A prosthetic tooth that takes the place of a missing natural tooth, a dental bridge is anchored to two supporting crowns that are permanently cemented on natural teeth (or crown-topped implants) on either side of the gap. Once placed, a bridge restores function to the area, balances a patient’s bite, and allows for eating with ease. It also helps prevent changes to the shape of a patient’s face and stops the teeth that surround a missing tooth from shifting.
Bridges can also be placed in areas where just one tooth is available to anchor the device. Otherwise known as a cantilever bridge, the artificial tooth is secured to one tooth and while it isn’t as stable as a bridge anchored by two teeth, it still provides significant benefit to the wearer.