Porcelain Bridge

The procedure of trimming and crowning the teeth adjacent to a missing tooth area is called a bridge. Nowadays, porcelain bridges are preferred as a treatment option only in cases where implants are not placed in the gap.

In porcelain bridges, just like in porcelain crowns, there are two options: metal-ceramic and full ceramic. The most suitable method is chosen according to the needs of the case. The procedure is again 2 or 3 sessions, as with porcelain crowns.

Crown and bridge materials used in our clinic

• Cad/Cam zirconia-supported ceramic bridge
• Cad/Cam metal-supported ceramic bridge
• Emax bridge

Metal-Ceramic Bridge

Since porcelain is a brittle material, it cannot be used alone. The forces generated during chewing in the mouth are quite high. To create bridges that can withstand these forces for a long time and have an aesthetic appearance, the porcelain material is reinforced with a metal framework. Although it is quite suitable and durable for use in the mouth, the metal inside may sometimes prevent achieving the desired aesthetic satisfaction. It can cause gray reflections near the gum line and dark discoloration of the gums over time. It is not recommended for people with metal allergies.

How Is a Metal-Ceramic Bridge Made?
For the first session of metal-ceramic bridge: After deciding to proceed with the bridge during your initial examination, the teeth are prepared under local anesthesia, impressions are taken, and temporary bridges are placed. The porcelain color matching your teeth is determined.
For the second session of metal-ceramic bridge: The framework trial for the metal-ceramic bridge is performed (this session can be skipped if there are time constraints).
For the third session of metal-ceramic bridge: The finished bridge is tried in, and after checking the contacts, anatomical and biological compatibility, and functional integrity, it is permanently cemented.
 

Zirconium Bridge

Zirconium is a very hard metal with a white color. Similar to metal-supported porcelains, zirconium is used as a strong framework material, over which porcelain is added. Since zirconium is white, the grayness of metal is not visible. More durable and more aesthetic bridges are made. Being white, it is classified among full ceramic or metal-free porcelain types. Its light transmittance is much better than metal-ceramics but weaker compared to Emax porcelains. It is preferred when both aesthetics and durability are desired together. Metal discoloration or gray reflections in the gums do not occur, which is one of the important reasons zirconium is preferred. Since it is a very hard material, it is not suitable for use in long-span bridges.

How Is a Zirconium Bridge Made?
For the first session of zirconium bridge: After deciding to proceed with the zirconium bridge during your initial examination, the teeth are prepared under local anesthesia, impressions are taken, and temporary bridges are placed. The porcelain color matching your teeth is determined.
For the second session of zirconium bridge: The framework trial for the zirconium bridge is performed (this session can be skipped if there are time constraints).
For the third session of zirconium bridge: The finished bridge is tried in, and after checking the contacts, anatomical and biological compatibility, and functional integrity, it is permanently cemented.
 

Emax Bridge

Emax is a ceramic specially reinforced with lithium, offering very high light transmittance and closely resembling natural teeth. For the most aesthetic results, Emax porcelains are generally preferred. Emax bridges are not preferred for multi-unit, long-span, or posterior regions. Emax is preferred for 3-4 unit bridges made in the anterior region.

How Is an Emax Bridge Made?
For the first session of Emax bridge: After deciding to proceed with the Emax bridge during your initial examination, the teeth are prepared under local anesthesia, impressions are taken, and temporary bridges are placed. The porcelain color matching your teeth is determined.
For the second session of Emax bridge: The framework trial for the Emax bridge is performed (this session can be skipped if there are time constraints).
For the third session of Emax bridge: The finished bridge is tried in, and after checking the contacts, anatomical and biological compatibility, and functional integrity, it is permanently cemented.