Bridges
If only one or two teeth are missing, a bridge may be used to replace them. If there are healthy teeth on either side of an area, it may be possible to use them to support one, or sometimes two, artificial teeth. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns, an impression is made, a temporary bridge is put into place, and the impression is sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory then makes the crowns and attaches an artificial tooth between the two crowns - this is a bridge. These teeth are cemented into place, so they cannot be removed.
At least two appointments are needed to prepare the teeth, take impressions, cement the bridge, and make adjustments so the bridge fits comfortably.
A bridge is fixed, stable, and feels like your own teeth. A disadvantage is that adjacent teeth must be altered that may have otherwise been sound.
Taking care of a bridge
Bridges should be brushed 2-3 times daily along with your natural teeth, taking special care to remove plaque along the gumline. Decay can occur at the gumline where the crown meets the natural tooth structure. The area under the bridge must be cleaned daily using special dental floss.