What is a dental bridge?

What is a dental bridge

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by holding an artificial tooth in the gap. Traditional bridges use crowns on neighboring teeth as anchors, while implant-supported bridges attach to dental implants. Unlike a removable partial denture, a bridge stays in place when you eat and speak.

The replacement tooth in the middle is called a pontic, and the supporting teeth or implants are called abutments. For a traditional bridge, the anchor teeth are shaped for crowns, impressions or digital scans are taken, and a lab makes the final bridge. A temporary bridge may protect the area while the final one is being made. Implant bridges take longer because implants need planning and healing before the bridge is attached. Bridges can restore chewing balance and keep neighboring teeth from drifting, but they require careful cleaning under the pontic. The best design depends on the size of the gap, the health of nearby teeth, bone support, and your budget.

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Key Points

• Traditional bridges are cemented to crowned teeth on each side of the gap.
• Implant-supported bridges do not require reshaping natural neighboring teeth.
• A bridge can replace one tooth or several adjacent teeth depending on support.
• Special floss threaders or water flossers help clean under the replacement tooth.
• Bridge planning should include bite forces, gum health, and long-term maintenance.

What This Means for You

A bridge can be a practical fixed option when you want to close a missing-tooth space without taking an appliance in and out. Ask whether your neighboring teeth are healthy enough to serve as anchors or whether implants would preserve more tooth structure. The cleaning routine is just as important as the bridge design.

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