TORONTO BRIDGE
BENEFITS
- The stability of a fixed prosthesis definitely improves quality of life.
- It is cheaper than a traditional fixed prosthesis.
- It needs only 4 implants and is often immediately loaded to provide the patient with a temporary fixed prosthesis during the healing phase.
- Teeth can be customized according to the aesthetic needs of the patient.
- Durability can exceed 10 years if the patient maintains adequate levels of hygiene.
- A Toronto Bridge screwed onto implants can be easily disassembled and reassembled by your trusted dentist at any time, without invasive or destructive surgery.
- Pink resin gingival flanges are indistinguishable from real gingiva and camouflage the patient's bone loss by covering defects and asymmetries, preventing the teeth from appearing too long.
- It is a widely used prosthetic solution with predictable results over time and is supported by extensive scientific literature.
HOW IT WORKS
- To comply with all instructions received for the surgical procedure.
- To avoid chewing for the first week after receiving the provisional prosthesis.
- To begin chewing only soft foods for at least 10 days.
- To maintain proper oral hygiene.
- To contact our staff without delay in case of any doubts or unforeseen issues.
We will be available for the duration of the treatment and beyond. At the end of the osseointegration phase, you will return to our facility were, within a few days, the final Toronto Bridge prosthesis will be fabricated.
WHICH MATERIALS TO CHOOSE
The Toronto Bridge, as already mentioned, consists of three parts: the framework, the gums, and the teeth. While the gums are generally made of resin, the framework and dental arches are made of different materials with varying characteristics and costs.
The framework is made of biocompatible materials and acts as a conduit between the implants to which it is connected and the external aesthetic part represented by the teeth and gums. Different types of metals or materials are used for the framework. Among metals, the best choice remains titanium. A titanium framework provides strength and elasticity by equalizing and distributing the chewing forces over the implants. Titanium is superior to other metals in terms of biocompatibility, weight, and mechanical properties and, although more expensive, is the best material for constructing a framework on implants.
Cobalt-chromium alloy is widely used in Toronto Bridge prostheses due to its high strength, light weight, and affordable cost. Ideal for long-span structures subjected to chewing forces, it offers good biocompatibility and strong adhesion to acrylic resin. Cobalt-chromium alloy is an excellent solution for those seeking a balance between strength and cost-effectiveness. Thanks to its high rigidity, it is particularly well-suited to withstand masticatory stress while keeping expenses low.
The gingival flange is made of pink resin and greatly enhances the aesthetics of the smile. The flange margin is hidden beyond the smile line so that it is indistinguishable from real gingiva. It is cleaned with standard oral hygiene methods recommended for conventional dentures, and the smooth finished surface helps with food removal.
Toronto Bridge teeth themselves are made of different materials:
- Resin teeth are the most economical option.
A Toronto Bridge with a cobalt-chromium or titanium framework and resin teeth offers reliability and durability. However, the main drawbacks are the tendency of resin teeth to wear down and gradually discolor over time.
This type of solution is suitable for patients with more limited financial resources and typically requires tooth replacement after 5–10 years due to wear and discoloration. It can be an excellent compromise when the opposing arch also supports a prosthesis with resin teeth, helping to minimize wear on both sides. - Composite resin teeth (commonly referred to as composite) are more resistant than standard resin teeth and are less prone to discoloration. They are slightly more expensive but offer greater long-term durability. A Toronto Bridge with a cobalt-chromium framework and composite teeth is a solid prosthetic solution that maintains a relatively low cost.
- Zirconia teeth are undoubtedly the highest-quality choice.
They can be fully customized in terms of shape, color, and translucency. They do not change over time, do not wear down, do not discolor, and offer exceptional hardness and strength.
The aesthetic outcome of zirconia is far superior to resin, composite resin, or metal-ceramic teeth. While the cost is higher, the aesthetic and functional advantages of zirconia make it the top choice material for single crowns, bridges, and full-arch fixed prostheses.
A Toronto Bridge with a cobalt-chromium or titanium framework and zirconia teeth represents the state-of-the-art solution for rehabilitating edentulous arches with limited bone volume.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The fabrication of a Toronto Bridge is a process that takes several months, during part of which the patient will have limited chewing ability. Success requires motivation and the maintenance of meticulous hygiene. The most common problems are related to plaque buildup between the denture and gums. This can be avoided with proper maintenance by the patient and, in the most difficult cases, with dentist intervention. In fact, the Toronto Bridge, while fixed and not removable by the patient, remains conveniently removable by the dentist if needed. Other rare complications include breakage of denture parts and chipping of zirconia teeth. Overall, the Toronto Bridge total denture rehabilitates toothless arches, improves facial aesthetics, helps maintain bone stability with implants, and is a more economical and easier-to-fabricate solution than conventional implant-supported dentures.