentist.

Follow-up: Follow-up appointments to check the fit and function of the bridge, as well as for maintenance advice.

Opinions and comments on the Crown Bridge Prosthesis

Opinions on crown bridge prostheses vary widely depending on individual experiences, but several commonalities often emerge in patient feedback:

Functional and Aesthetic Improvement: Many patients report significant satisfaction regarding the improvement in masticatory function and the aesthetics of their smile.

Comfort: Once accustomed to their dentures, many patients find crown bridges comfortable and similar to their natural teeth.

Maintenance: Some patients note the need for rigorous maintenance, including special cleaning under the bridge, to prevent gum problems and cavities on the abutment teeth.

Durability: While durability is often cited as a benefit, repairs or replacements may be necessary over time, which is an aspect to consider for some.

The Healing Process After Crown Bridge Denture Treatment

After the placement of a crown bridge prosthesis, the healing process includes:

Initial Adaptation: There may be an adaptation period as you get used to the feeling of the bridge in your mouth.

Sensitivity: Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure may occur, particularly if abutment teeth have been prepared.

Oral Care: It is crucial to follow rigorous oral hygiene, including brushing, using special dental floss for bridges, and mouth rinses recommended by your dentist.

Dental Follow-up: Follow-up visits are necessary to ensure that the bridge fits well and that oral health is maintained.

The Differences Between Crown Bridge Prosthesis and Other Dental Prostheses

Crown bridge prosthetics differ from other dental restoration options in several ways:

Fixity: Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges are fixed and can only be removed by a professional.

Support: Bridges use adjacent teeth for support, while dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone.

Dental Preparation: The installation of a bridge often requires the preparation of the abutment teeth, unlike implants which do not require this.

Duration and Cost: Bridges can often be done more quickly and inexpensively than implants, but may not last as long.

Crown Bridge Prosthetics Prices 2024

In 2024, the price of crown bridge prostheses may vary depending on several factors, such as the material used, the number of teeth to be replaced, and the complexity of the case. Price estimates can be:

Between 500 and 1,500 euros per element of the bridge (including abutment teeth and pontics), with variations depending on the type of materials (porcelain, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal) and the geographic location of the dental practice.