If you are missing teeth, a dental bridge replaces the missing teeth with artificial teeth. A dental bridge is made up of two porcelain teeth which are bonded to the surrounding teeth for support. If there are no surrounding teeth to support the bridge, dental implants can be used to fix the bridge in place.

A dental bridge can help maintain the shape of your face and reduce stress in your bite caused by the missing teeth.

The dentist will begin your dental bridge work by filing down the adjacent teeth to accommodate the crowns which will connect the surrounding teeth to the artificial teeth. Then, the dentist will take impressions of the teeth, which will be used to create the dental crowns. If implants are being used, the implants will be placed first and impressions will be taken to create a bridge to attach to the implants.

Once the crowns are finished (crowns can be all-ceramic or made of metal or porcelain fused to metal), the false tooth (or teeth) will be bonded to them. When the dental bridge is ready, a return visit to the dentist will be necessary to place it on the teeth. During your final visit, the dentist securely cements the crowns over the surrounding teeth to complete your smile with the dental bridge. With proper care, dental bridges will last five to seven years and, in some cases, longer.