What is an Andrew’s bridge in dentistry?

Andrew’s bridge is the name of a removable partial overdenture that uses teeth for support. Some appear to use implants as support as well. It appears and functions in a very similar manner to a Hadar bar.

When is a good time to consider an Andrew’s bridge?

When a patient has a severe Seibert class III, then an Andrew’s bridge may be the answer. The cost is much longer than most other treatment options and is easier to complete. Other treatment modalities for that would include vertical bone grafting, telescopic prosthesis, and removable partial dentures. One could also consider a dental bridge but cleaning of such a bridge would be challenging.

Research about these bridges.

The research seems to be mostly case reports and focuses on severe bone and soft tissue defects. Soni 2020

What are some disadvantages of this style of bridge?

They seem to be much less esthetic. The prosthesis does come in and out which some patients may reject. You must place crowns on the adjacent teeth to the defect as well. Possibly the biggest downside is that it is very uncommon and thus few will know what to do with it when it needs repairing.

Who can fix an Andrew’s bridge if it breaks?

Will likley need to find an old school lab tech. Possibly someone outside of the US in a poorer country may use these on a more regular basis and might need to search there. One could look up the research and track down the authors and ask for help. The only place we have seen anyone ever mention one is from Green Dental in Arkansas by dentist Brad Keener.

Adjusting the retention on an Andrew’s bridge