Fixed Bridgework

Fixed dental bridges involve the preparation and crowning of teeth on either side of an area missing teeth to support artificial teeth that span the edentulous area. A fixed bridge is a non-removable appliance fabricated to replace missing teeth, closely resembling a patient’s natural dentition.

Besides restoring the appearance and function of a complete smile, a fixed bridge prevents adjacent or opposing teeth from shifting, thereby protecting the integrity of the occlusion. Strong, durable, and natural-looking, fixed bridges are permanently cemented into place, allowing all manners of normal oral function.

How are Fixed Bridges Fabricated?

Fixed bridges are typically fabricated over multiple visits and involve:

• Preparing the adjacent supporting teeth (abutment teeth).
• Taking impressions of the area.
• Placing a temporary bridge while the permanent restoration is being crafted.
• Trying in and cementing the permanent bridge.

The teeth crowned to support the bridge are referred to as the “abutment teeth,” while the artificial teeth spanning the gap are called “pontics.”

With advances in dental technology, bridges can now also be supported entirely by implants, eliminating the need for preparing or crowning adjacent natural teeth. Depending on the case’s aesthetic and functional requirements, fixed bridges can be fabricated from materials like porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or advanced ceramic-like materials such as zirconia.