A bridge is a custom-made replacement tooth or teeth that fill the space where one or more teeth are missing.

The bridge restores your bite and helps keep the natural shape of your face.

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. Placing a bridge usually takes more than one dental visit.

• On the first visit, your dentist prepares the teeth on both sides of the gap. The bridge will attach to those teeth.
• Your dentist then makes an impression or an image of your teeth and the space. That information is sent to a dental laboratory where lab technicians follow your dentist’s instructions and make the bridge.
• Your dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth while you are waiting for the permanent bridge.
• When the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist fits, adjusts and cements the bridge to the prepared teeth. This type of bridge is permanent and cannot be taken out of your mouth without a dentist’s help.