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Which Type of Dental Bridges Would You Recommend to Make the Abutment Teeth Last Longer and Healthier?

asked 1 year ago by caret in dallas, texas
Latest answer by Ted Murray, DDS
Question viewed 539 times
Tags: bonding, longevity, options

I want to take care of my 4 abutment teeth. I would like to know what kind of dental bridges is more recommended so that the abutment teeth will stay healthy considering the pressure of the bite and the heaviness of the bridge. Would you recommend a lighter or a heavier bridge? Would you recommend a pure porcelain or porcelain fused to metal? I have 4 molar abutment teeth and i really want to preserve them because i dont want to wear removable dentures someday. Please help. Thank you

9 answers to Which Type of Dental Bridges Would You Recommend to Make the Abutment Teeth Last Longer and Healthier?

Bridge longevity

The best way to preserve your abutment teeth would be to do an implant supported bridge. If this is not possible, I believe a porcelain fused to metal bridge would probably be the longest lasting. A ceramic (metal free) bridge will look a little better, but isn't likely to last as well in a long span bridge.

Paul D. Kantor, DDS
Cleveland Cosmetic Dentist

Preserve your Teeth

The best way to preserve your "abutment" teeth isnot to cut them dwon for a bridge to begin with. The "Standard of Care" has shifted away from bridges and moved to implant supported crowns. Implants done and restored by a skilled dental team have a longer life expectancy than a bridge and take any extra stress on abutment teeth completely out of the equation. This also makes for a smarter long term investment.

Ted Murray, DDS
Dubuque Cosmetic Dentist

Conservative bridges

If you for any good reason can not get an implants to replace your missing teeth, then the most conservative preparation is in order to make a crown is a full metal (gold) crown, next by amount of tooth structure that needs to be removed is porcelain fused to metal and third would be all ceramic restoration. That is theoretical answer, however every individual need personal approach. You should discuss your options with your restorative specialist ( prosthodontist) and he, after... more

Zina Kaleinikova, DDS, MS
Cleveland Cosmetic Dentist

What Kind of Bridge Works?

Since I am not sure where you need to have a bridge, this is a difficult question to answer. We have many options to replace missing teeth but each has pros and cons and is determined by where the bridge is located and what is needed. Conventional Bridges have been successful for years. These are usually Porcelain Bridges which can be successful for years as long as you can clean it , take care of it, have regular cleanings and take radiographs... more

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS
Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist

Materials and longevity

When looking at different materials for a bridge, be it gold alloy, porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain, the choice is mainly aesthetic with a small consideration to occlusal forces. The longevity of a dental bridge relies mostly on the fit. Bridge retainers which are accurately made to fit and seal along the tooth margin will prevent bacteria from leaking under the bridge abutment. When bacteria builds up along a poorly sealed margin, decay along the margin will... more

Marc Zive, DMD
Springfield Cosmetic Dentist

Material choice for bridges not a factor in longevity of abutment teeth

Material selection relates to the longevity of the bridge itself and less to do with the abutment tooth structure. Healthy abutment teeth relate more to hygiene habits and bite management. If an implant is simply not possible, then a bridge made of eMax or Lava would be a great choice.

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

Bridge or implant

Most single missing teeth are best replaced with an implant in 2011. With implants, the abutment teeth are not prepared at all. This would be the best possible result. Some situations are not ideal for implants and regular dental bridges are still a great option. The bridge abutments that have the longest life and the healthiest lifespan are the result of proper occlusion and optimum hygiene care. The cleaning around fixed bridges requires more effort and skill by... more

Greg Lutke, DDS
Plano Cosmetic Dentist

What Type of Dental Bridge will Last the Longest?

Dental bridges can last a long time, sometimes even decades. You are thoughtful to be concerned about the long-term health of the abutment (or anchor) teeth. I wouldn't think about it as a "light or heavy" dental bridge, though. A lot of the long-term durability has to do with the pressure and balance of your bite. Make sure your cosmetic dentist spends time analyzing your bite before you start the work. You may need your bite fine-tuned or corrected before the bridges... more

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS
Denver Cosmetic Dentist

Bridges, abutments, implants

All missing teeth should be replaced by implants and single crowns. Not brdges. I recommend Lava, all porcellain bridges to replace single missing teeth, but only if you are not a candidate for implants and single metal free crowns. Dr. Josephs

Mitchell A. Josephs, DDS
Palm Beach Cosmetic Dentist

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