Bridges Flashcards
What is a bridge
A bridge is a fixed prosthesis used to replace one or more teeth, which cannot be removed by the patient
What is an abutment tooth
Tooth to which the bridge is attached
How are abutment teeth usually prepared for a bridge
They are usually prepared for a crown
What is a pontic
The artificial tooth that is carried by the prosthesis to replace the missing natural tooth/teeth
What is a saddle
An area of edentulous ridge over which the pontic will sit
What are bridge retainers
A restoration that is cemented onto the abutment tooth
What are bridge retainers usually
PFM
Full veneer crown
3/4 crown
What is a connector
The area of the bridge that joins the pontic to the retainer
What is a unit
A term used to indicate the number of pontics or retainers associated with the bridge
What does the anti indicate
Indicates the length of the bridge
What does the unit number include
The number of retainers and pontics that make up the bridge
Name the 2 main types of bridge work
- Resin bonded bridgework
2. Conventional bridge work
Describe resin bonded bridgeworks
When we have metal wings that is bonded onto the abutment tooth/teeth in order to retain the pontic
Describe conventional bridge
When abutment teeth are crowned and the pontic Is between the crowns
How is conventional bridge retained
Retained on the bridge abutment with a conventional retainer eg full coverage crown
List the indications for conventional bridgework
- Well motivated patient
- Excellent plaque control
- No active carious lesions
- Stable periodontium
- Small edentulous spaces
- Heavily restored abutment
- Replacement bridge work
Name the 2 main designs conventional bridges can have
- Fixed-fixed bridges
2. Cantilever bridges
Describe a fixed fixed design
- Retainer at either side
- Pontic lies between the retainers
- Rigid connector joins Pontic to the retainers
- 4 units or LESS
Give some advantages of fixed fixed bridges
- Robust design for maximum strength and maximum retention
- Most practical design for larger spans
- Splinting of abutment teeth may be advantageous in a patient with stable periodontal disease
Give some disadvantages of fixed fixed bridges
- Preparations need to be parallel which can be difficult to achieve
- Both preparation are destructive
- Cementation problems as bridges must be inserted in one place
- Design is not suitable for abutment teeth that are markedly tilted