Composite Bridges - a display of Rob's work
When teeth are missing there are a number of ways we can replace those teeth. A great way to do this is using a Composite bridge. A Composite bridge uses the teeth on either side of the space to replace the missing teeth. The Bridge is glued in permanently to the teeth on either side so it doesnt have to be removed. Composite Bridges are a new technology which Rob has been doing since 1999 and and there is very little data on their longevity. However, Rob has shown with his own cases that life expectancy appears to be 7-15 years; mostly dependent on how well the patient looks after them and how well they are designed and fitted. The main benfits are the fact they are relatively inexpensive and require little or no tooth modification before placement therefore they have a very low risk profile. ( they are most often done in comfort without local anesthetic)
When a tooth is lost 5 or more other teeth may drift so it is essential to place a replacement tooth as soon as possible. The space left from missing teeth may cause one of several problems. Teeth may drift into the space changing your bite, this changed bite may result in sore jaws, gum disease, or decay (due to more difficult hygiene).
Replacing upper incisor - $1200
Replacing Upper Canine with Composite Bridge and Composite Veneer to reshape the lateral incisor - $1350
A composite Bridge to replace a missing incisor
Replacing Lower incisor (showing framework stage during construction) $1000
Replacing two premolars with a Composite Bridge (showing framework stage during construction) $1850
Replacing 2 premolars: (showing framework stage during construction) $1800
Replacing upper premolar/molar: (showing framework stage during construction) $1350
Replacing a lateral incisor - $900
Replacing 1 incisor, 1 canine, 1 premolar and 1 molar: (no tooth structure was removed) $3600 - This option was chosen because the patient did not want to damage any more teeth, wanted a solution that was fixed in her mouth (not a denture) and could not afford conventional dental implants.
Replacing 1 premolar, 1 lateral incisor and 1 central incisor, whilst bracing overloaded teeth - $4100
Combination Treatment: 5 Composite Veneers, 2 Composite Crowns, 2 Composite Bridges, 2 Mini Implant Supported Composite Crowns and 2 White Fillings. $7800
Closing gaps and replacing a Porcelain Crown with a Composite Crown, 2 partial Composite Veneers and a Composite Bridge. $1900
Full mouth Rehabilitation where most of the enamel has been lost and many teeth missing; 4 Composite bridges and the rest Composite veneers
4 Composite Veneers and a Composite Bridge. $3350
Replacing lower molar: $1200
Replacing lower molar: $1350
How are they done?
Firstly,
the parts of the teeth used to attach the bridge are carefully
roughened. This is achieved by using a light acid which makes the tooth
surface easy to bond to. A combination of Composite resin, nylon strips
and fibre posts are placed in the space between the teeth where they
are hardened and shaped. After a final polish the bridge is ready to be
used straight away. Bridges are not removable by the Patient.
Composite Bridges have many benefits over conventional Porcelain Bridges; They are Metal free, they are repairable, they are about 25% of the price, they do not directly damage the teeth on either side except for the minor collateral damage associated with any bonding process, they can be placed in one appointment. The disadvantages are: no long term longevity studies have been done which makes their longevity unknown, they theoretically are more likely to decay the attached teeth in patients with poor oral hygiene, they are not as strong and probably wont last as long as Porcelain and they are more likely to develop staining.
Care for bridges
Brush daily all areas around the bridge. It is not possible to floss between the replacement tooth and the attaching crowns (it is made as a solid piece). In order to solve this problem - it is necessary to use a special type of floss to go under the replacement tooth and keep this area of gum tissue healthy.
For more information about Composite Bridges see Wellingtons leading Cosmetic Dentists here