How do you look after a porcelain bridge?
How to care for a porcelain bridge? - A Practical Guide for Unident Union Patients
The all-ceramic porcelain bridge is one of the most aesthetically pleasing and comfortable solutions for restoring missing teeth. To make it last for many years - both functionally and aesthetically - requires appropriate care and monitoring.
W Unident Union in Wrocław, we teach patients how to take proper care of a porcelain bridge, with particular attention to the spaces under the bays and around the pillar teeth. This is the key to maintaining periodontal health, avoiding inflammation and preserving the longevity of treatment results.
Daily hygiene - the basis for a long-lasting bridge
1. brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Use a manual or sonic toothbrush with soft bristles,
- Pay particular attention to the gingival area around the pillar crowns,
- Avoid aggressive scrubbing - technique is more important than strength.
2. Clear the space under the bridge span
The bridge abutment (i.e. the artificial tooth between the pillars) has no root of its own - but its surroundings must be cleaned just as thoroughly.
How to care for the porcelain bridge span?
- Superfloss - a special thread with a stiffened end and a spongy part for thorough cleaning under the span,
- Brushes interdental - very thin, delicate, individually selected by the hygienist,
- Waterpik / irrigator - pulsating water pressure removes food debris and bacteria from under the span without damaging the tissues.
Regular cleaning of these areas eliminates the risk of gingivitis, odour and tartar build-up.
Extra prophylaxis - conscious periodontal care
1. oil rinse (oil pulling)
- A natural method to aid oral hygiene,
- Use coconut or sesame oil - every morning for 5-10 minutes,
- Helps reduce gum inflammation and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas,
- A supplement, not a replacement for brushing.
2. mouthwashes
- Always opt for rinses:
- alcohol-free (does not dry out the gums),
- without strong essential oils and herbs (they can irritate),
- designed for daily use and care of crowns, bridges and implants.
Regular inspections - the key to bridge longevity
1. follow-up visits every 6 months
- Checking the tightness of the pillar crowns,
- Assessment of the condition of the gums and hygiene around the span,
- Professional ultrasonic hygienization - gentle, yet effective,
- Bite monitoring - with age or under the influence of parafunctions can change (clamping, tooth abrasion), which can overload the bridge.
If necessary, corrections are made to the occlusal contacts.
2. Panoramic radiograph every 2 years - follow-up X-ray
W Unident Union recommends cyclical X-ray monitoring of the pillar teeth because:
- teeth under the crowns may die asymptomatically,
- periapical lesions (inflammation under the root) may occur,
- Only a radiological check gives a complete picture of the situation.
A panoramic radiograph every 24 months allows early detection of problems - before symptoms develop or the bridge needs to be replaced.
Relaxation rail - overload protection
If you tend to grind your teeth or clench your jaws:
- ask for a personalised relaxation splint,
- worn at night, protects the bridge from microfractures and overload,
- This is particularly important for longer bays or crowns in the lateral section.
What can threaten a porcelain bridge?
- Negligent hygiene - leads to gingivitis and tartar build-up,
- Lack of x-ray monitoring - may overlook lesions,
- Paraphrases occlusal - grinding, squeezing, biting hard foods,
- Inappropriate hygiene products - toothbrushes that are too hard, abrasive toothpastes, rinses with alcohol.
Summary - how to care for a porcelain bridge?
1. Brush and clean the spaces under the bay on a daily basis - use a superfloss, irrigator and toothbrushes interdental.
2. rinse your mouth regularly (without alcohol), you can use oil pulling.
3. visit your dentist every 6 months and have a check-up x-ray every 2 years.
4 Observe your bite - if anything changes, come in for a check-up.
5. consider a relaxation splint if you clench your teeth.
Your bridge, your investment - take care of it with Unident Union
A porcelain bridge is a solution that can last for several years - but only if it is consciously cared for and regularly inspected.
At the clinic Unident Union in Wroclaw we not only ensure that the bridge is perfectly constructed, but also provide full support in its further care and monitoring.
Don't let anything take you by surprise. Make a follow-up appointment - take care of your smile for years to come.
