Dental Bridge

We provide consultations at our clinic in the center of Odesa, located at 12 Tyraspolska Street. During the examination, we will select the optimal prosthetic option and calculate the cost of treatment.

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis designed to restore missing teeth.

Structurally, it resembles a bridge: hollow crowns are fixed on "abutment" teeth, while solid crowns close the gap where teeth are missing (sometimes the prosthesis includes a gum imitation). The crowns of the dental bridge are fixed on at least 2-3 prepared abutment teeth or are mounted on implants.

The cost of a dental bridge is determined after an examination and depends on:

• the length of the gap;
• the need to strengthen the abutment tooth (with an inlay), place a filling in the root canal, or remove the nerve bundle in the pulp;
• the material of the prosthetic structure (metal-ceramic, zirconia, ceramic).

Complete List of Dental Bridge Services

• Adhesive bridge
• Metal-ceramic bridge (up to 4 teeth)
• Ceramic bridge (for 3 anterior teeth)
• Zirconia bridge (up to 4 teeth)
• Metal-ceramic bridge for 3 teeth supported by 2 implants (implantation cost not included)
• Bridge made of zirconia or ceramics for 3 teeth supported by 2 implants (implantation cost not included)

Dental bridges can range from 3 to 14 crowns in length. The material and length of the structure are chosen by a prosthodontist. After evaluating the clinical situation, the dentist will prescribe classic dental prosthetics. If teeth are loose or additional support is needed, the bridge is fixed on implants. The treatment method is determined by the doctor.

For calculating the length of the bridge, only the number of missing sections might be considered. However, it is more accurate to count all the crowns covering both the missing teeth and the abutments (e.g., a bridge for two missing teeth consists of 4 crowns). Below, we use this approach.

Bridge for 3 Teeth (3 Crowns)

This is the standard for dental bridges, suitable for both anterior and posterior sections of the jaw.

The 3-crown span minimizes the risk of breakage, and the structure is easier to repair.

For anterior teeth, ceramic crowns made from E-max are recommended. For molars, metal-ceramic or zirconia crowns are preferred.

Bridge for 4 Teeth (4 Crowns)

This is placed on two abutments to replace two missing teeth:

• on the outer incisors in the smile line;
• on a premolar and molar in the chewing section.

This span can only be covered with a metal-ceramic or zirconia bridge. E-max ceramic is not recommended due to its fragility, but exceptions are possible.

Bridge for 5 Teeth or More

A dental bridge with 5 crowns is rarely used. Fixation cannot rely solely on two side abutments but must include multiple abutments (at least three).

Bridges longer than 5 teeth are used only to close multiple gaps between healthy teeth (e.g., teeth are missing one or two at a time).

It's important to note that long bridges are non-repairable, meaning if one part breaks, the entire prosthesis must be replaced.

Bridges are not recommended for gaps of more than 3 consecutive missing teeth. Under chewing pressure, the teeth can become overloaded and loosen. Extensive defects are corrected after implant placement:

• Anterior Section – the bridge is fixed on 4 teeth supported by 2-3 implants.
• Chewing Section – 2 implants are placed with one gap.
• Fully Edentulous Jaw – at least 4 implants with a prosthesis of 10 crowns for the lower jaw or 6 implants with 12 crowns for the upper jaw. For full restoration, including wisdom teeth, 8 implants and 14 crowns are needed.

Learn more about the service – implant-supported bridges

A dental bridge cannot be installed under the following contraindications:

• Wide gaps in the dental arch – more than 4 missing teeth in the smile line or 2 molars in the chewing section. Installation is not recommended due to a high risk of breakage.
• Abnormal bite (protruding jaw) and other jaw alignment pathologies.
• Teeth with short crowns – often found in small lateral incisors on the upper jaw.
• End gaps – missing second molar (7) or wisdom tooth (8).
• Dental diseases – caries, gingivitis (gum inflammation), periodontitis, periodontal disease.

In such cases, the integrity and aesthetics of the dental arch are restored using alternative methods (described below).

Dental bridges are made from different materials (depending on the manufacturing technology), each with distinct durability, aesthetics, and strength.

For the chewing section, almost any prosthetic material can be used, while the smile line requires materials with impeccable aesthetics.

Requirements for different jaw areas:

• Bridge for anterior teeth – crowns with natural transparency and color are selected.
• Bridge for chewing teeth – functionality is prioritized over aesthetics, requiring a durable design.

On Prepared Abutments

Abutment teeth are prepared as follows:

• For metal-ceramic bridges – 2–2.5 mm from the chewing surface and up to 2 mm from the sides.
• For all-ceramic materials (zirconia or E-max ceramics) – 1.5 mm from the chewing surface and 1 mm from the sides.

The lifespan of the abutments depends on the amount of dentin prepared. Teeth last longer with minimal preparation.

