Dental Bridge Munich - Fixed Dental Prosthesis | Dentist Christina Dickel

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that spans one or more gaps left by missing teeth. It is anchored to the neighbouring natural teeth — known as abutment teeth — and permanently cemented in place. Unlike removable dentures, a bridge feels like your own teeth and is cared for in much the same way.

Every dental bridge consists of three key components:

• Bridge anchors (abutment crowns): The crowns fitted over the abutment teeth on either side of the gap that support the bridge.
• Pontic (replacement tooth): The artificial tooth that fills the gap both visually and functionally.
• Bridge body: The single connected unit comprising the abutment crowns and pontic(s).

Dental bridges are among the most proven restorations in prosthetic dentistry. They restore chewing function, prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap, and provide a natural appearance. At our practice in Munich-Oberfoehring, we advise you in detail on which type of bridge is best suited to your individual situation.

Depending on your starting situation, the position of the gap, and your personal preferences, different types of bridges may be recommended. Here are the most important options:

The choice of material has a decisive impact on the aesthetics, durability, and cost of your dental bridge. At our practice, we work with three proven material groups:

All-ceramic: Bridges made from pure ceramic deliver the best aesthetics — they perfectly replicate the natural light refraction of tooth enamel. All-ceramic bridges are metal-free, biocompatible, and the first choice for the visible front-tooth area. However, for longer bridge spans in the posterior region, their suitability may be limited.

Zirconia: Zirconia combines the aesthetics of ceramic with exceptional strength. Modern zirconia bridges are highly load-bearing and can also be used in the posterior region and for longer spans. The material is metal-free, allergy-safe, and extremely fracture-resistant — it is the strongest dental ceramic available today.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): A metal framework is veneered with ceramic — the classic bridge restoration that has been proven for decades. PFM bridges are robust, long-lasting, and represent the standard coverage provided by German statutory health insurance. The drawback: the metal core may become visible as a dark line at the gum margin if the gums recede.

• All-ceramic: Highest aesthetics, metal-free, ideal for front teeth
• Zirconia: Strongest ceramic, metal-free, suitable for back teeth as well
• PFM (metal-ceramic): Proven durability, covered by statutory insurance, potentially visible metal margin

During your personal consultation, we will explain which material is the optimal choice for your situation — gap position, bite relationship, and aesthetic expectations.

A dental bridge is typically completed in 2–3 appointments over a period of 2–3 weeks. Here is how the treatment works at our practice:

1. Diagnosis and treatment planning: First, we thoroughly examine the abutment teeth for stability and vitality. Using X-rays and, where appropriate, CBCT (3D imaging), we assess the bone and root condition. Together, we discuss the bridge type, the material, and prepare a treatment and cost plan.

2. Preparation of the abutment teeth: Under local anaesthesia, the abutment teeth are carefully shaped to make room for the anchor crowns. The preparation is minimally invasive — we preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

3. Impression or digital scan: After preparation, we take a precise impression or create a digital scan of your teeth. This serves as the basis for the laboratory fabrication of your bridge.

4. Temporary bridge: So that you can chew and smile without restriction between appointments, we fit a temporary acrylic bridge. It protects the prepared teeth and bridges the waiting period until the final restoration is complete.

5. Laboratory fabrication: Our master dental laboratory crafts your bridge with the utmost precision — fit, shade, and occlusal design are individually tailored to your mouth.

6. Try-in and cementation: At the final appointment, the finished bridge is tried in. We check the fit, bite, and aesthetics, making any fine adjustments needed. The bridge is then permanently cemented — secure, stable, and built to last for many years.

The question "bridge or implant?" is one of the most common in prosthetic consultations. Both solutions have their merits — the right choice depends on your individual circumstances.

