IMPLANT SUPPORTED BRIDGE WITH INDIVIDUALLY CEMENTED CROWNS ON SUPERSTRUCTURE
An implant supported bridge with individually cemented crowns on superstructure is a dental restoration that replaces missing teeth by inserting two or more artificial titanium roots into the jawbone and attaching artificial teeth to them. It is comprised of a substructure held in place by screws which attach to the implants. The substructure supports crowns which are cemented onto it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What material is in an Implant Supported Bridge with Individually Cemented Crowns on Superstructure?
Bridges are usually made of four types of materials:
• Porcelain
• Gold Alloy (commonly gold, platinum, palladium)
• Porcelain fused to an inner core of gold alloy
• Zirconia metal oxide
* Implants are made of titanium. Superstructures are made of a gold alloy.
2. What are the benefits of an Implant Supported Bridge with Individually Cemented Crowns on Superstructure?
• Bridges build back your smile and help you to speak and chew properly by restoring the natural size, shape and color of your teeth. They help maintain tooth, bite and jaw alignment by preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
• There is no need to drill down existing teeth in order to replace the missing teeth as occurs with conventional tooth supported bridges.
• Long gaps where multiple teeth are missing can be treated effectively with implant supported bridges whereas long span natural tooth supported bridges have many negative consequences.
• If chipping of porcelain occurs, individual crowns may be repaired or replaced rather than replacing the entire superstructure restoration. This dramatically reduces treatment time and cost.
• The superstructure fills in areas of deficient bone and tissue in addition to missing teeth, this allows for better aesthetic options than tooth replacement alone.
3. What are the risks of an Implant Supported Bridge with Individually Cemented Crowns on Superstructure?
• Due to the complexity of the restoration, treatment cost is relatively expensive compared to many other options.
• Possible complications may be such things as food entrapment and challenges in matching adjacent tooth aesthetics.
• There is a minimal risk of an implant not adhering to the jawbone and thus requiring removal and replacement.
• Chipped porcelain, worn metal or loose implant screws may require maintenance procedures, repair or replacement.
4. What are the alternatives to an Implant Supported Bridge with Individually Cemented Crowns on Superstructure?
• Replace the missing teeth with another type of implant supported restoration
• Replace the missing teeth with a conventional tooth supported bridge
• Replace the missing teeth with a removable partial denture
• Leave the space as is
5. How can an existing bite affect an Implant Supported Bridge with Individually Cemented Crowns on Superstructure?
• Excessive or uneven bite forces may cause porcelain chipping, metal wear, implant screw loosening, or even gum and bone loss around the implant.
• Severe bite issues such as habitual tooth grinding may cause premature failure of the dental prosthesis.
6. Are there any post-treatment limitations once I have an Implant Supported Bridge with Individually Cemented Crowns on Superstructure?
• Porcelain on the bridge may have a good color match with adjacent natural teeth when the bridge is placed but less of a match as your natural teeth age.
• Food may become lodged around the implant supported bridge; gum recession or minor bone loss around the top of the implant over time may make food impaction unavoidable, even with ideal bridge contour.
• Gum recession may also lead to unsightly metallic implant margins becoming visible.
• A bridge may chip or break if used for abnormal activities (e.g., biting fishing line, sewing thread or finger nails, opening bottles).
