Adhesive Bridge

What Is an Adhesive Bridge?

Adhesive bridge applications, part of preventive dentistry, are used to replace missing teeth. Known as "sticky bridges," adhesive bridges do not involve any procedures on the gum tissue. The prosthetic tooth is attached to adjacent teeth. Since it does not require enamel removal, it offers advantages over traditional crown bridges.

How Is an Adhesive Bridge Applied?

Completing adhesive bridge treatment requires multiple sessions. The steps involved in these sessions are as follows:

• During the first appointment, impressions and molds of the teeth are taken. This helps model the necessary tooth for the missing area.
• To prepare the adjacent teeth and ensure a secure bond, minimal enamel trimming is performed on the back of the adjacent teeth.
• A temporary adhesive bridge is placed until the permanent bridge is ready.
• Once the permanent bridge is ready, it is fixed in place. During this process, a special adhesive is applied to the back of the adjacent teeth, and the two wings of the prosthetic tooth are secured on both sides.

In Which Situations Is an Adhesive Bridge Used?

The situations in which adhesive bridge applications are preferred include the following:

• Used as a space maintainer for missing front teeth in children.
• Applied to patients who do not want significant tooth cutting.
• Used as a temporary restoration in cases where tooth loss is expected in the future or before implant procedures.
• Used to replace missing teeth when an aesthetic appearance is desired.
• Used for supportive teeth with periodontal issues.
• Used to replace teeth lost due to trauma.

In Which Situations Are Adhesive Bridges Not Applied?

Although adhesive bridges offer a versatile solution, they cannot be used in certain situations. These include:

• Not suitable for teeth that have undergone previous restorations.
• Cannot be applied in cases with significant enamel loss.
• Not recommended for diastema or deep bite cases.
• Unsuitable for individuals with parafunctional habits.

What Are the Advantages of Adhesive Bridges?

The advantages of adhesive bridges include the following:

• Minimal enamel trimming needed for adjacent teeth.
• Preserves the tooth structure.
• Low cost.
• Provides an aesthetic appearance.

What Are the Disadvantages of Adhesive Bridges?

The disadvantages of adhesive bridges include:

• Limited indications.
• May not be subjectively aesthetically pleasing.
• Not long-lasting.
• Requires multiple sessions.

What Should Be Considered After Adhesive Bridge Application?

After adhesive bridge application, maintaining oral hygiene is the primary point patients need to focus on. This ensures the bridge can be used for a longer period.

Patients should also avoid the following:

• Consuming hard foods.
• Eating sugary and acidic foods.
• Using tobacco products.

Types of Adhesive Bridges

Adhesive bridges are categorized into two types based on the materials used in their construction.

Fiber Adhesive Bridge

One of the adhesive bridge options for patients with tooth loss is the fiber adhesive bridge. Fiber bridges, which provide an aesthetic appearance, are made from fiber-reinforced material as an alternative to metal in bridges bonded with resin.

The advantages of fiber adhesive bridges include the following:

• Aesthetic appearance
• Durability
• Lower stiffness compared to metal, reducing stress between the enamel and the adhesive.
• Can be repaired directly in the mouth if necessary.

Maryland Adhesive Bridge

The Maryland bonded bridge uses the same structure as traditional dental bridges but replaces anchor usage with a metal or porcelain framework. While it is more cost-effective than other options, the metal frameworks can cause discoloration of the teeth. Additionally, the strength of the bridge is directly dependent on the adhesive used. The Maryland adhesive bridge is also known as a winged adhesive bridge.