Journal of General Practice

DAB-Restorative Simplicity

Abstract

Ron Carlson

An all-composite Direct Adherence Bridge (Direct Adhesion Prosthesis) is a fixed dental replacement for one or multiple missing teeth that need replacing, relies on its adherence and strength, with superior composites, and its adherence with attachment components—bonding agents. It is the newest of the five currently available methods for replacing missing teeth. The four most commonly in use are the: 1) “flipper,” a removable prosthesis; 2) the orthodox fixed bridge with metal requiring tooth preparation; 3) the resin retained bridge with specific metal and design requirements; and, 4) the dental implant-all requiring multiple appointments and tissue alteration-the DAB does not. All previous methods are of an “indirect nature” having laboratory phases; the DAB is a “direct intervention.” A direct adherence prefabricated dental bridge has no metal framework and requires none. It is simply a prefabricated false tooth made of composite that may be altered to fit the space between two (or alongside one) natural teeth that is bonded in place once adjusted. The Direct Adherence Bridge (glue-in bridge) is only adhered, in most cases, to external structures of natural teeth or silicate porcelain veneer crowns over altered teeth; and, will not damage the surrounding teeth due to preparation (cutting hard structures) or placement and is well accepted and liked and preferred by patients. The average life span of a-glue in bridge is that of any other fixed bridge. The adherence material that holds the winged pontic to the natural structures is the same composite, which composes the pontic. The composite to tooth bond strength is approximately 4,800 lbs/in2, which far exceeds all resin, or conventional adhesion cements which range from 1,500 psi to 2,240 psi. The compressive strength of the composite is about 62,000 psi and its tensile strength about 22,000 psi.