Dandy’s temporary bridges (PMMA) are fabricated using digital technology, allowing for a precise fit and customization to the patient's specific needs. They are made of a highly durable and biocompatible material, ensuring long-term comfort and function. PMMA, which stands for polymethyl methacrylate, is not intended for long-term use.
Indications for Use
Dandy’s temporary bridges are made to provisionally restore worn, carious, broken, and aesthetically unpleasing dentition.
They:
- Replace one or more missing permanent teeth (bridges) by spanning the edentulous space and being supported by natural teeth or dental implants
- Restore the form, function, and esthetics of natural dentition.
- Provide occlusal stability and maintain proper interarch relationships.
- Provide a preview of the final restoration.
Contraindication
Temporary crowns should be used with caution in patients with uncontrolled periodontal disease, severe bone resorption, active caries, or oral lesions.
Potential Risks and Benefits of PMMA Bridges
Advise patients of the following
The use of temporary bridges may have potential risks, including failure, misfit, breakage, and recurrent caries.
- *Warning – Irritation:
- Localized irritation of surrounding oral tissues may occur in certain individuals due to individual variability in tissue response. Patients should be monitored post-placement, and any signs of irritation, inflammation, or discomfort should be evaluated by the treating clinician.
However, the benefits include improved speech, comfort, appearance, chewing, and digestion.
Restoration and Cementation
- Test fit all restorations to ensure adequate fit and aesthetics
- Inspect the margins to ensure proper adaptation
- Adjust high spots (using articulating paper to mark areas)
- Reline with acrylic, if necessary
- Cementation of restoration
- Clean thoroughly
- Cement using a provisional cement
- Excess cement should be cleaned once it has set.
Adjustment recommendations
- Operate the bur at high speed, applying minimal pressure while using water.
- It's important to maintain the temperature using water and air spray. This method helps prevent the formation of micro-fractures. A fine-grit diamond is advisable for adjustments, and air-only handpiece adjustments are not recommended.
- For shaping different surfaces, specific tools are best:
- A football-shaped bur is effective for the occlusal and lingual surfaces, especially on anterior teeth
- A tapered bur is better suited for the buccal and lingual surfaces.
Daily Cleaning
- Oral Hygiene:
- Brushing:
- Recommended brushing teeth twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing:
- Recommend daily flossing to remove plaque and debris from between the teeth and around the fixed restoration. A floss threader may be needed for hard-to-reach areas (for bridges). Care must be taken to prevent the dislodging of the restoration.
- Mouthwash:
- Alcohol-based mouthwashes, tend to dry out the mouth and lead to increased plaque and tartar buildup.
- Brushing:
Dietary and Habit Recommendations
- Avoid abrasive foods: Limit hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage the restoration or cause it to loosen.
- Avoid sugary foods: where new cavities can form or cause premature decay of the restorative margins.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will help keep your patient’s mouth clean and prevent gum disease.
- Avoid bad habits: Refrain from using teeth to open packages or bite on hard objects.
Additional Information
- If the patient experiences any adverse events, such as pain or irritation, they should contact your practice immediately.
- Fixed restorations have a limited warranty, which may vary depending on the manufacturer.
- Smoking with restorations can cause discoloration
Disposal
- Disposal of PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) dental restorations involves recycling, often through specialized dental waste handlers who can chemically break it down into its monomer (MMA) or manage it as plastic. However, it should not be placed in the general trash due to environmental concerns.
- Fully cured PMMA might also be treated like general plastic waste if not mixed with metals or hazardous components.
- Chemical Recycling: PMMA can be chemically recycled (depolymerized) back to MMA, making it sustainable.
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Key Considerations:
- No Regular Trash: Do not dispose of PMMA dental waste in the regular garbage or medical waste streams.
- Hazardous Components: If mixed with solvents or other hazardous materials, it requires specific hazardous waste handling.
ADA Codes
- Multiple codes are available
- Please consult with a CDT for recent information.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Attached are the Material Safety Data Sheets for our Fixed Materials.