Bridges replace a missing tooth by fixing the replacement to the natural teeth at each side of the gap.   Some bridges have crowns at each end.  Others are fixed to the surface of the teeth next to the gap.  Sometimes a bridge is only fixed to the tooth on one side of the gap.

What are the benefits?

A bridge almost lets you forget that you have missing teeth:

• It can improve the way you look, bite, chew and speak;
• The teeth can be matched to the colour of your own teeth.;
• A bridge can last many years if you keep it clean and if there is no accidental damage.
• Natural teeth are protected from wear and tear, and from moving or tilting out of line, which could cause your teeth to bite together incorrectly.

If you do not want a bridge, you can have a removable partial denture or even an implant.  The dentist will explain how successful a bridge will be and if the supporting teeth are not strong enough, a denture might be better.  If you have just had some teeth taken out, a denture might be made first, with a bridge fitted later when the gum has healed.

What are the potential problems?

Sometimes your dentist may need to damage healthy teeth to make a bridge, which in turn carries a small risk of that tooth dying and requiring a root filling.