BRIDGES
A bridge is a fixed appliance that allows replacement of a missing tooth by attacheding to two teeth on each side of the space where a tooth is missing. An artificial tooth attached in the middle of the bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns and a bridge created by a dental laboratory. The bridge is then cemented onto the prepared surface of the teeth, effectively creating the appearance of a "new" tooth. Bridges may be made of cast metals like gold or more frequently of porcelain bonded to gold. In anterior regions, bridges (like crowns) may be made entirely of porcelain for a superior esthetic result.
Advantages:
Unlike dentures, a fixed bridge is never removed. It is stable in the mouth and works very similar to natural teeth. By filling the gap and stopping the movement of other teeth, a fixed bridge is an excellent investment, providing better chewing ability, heading off jaw joint problems and saving money that might otherwise be spent on future dental treatment.
Disadvantages:
Fixed bridges are excellent restorations and have few disadvantages. They are highly durable, but they will eventually need to be re-cemented or replaced due to normal wear.
Alternatives:
In the event that the use of a fixed bridge is not feasible, the best alternative is a dental implant.
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