The Carolina bridge: a novel interim all-porcelain bonded prosthesis

Numerous bonded bridge designs have been advocated over the years for the temporary or permanent replacement of missing teeth. Both metal and all-porcelain designs of bonded bridges have been advocated, with varying degrees of success. However, all of these designs involve some degree of tooth preparation, making them irreversible in nature. The Carolina bridge, a novel all-porcelain bonded pontic, requires no significant tooth preparation, making it an outstanding option as an interim prosthesis. The key to success is the availability of adequate surface area interproximally to ensure optimally strong resin composite connectors.

This article describes the indications, contraindications, and clinical technique for the placement of an ultraconservative all-porcelain bonded bridge for the interim replacement of single incisors.