A dental bridge is used to fill in the space left by missing teeth. On a cosmetic level, a bridge can restore your smile. Importantly, filling in the gaps can also restore your ability to chew and speak properly, as well as preventing your remaining teeth from moving further out of position. A bridge is most commonly made of porcelain fused to a metal or ceramic base.
The types of bridges used are:
Traditional bridges: A crown is created for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth. A false tooth is then attached to the crowns.
Cantilever bridges: These are used when there is only one tooth next to the missing tooth.
Maryland bonded bridges: These are used for more extensive gaps. They consist of plastic teeth and gums supported on a metal framework. Small metal clips on either side are attached to your existing teeth.
Bridges are different from dentures because dentures are removable, whereas bridges stay in place once attached by your dentist.