Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges in Basel
In brief: dental bridges
A dental bridge closes a gap by using neighbouring teeth as supports and provides fixed tooth replacement. In Basel, we assess the abutment teeth, remaining tooth structure, periodontal health, bite and ability to maintain hygiene, and compare alternatives such as an implant, resin-bonded bridge or removable solution. The aim is a stable restoration that can be cleaned effectively, with a clearly explained material choice and transparent treatment plan tailored to your situation.
Materials – explained simply
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): a metal framework veneered with ceramic – robust and clinically established over many decades.
Zirconia (all-ceramic, metal-free): a high-strength ceramic with good aesthetics and favourable tissue compatibility.
Design options
Monolithic: milled from a single material – highly stable with a low risk of veneering-ceramic chipping and increasingly natural aesthetics.
Monolithic with micro-veneering/individualisation: a strong core with a thin aesthetic ceramic layer on visible surfaces – combining durability with a refined appearance.
Conventionally layered ceramic: allows detailed optical characterisation but can be somewhat more susceptible to chipping under high functional loads.
Dental bridges: advantages and limitations
Potential Benefits and Treatment Goals
Fixed and immediately functional: chewing and speaking feel similar to using natural teeth once the bridge has been fitted.
Relatively fast treatment: often completed in 2–3 appointments and usually faster than implant treatment that requires healing phases.
Established and predictable: good long-term evidence when the supporting teeth and oral hygiene are favourable.
Natural appearance: shade and shape can be matched closely to neighbouring teeth, particularly with modern ceramic materials.
No surgery required: useful when implant surgery is not possible or not desired.
Costs can be planned in advance: fees, laboratory work and materials are presented transparently.
Limitations
Preparation of neighbouring teeth: abutment teeth usually need to be prepared for crowns, which may involve removal of healthy tooth structure.
Additional hygiene requirements: the area beneath the replacement tooth needs daily cleaning with interdental brushes, floss or suitable bridge-cleaning aids.
Bone beneath the missing tooth may continue to resorb: unlike an implant, a conventional bridge does not transmit loading into the bone at the gap.
Dependence on the abutment teeth: caries, periodontal disease or fractures affecting a supporting tooth can compromise the entire bridge.
Repairs can be more involved: significant ceramic fractures or margin problems may require replacement of the bridge.
Span length is limited: very long gaps are biomechanically more demanding and may benefit from implant support or another concept.
When is a bridge particularly appropriate?
The neighbouring teeth already require crowns for restoration or protection.
Bone augmentation or implant placement is not desired or not possible.
A relatively rapid fixed solution is preferred.
When might an implant be considered instead?
The neighbouring teeth are healthy and intact and should ideally not be prepared.
Preservation of bone and soft tissue at the gap is an important treatment goal.
The gap is long or the potential abutment teeth have an unfavourable prognosis.
Costs
Costs – typical guide prices (CHF)
(depending on material, number of units and laboratory work; a transparent estimate is provided in Basel in advance)
Treatment | Indicative Range |
Three-unit ceramic bridge (standard) | 4’000 – 5’100 |
Four- to five-unit bridge | 4’500 – 6’500 |
Resin-bonded bridge (anterior tooth, zirconia wing) | 1’500 – 2’200 |
Temporary bridge (short-term) | 250 – 450 |
Laboratory and material costs vary with the design, span, ceramic system, shade and degree of individualisation. We provide a transparent cost estimate covering professional fees and laboratory/material costs before treatment.
Longevity – what does the evidence show?
PFM bridges: long-term studies report good survival, with results varying according to design, patient selection, abutment health and maintenance. (ScienceDirect)
Zirconia bridges: contemporary studies show good medium- and long-term survival. Older veneered zirconia frameworks had a higher incidence of veneering-ceramic chipping, while monolithic zirconia designs have reduced this complication. (
)
For patients with high occlusal loads or bruxism, the restorative design and material are selected particularly carefully. Monolithic or reinforced designs may be considered where greater mechanical robustness is required, while aesthetic layering can be limited to visible areas when appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental bridge last?
A well-designed bridge can remain functional for many years. Longevity depends strongly on the condition of the supporting teeth, oral hygiene, bite forces and regular maintenance; a fixed lifespan cannot be guaranteed.
Can a bridge be completely metal-free?
Yes. Zirconia is a widely used metal-free option with high strength and good biocompatibility.
What happens to the supporting teeth?
They are prepared as conservatively as the clinical situation allows. Their pulpal and periodontal condition is assessed before treatment and monitored over time.
Implant or bridge?
If the neighbouring teeth are healthy and untouched, an implant may preserve more tooth structure. If the neighbouring teeth already need crowns, a bridge may be an efficient and appropriate fixed solution.
Can I eat and chew normally?
Once the bridge has been definitively fitted and the bite checked, it is designed for normal chewing function.
Summary
We can provide a structured second opinion with a clear cost framework and a comparison of suitable alternatives, including implant treatment and dental bridges.
Diagnostics and Planning
Before definitive treatment, we assess remaining tooth structure, gum health, the bite, available space, aesthetics and cleanability. The aim is not the most extensive technical solution, but one that suits the individual situation and can be maintained and monitored over the long term.
Limitations, Risks and Alternatives
Even well-planned restorations are subject to wear. Possible long-term issues include fractures, chipping, loosening, recurrent caries at restoration margins, changes in the gums and the need for later repairs. Material selection, preparation design, occlusion and regular follow-up all influence the long-term prognosis.
Dental bridges in Basel: experience and clinical context
At Fachzahnarztpraxis Dr. Gasser in Basel, reconstructive treatment is planned with function, aesthetics and long-term maintainability in mind. Dr Thomas Gasser is a specialist in reconstructive dentistry (SSRD) and is recognised as a specialist by the European Prosthodontic Association. Digital planning and close collaboration with the dental laboratory support precise implementation.More about Dr Thomas Gasser’s training and qualifications.
Related Topics on Our Website
Depending on the individual situation, Adhesive Dental Bridge,Inlays / Onlays / Overlays or Zirkondioxid may also be relevant.You can find further dental services in Basel in our treatment overview.
Literature and Scientific Context
PubMed PMID 25935732 – All-ceramic or metal-ceramic tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs)? A systematic review of the survival and complication rates. Part II: Multiple-unit FDPs
PubMed PMID 33745685 – Survival and complications of monolithic ceramic for tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses: A systematic review and meta-analysis
The selected literature provides scientific context. Which findings are relevant to a specific treatment depends on the diagnosis, the starting situation, individual risks and the treatment goals agreed together.
Other treatments
