Here's What Your New Bridge Is Made Out Of

Dental bridges play an important role in restoring your smile and bite following tooth loss. Even though most people know what a bridge does, few know what a bridge is made of or how those materials help restore smiles.

At DNTL Studio in Upland, California, Prashant Amin, DDS, and Valay Desai, DDS, offer dental bridges using the most advanced materials and techniques for beautiful, custom results. In this post, learn how bridges work and what materials we use to help you enjoy years of beautiful results.

Quick facts about dental bridges

Dental bridges are used to span or “bridge” the gap left by two or more missing teeth. Each bridge comprises a supportive frame or base that supports two or more crowns (artificial teeth).

The bridge attaches to your teeth located on either side of the gap. These teeth typically are covered by dental crowns prior to bridge placement. The crowns protect your supporting teeth and provide them with additional strength so they can withstand the pressure placed on the bridge when you bite and chew.

Bridge placement typically takes two visits: one to make an impression for your new bridge and one to place your bridge and adjust it for an ideal fit. In between those visits, we may fit you with a temporary bridge to help you maintain normal bite function.

Bridges: What they’re made of

Today’s bridges feature state-of-the-art design focused on preserving normal bite balance while limiting stress and strain on your supporting teeth. Most bridges are either porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain (or ceramic).

Porcelain fused to metal

Porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges feature a time-tested combination of materials. Metal is used to fashion a strong, durable base that forms the structure of the bridge. Tinted porcelain is then fused to the metal to create the crowns and artificial gums. 

A traditional choice for multiple tooth replacement, porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges are durable and affordable. The one potential drawback is that sometimes the metal underlayment may show at the base of your bridge, creating a very thin, dark line where your bridge meets your gum.

All porcelain

All-porcelain bridges are a popular alternative to traditional fused bridges. These bridges eliminate the metal and rely solely on state-of-the-art porcelain (or ceramics) to create not only the artificial teeth but the base as well. 

Because there’s no metal, these bridges avoid the thin dark line that can occur with some fused bridges. They do tend to be a little more costly than fused bridges. 

Bridges may also be made of zirconia, a very strong type of ceramic that’s also quite a bit more costly. 

Dental bridges play a vital role in maintaining your bite balance, your smile, and your oral health. To learn more about bridges and other restorations to help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles, call 909-982-8893 or book an appointment online at DNTL Studio today.