Replacing old bridge with a new one???

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Dodie - 03 Mar 2006 21:14 GMT

My dentist has recommended replacing my 20 year-old porcelain-on-metal
6 tooth bridge with a new one. I am 56 yrs. old and have experienced no
problems with the old bridge other than a slight gum recession that
shows a gray (unsightly) line at the gum line. The bridge is top front
and center so it is noticeable when I smile. Is there no way in this
day and age to "touch up" the gray line? Isn't that what porcelain
veneers are all about? Why can the same type procedure be done to a
bridge.

Also, if I spend the considerable bucks to do this, what's to keep the
same thing from happening again? I can't find much information on the
web about replacing an existing bridge.It sounds painful and dangerous.
My bridge was originally installed to correct a misalignment that
braces couldn't correct. I have all my original teeth under the bridge.
Will they break when the bridge is removed? Thanks for any insight
offered.

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Steven Bornfeld - 03 Mar 2006 21:58 GMT

> My dentist has recommended replacing my 20 year-old porcelain-on-metal
> 6 tooth bridge with a new one. I am 56 yrs. old and have experienced no
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Will they break when the bridge is removed? Thanks for any insight
> offered.

There are ways of doing this, such as preparing over the old crown and
doing what is called a "telescope". However, IMO this is risky and
unlikely to give as good a result as redoing the bridge. After 20
years, it's probably due for replacement. Coverups rarely last long
enough to make them worthwhile. Removing the bridge ordinarily should
not be risky if your dentist knows what he/she's doing.

Steve

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