Dental Bridges

What is a dental bridge?
When is one needed?

A bridge is also called a "fixed bridge" or a "fixed partial denture” and is used to fill in the space caused by one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of a false tooth supported and permanently anchored in the mouth either by a dental implant or two dental crowns on either side of the gap. If more than one tooth is missing, a longer bridge of multiple artificial teeth can be applied.

Once a natural tooth is lost or has to be removed, it’s very important to fill the remaining space with a fixed prosthetic such as a bridge as soon as possible. If the gap is left unfilled, many complications can result:

• shifting of the remaining teeth into the space, causing gapping and change of bite
• speech impediments
• change in ability to chew properly
• temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• change in smile and facial appearance