Bridges refer to dental restorations that replace missing teeth. It is important to replace missing teeth to prevent shifting of the teeth, chewing problems, and obvious cosmetic concerns.
Dentists usually think of bridges in terms of being permanently cemented, that is, non-removable.
The obvious advantage of a fixed bridge over a removable partial denture is that it is much easier to live with. A fixed bridge feels and looks just like natural teeth and is cleaned by brushing and flossing just like natural teeth. A removable partial denture must be removed from the mouth for cleaning daily. A fixed bridge uses natural teeth on either side of the missing teeth for support. The supporting natural teeth, known as abutments, are prepared in a fashion similar to a crown preparation.