What are the advantages of conventional fixed-fixed bridges?
- robust design
- maximum retention and strength
- abutment teeth can be splinted together
- can be used in longer spans
- lab construction straightforward
What are the disadvantages of conventional fixed-fixed bridges?
- preparation can be difficult (parallel tooth prep needed for common path of insertion)
- prep must be minimally tapered
- common path of insertion for abutments
- removal of tooth tissue
What are the disadvantages of conventional cantilever bridges?
- short span only
- rigid to avoid distortion
What is a hybrid bridge?
One retainer is prepped conventionally and the other retainer has minimal prep (like a resin bonded bridge)
What is a spring-cantilever bridge?
one pontic attached to the end of a metal arm that runs across the palate to a rigid connector on the palatal side of a retainer
What are the advantages of spring cantilever bridges?
- useful if spacing present between upper incisors
What are the disadvantages of conventional spring cantilever bridges?
- can only be used to replace upper incisor teeth
- difficult to clean below palatal retainer
- may irritate palatal mucosa
- pontic can be mobile
You are evaluating a tooth as a potential abutment for a bridge, what should you consider?
Must be able to withstand forces previously directed to now missing teeth
- supporting tissues should be healthy & inflammation free
- optimum crown to root ratio 2:3 (minimum 1:1)