Bridges on teeth are installed using cement fixation technology.

On Implants

Installing a bridge on implants is the preferred option when the budget allows for implants and no contraindications are present. This approach preserves the health of neighboring teeth, eliminating the need for preparation or nerve removal.

Implant-supported bridges are more compact and last longer. Artificial roots evenly distribute chewing forces, preventing bone atrophy and alveolar ridge resorption.

Methods of fixing a bridge on implants:

• Cement fixation – rarely used because it makes removing the bridge difficult in case of breakage.
• Screw fixation – more reliable and safer. The crown has a hole drilled for securing the bridge to the abutment with a screw, which is then sealed with a filling.

For adjustments, the filling is removed, screws are unscrewed, and the same bridge is reinstalled after corrections.

Ceramic

Ceramics, especially IPS E-max, are the best option for prosthetic restoration in the anterior zone. However, ceramic bridges are not suitable for the chewing zone due to their fragility.

Bridges in the smile line are often made with IPS E-max PRESS ceramic, known for its flawless aesthetics and semi-translucent structure, closely mimicking natural teeth.

Metal-Ceramic Bridge

Metal-ceramic bridges are not the most aesthetically pleasing option. The metallic core is hidden under a thick porcelain layer, making it difficult to achieve a natural appearance. Differences in the dental arch are noticeable from most angles, so these bridges are typically used in the chewing section.

Improved metal-ceramic bridges with "shoulder mass" do not affect gum color, as the edge of the crown is isolated with an additional ceramic layer. This enhances aesthetics but increases costs.

Metal-ceramic bridges are unsuitable for patients with bite abnormalities or advanced periodontitis.

Zirconia

Zirconia bridges are manufactured using CAD/CAM technology, where zirconia blocks are milled with precision machines. These bridges are incredibly durable and can withstand significant chewing forces.

A zirconia bridge can consist of up to 12–14 crowns, whereas other types of all-ceramic bridges are limited to a span of 3 units.

Zirconia bridges are available in two types:

1. MonolithicMade from opaque zirconia blocks and manually painted white. These are suitable for the chewing section due to their strength but are not recommended for anterior teeth because of limited aesthetics.

2. Monolithic Multilayer (Multi-layer)These newer-generation zirconia blocks have a natural gradient of color and translucency, mimicking real enamel. Suitable for any jaw area.

Solid Metal

Fully metallic bridges are cast in one piece from metal or combined with metal-ceramic crowns. They are highly durable and affordable but lack aesthetics, making them suitable for posterior molars only.

Installation is prohibited for anterior defects or weak abutments.

Adhesive Bridge

An adhesive bridge is a temporary solution with a lifespan of up to 2 years. These are fabricated directly in the patient’s mouth from composite filling material and fixed with fiberglass tape or metal plates to neighboring teeth.

Adhesive bridges are only recommended for single-tooth defects, excluding canines and molars.

Advantages:

• Fast adaptation (1–2 days).
• Long service life (10 years or more).
• Fixed construction: does not affect speech or chewing.
• Affordable cost due to material variety, cheaper than single-tooth implants.

Disadvantages:

• Tooth preparation and nerve removal shorten the lifespan of abutments.
• Bridges mask defects without addressing bone atrophy.
• Gum pressure from the bridge can lead to gum recession (visible gaps in the smile line).

When you visit the Kiadent clinic, you can restore your teeth and smile beautifully in just two visits.

If bridge prosthetics are contraindicated, alternative methods are available, such as temporary plastic dentures or removable prosthetics for single or multiple tooth gaps.

Removable Prosthetics

These restore partial or complete tooth loss. There are two main types of removable retention:

• Fully removable – secured on a minimum of 2 abutments without preparation. Restores 1–3 teeth on the upper or lower jaw.
• Partial removable with artificial gums – attaches to gums via suction or clasps.

Removable prosthetics are aesthetically pleasing but may reduce sensitivity, affect speech, or fall out, and do not prevent bone atrophy.

Learn more about removable prosthetics: Removable Dentures

• Which is better: implants or bridges?

  Implants are unquestionably better than bridges on healthy teeth. Implants protect bone tissue from atrophy and do not require the preparation or nerve removal of abutment teeth. Bridges are recommended only when implants are contraindicated or if abutments already need restoration.

• What should I do if my dental bridge becomes loose?

  Visit a dental clinic immediately for a professional diagnosis. Common causes include:

  • A broken abutment tooth or implant.
  • Deterioration of the cement bond.

  The dentist will address the issue with repairs or recommend implants if necessary.

• How should I care for a dental bridge?

  Care for dental bridges as part of your regular hygiene routine. Additionally:

  • Rinse your mouth with water, mouthwash, or an irrigator.
  • Use floss or interdental brushes to clean spaces under the bridge.
  • Visit a dental hygienist for professional cleaning every six months.