When a dental bridge may be the better option:

• The neighbouring teeth already have crowns or large fillings and would benefit from crown coverage
• A faster solution is desired — a bridge is ready in 2–3 weeks, while an implant requires several months of healing
• The jawbone is insufficient for an implant and an extensive bone graft should be avoided
• General health reasons make a surgical procedure inadvisable

When an implant may be the better choice:

• The neighbouring teeth are healthy and intact — they would need to be ground down for a bridge, which means losing healthy tooth structure
• A longer gap needs to be spanned, which would overload the abutment teeth
• Preserving the jawbone is important — an implant prevents bone loss in the gap area
• You want to maximise the long-term prognosis — implants can last 15–20+ years with good care

At our practice, we always make this decision together with you. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of both options transparently, take your wishes and individual oral health into account, and prepare a separate treatment and cost plan for each option — so you can compare at your leisure.

A well-crafted and properly cared-for dental bridge typically lasts 10–15 years or longer. Clinical studies report survival rates exceeding 90% after 10 years. Longevity depends on three key factors: the quality of fabrication, the condition of the abutment teeth, and your daily care routine.

Daily cleaning — especially under the pontic:

The most critical area of any dental bridge is the space between the pontic and the gum tissue. Food debris and bacteria accumulate here and, without targeted cleaning, can lead to gum inflammation and decay on the abutment teeth. We recommend:

• Superfloss: A specially designed floss with a stiffened end that threads under the bridge and a fluffy middle section that gently cleans the area.
• Interdental brushes: Small brushes in various sizes that effectively clean the spaces between the bridge and the gum tissue.
• Water flosser: As a supplement to mechanical cleaning, a water flosser can flush food particles from under the bridge.

Professional dental cleaning: We recommend a professional dental cleaning every 3–6 months, during which hard-to-reach areas under the bridge are thoroughly cleaned. At the same time, we check the condition of the abutment teeth, crown margins, and gum tissue.

Regular check-ups: At every routine visit, we verify the stability, fit, and vitality of the abutment teeth. Problems detected early can usually be resolved straightforwardly — before any major damage occurs.

The cost of a dental bridge depends on the bridge type, the chosen material, and the number of teeth being replaced. The German healthcare system provides a diagnosis-based fixed subsidy (Festzuschuss) — statutory health insurance pays a set amount regardless of which restoration you choose.

Standard care (Regelversorgung): The insurance fund defines a functional standard treatment for each diagnosis. For a bridge in the posterior region, this is typically a PFM bridge (metal with ceramic veneer). The fixed subsidy covers approximately 60% of the standard-care cost.

Higher-quality restoration: If you opt for an all-ceramic or zirconia bridge, the fixed subsidy remains the same — you simply bear the additional cost of the premium material yourself. The result: superior aesthetics and biocompatibility at the same insurance contribution.

Bonus booklet: Maintaining a complete bonus booklet (Bonusheft) significantly increases your subsidy:

• +20% after 5 years of regular check-ups
• +30% after 10 years of regular check-ups

Treatment and cost plan: Before any bridge treatment, we prepare a detailed treatment and cost plan (Heil- und Kostenplan) that you submit to your insurance. This way, you know your exact out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins. The consultation and plan preparation are of course free of charge.

At our dental practice in Munich-Oberfoehring, we offer the full spectrum of modern bridge restorations — from the minimally invasive Maryland bridge for a single front tooth to implant-supported bridges for larger gaps. Dr. Christina Dickel combines prosthetic expertise with a compassionate approach to treatment.

What sets our practice apart:

• Prosthetic experience: Dr. Dickel has extensive experience in fixed prosthodontics and regularly pursues advanced training in ceramics, zirconia, and digital dentistry.
• Partner master laboratory: Our close collaboration with a master dental technician laboratory ensures the highest precision and individually tailored aesthetics for every bridge.
• CBCT 3D imaging: With our three-dimensional imaging, we plan bridge restorations precisely and detect early on whether the abutment teeth meet all requirements.
• Complete treatment spectrum: Whether adhesive bridge, conventional bridge, or implant-supported solution — all options under one roof, with no referrals needed.
• Sedation options: For anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation so that even more extensive bridge treatments are stress-free.

Book a free initial consultation — we take the time to answer your questions and show you all the possibilities.