A bridge is a custom-made replacement tooth or teeth that fill the space where one or more
teeth are missing.
A missing tooth is a serious matter. Teeth are made to work together. When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth may tilt or drift into the empty space. Your teeth in the opposite jaw may also shift up or down into the space. This can affect your bite and place more stress on your teeth and jaw joints, possibly causing pain and damage.
Teeth that have tipped or drifted are also harder to clean. This puts them at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
When a tooth is missing, the bone may shrink. If that happens, it may change the way the jawbone supports the lips and cheeks. Over time, this can make your face look older.
A fixed bridge means that your dentist uses existing natural teeth on both sides of your missing tooth (or teeth) to help hold your bridge in place. The teeth on either side of the empty space are reshaped and reduced in size. The two shaped teeth then act as anchors or abutments. The bridge is attached to the living healthy teeth and fills the missing tooth space.
If you have one or more adjacent missing teeth, then using dental bridging crowns offers the translucency of a natural tooth and a permanent replacement along with functional and great looking teeth / tooth.
Bridges can:
