Problem with bridge

[jamccor]

I have a problem. I recently got a 6 tooth upper bridge with chrome backing. I admit I have a very hard time with clenching my teeth and grinding. I thought I got it under control when I got my professional night guard that my dentist charged me $700 for but that only helped at night. Last Friday I was going through some stress and I clenched my teeth and heard a crack and out came the bottom half inch of one of my bridged teeth. Will I need a whole new bridge or can this be capped in any way? I still have the part that cracked off and even when I tried gluing it back on it didn't look right so I left it off. My issue is I have gone through about 4 bridges in just the last 15 months as they either become unglued or teeth break away. This last set with the chrome backing I received in May of this year. I thought that they were indestructible. I always took great care of them but like I mentioned before, I have a terrible time controlling my daytime clenching. I was told years ago that I also have TMJ so I dont know if that has anything to do with it. Not only do I worry about fixing this broken tooth, I also worry about the future.Should I be fitted for dentures instead of this bridge or is the dentist giving me inferior bridges? Any advice would greatly be appreciated as I am almost afraid to put any food in my mouth at this point.
Thank You
JM

 

[honestdoc]

My opinion will differ with many dentists. I am very conservative and I don't like most bridges (drilling on teeth to put false teeth in). I think bridges can be very barbaric because of the amount of drilling it takes.

Now how badly is the bridge damaged/ failed? The best case scenario is to conservatively remove the bridge and repair porcelain. That removal of the bridge and repairing porcelain may not be predictable. There is a product called Metalift crown removing system that may be able to remove the bridge. I've never used it. Talk to your dentist about the options and try to achieve minimal drilling if possible. Another option is to leave the fracture porcelain or smooth the area. Bonding with resin is not durable.

Another scenario if you had root canals under bridges is possible root fracture. That would be a nightmare especially on long span bridges.

Clenching and grinding can be very destructive no matter how well you take care of your teeth. You may have to use your night guard during the day if you find yourself doing that. If you have TMJ pain, you may need to see TMJ specialist.

 

[jamccor]

I have actually started doing just that...wearing my night guard during the day under certain circumstances like driving. If I can avoid having to take out the bridge I would do it because it's been hell keeping it in. It would fall out every month. I asked the dentist if he could glue it in permanently and he did in July and so far, except for the fracture, it hasnt come out. He did mention to me that my next step may be to start saving my money for implants. I took this to mean that if a further failure occurs, that may be my only option. He know i can't afford implants as I am still paying off the bridge. I wonder if I should get a second opinion by another dentist? I am really trying to baby this bridge as it is an investment but sooner or later I need to get the fracture fixed whatever it costs.

 

[honestdoc]

If the fractured part of a bridge can just be smoothed, that may be the best scenario.

 

[jamccor]

The bottom half inch of one of my bonded teeth has broken off. What is the process of smoothing?

 

[honestdoc]

Smoothing involves the dentist running a drill on the broken surface and later polish it with rubber burs. The broken porcelain cannot be bonded back on (the bridge needs to be off for it to be bonded in an oven). The bridge would stay in the mouth the whole time. If the broken area is in an esthetic zone, you may have to take the bridge out which may not be easy without destroying it.