Dental bridges are used when more than one tooth is missing in one area. It consists of the prosthetic (called the pontic) spanning the gap and the abutment teeth which it is anchored onto. The abutments are usually dental crowns fixed onto the teeth neighboring the gap. As with crowns, bridges can be made of different materials, such as porcelain or ceramic. Your dentist can help you choose the right material for you, depending on the location of the missing teeth, its function, aesthetic considerations, and cost.

To place a dental bridge, the abutment teeth must first be prepared to receive dental crowns following the procedure above. An impression will then be taken of the prepared teeth and gap. The completed bridge will be cemented onto the prepared teeth when it returns from the dental lab and adjustments can be made as necessary to achieve the right fit.

With proper care, crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, but they can be replaced if necessary.