Metal ceramic cantilever fixed partial denture restoring the upper left lateral lateral incisor (tooth number 22, FDI).
Cantilever Bridge is a dental prosthesis where the artificial tooth is supported on one side only by one or more abutment teeth. It is indicated where the abutment tooth can carry the occlusal load of the artificial tooth and where the occlusion is protected against potentially damaging rotational forces.
Other indications of cantilever bridgework:
1 . the teeth on either side of the proposed pontic that might ordinarily be used as abutments for fixed bridgework are unsuitable by reason of morphology, periodontal pathology or unfavorable angulation.
2. Cosmetic needs cannot be met by conventional fixed bridgework.
3. The need to avoid unnecessary involvement of sound teeth is an overriding factor on grounds of pulpal risk, cosmetic implications or the temperament of the patient.
The said type of bridge is generally the most conservative design in terms of tooth preparation. There is no expected problem of paralleling abutment teeth during tooth reduction.
The safe size of the pontic is limited to one unit as leverage forces on the neighboring abutments can be damaging. If a contact point from the pontic to the adjacent tooth is not placed, the rotational forces could be destructive to the abutment tooth/teeth.
Advantages
1. It is the most conservative type of bridge when one abutment is needed (ie restoration of a missing lateral incisor).
2. If one tooth is used as abutment, there is no problem of paralelling abutment teeth during preparation.
3. There is no unnecessary involvement of other sound teeth as abutment, thus, pulpal risk and cosmetic implications are prevented.
Disadvantages
1. When double abutting, the force is concentrated on the most terminal abutment thus compromising the said tooth.
2. If a contact point from the pontic to the adjacent tooth is not placed, the rotational forces could be destructive to the abutment tooth.
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