Modern dentistry advancements in materials and techniques have allowed for innovative solutions to restore a smile’s aesthetics and functionality. Among these breakthroughs stands the remarkable zirconia crown bridge. It’s not just a dental appliance; it’s a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection in restorative dentistry.
Let’s embark on a journey through the development, types, and pros and cons of zirconia crown bridges, shedding light on why De Corematrix’s ML series zirconia blocks are the go-to option for crafting these marvels of dental engineering. Get ready to discover the smile-transforming power of zirconia bridges.
What Is Zirconia Dental Bridge? How Does It Work?
A zirconia crown bridge, also known as a zirconia fixed partial denture (FPD) or zirconia crown bridge, is a dental prosthesis used to replace one’s missing teeth and restore oral function and aesthetics. It is made from zirconium dioxide (zirconia), a high-strength material known for its durability and natural appearance. Here’s how a zirconia dental bridge works:
1. Design and Fabrication
- The process begins with careful assessment and planning by a dentist. This involves taking impressions and digital scans of the patient’s mouth to create a precise model.
- Using computer-aided design (CAD) technology, a customized bridge is designed. The design includes the pontic (replacement tooth) or pontics and the crowns (caps) that will be attached to the adjacent teeth (abutment teeth).
- Zirconia blocks, or ceramic blocks, specifically designed for dental applications, mill or carve the bridge structure according to the CAD design. This process is often referred to as computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
2. Installation
- Once the zirconia bridge is fabricated, it is carefully fitted to ensure it matches the patient’s bite and aligns with the surrounding teeth.
- The adjacent teeth, or abutment teeth, are prepared by removing a small portion of their enamel to create space for the crowns to be securely bonded.
- The zirconia bridge is securely affixed to the prepared abutment teeth, creating a lasting connection that spans the space left by the absence of one or more teeth.
3. Function
- A zirconia bridge functions much like natural teeth. The pontic or pontics fill the space left by missing teeth, restoring the ability to chew and speak properly.
- The crowns on the abutment teeth provide stability and support to the bridge, ensuring it remains securely in place during daily activities.
4. Aesthetics
- Zirconia bridges are highly regarded for their natural appearance. The material closely mimics the clarity and color of natural teeth, making it difficult to discern the difference between the bridge and the surrounding teeth.
5. Durability
- Due to its exceptional strength and resistance to wear, a zirconia bridge can withstand the forces of regular chewing and biting, making it a reliable and long-lasting solution for patients seeking to restore their smile and oral function.
Common Types of Zirconia Crown Bridge
a. 3-Unit Bridge
- This type of bridge consists of three units: two crowns (one on each end) and a pontic (a false tooth in the middle).
- It is typically used to replace a single missing tooth.
- The connector size for a 3-unit bridge should be at least 6.25 mm², with recommendations for larger connectors depending on the number of units.
b. 4-Unit Bridge
- A 4-unit bridge has four units: two crowns and two pontics.
- It is used when there are two adjacent missing teeth.
- The connector size for a 4-unit bridge should be larger than for a 3-unit bridge, ensuring it can withstand the additional load.
c. 5-Unit Bridge
- This type of bridge consists of five units: two crowns and three pontics.
- It is used when there are three adjacent missing teeth.
- The connector size for a 5-unit bridge should be proportionally larger to accommodate the extra units.
Zirconia bridges are suitable for posterior areas due to their exceptional mechanical properties, and they can surpass the threshold of 1000 N, which is considered necessary for safe placement in these regions.
Pros And Cons of Zirconia Bridges
Pros
- Creates a natural appearance, closely resembling the original tooth.
- Restores broken or cracked teeth to their original shape.
- Effective for replacing one or more missing teeth or even a full set.
- Exhibits greater strength compared to porcelain restorations.
- Enhances chewing capability, allowing for comfortable eating.
- Ideal for concealing severely discolored teeth.
- Recommended for patients with a history of teeth grinding or clenching.
- Causes minimal wear on opposing teeth.
- Reduces the need for extensive tooth extraction in the case of pure zirconia crowns.
- Resists staining from common sources like coffee, tea, and tobacco.
- Can assist in straightening slightly misaligned teeth.
- Closes minor gaps between teeth, improving overall dental alignment.
Cons
- Requires adjacent teeth to meet specific criteria, potentially limiting its applicability.
- May necessitate more extensive preparation of adjacent teeth compared to other restoration options.
Try De Corematrix’s ML Series Zirconia Blocks
Using De Corematrix’s ML series zirconia blocks for processing zirconia crown bridges offers many distinct advantages. These specially developed multi-layer blocks strike a remarkable balance between translucency and strength, boasting a transparency level of 46% alongside an impressive strength rating of 900 MPa.
This unique combination ensures that the final restoration exhibits a natural appearance and possesses the robustness required for long-lasting functionality. Dental professionals can confidently deliver zirconia crown bridges that meet aesthetic and structural demands, providing patients with durable and visually pleasing solutions for their dental needs.
Conclusion
De Corematrix stands out in the dental industry for our pioneering approach to zirconia technology. With our innovative multilayer zirconia blocks, we perfectly balance transparency and strength, setting a new standard in dental restorations.
This unique combination offers a level of quality and durability unmatched in the field. For those seeking cutting-edge solutions in dental prosthetics, De Corematrix is a good choice for you. Our commitment to excellence is poised to revolutionize how we approach dental restorations.
