Bridges
A bridge is a means of replacing missing teeth with a porcelain alternative. The bridge is permanently cemented into the mouth and cannot be removed on a day to day basis. The bridge adheres with crowns to at least two teeth, one on either side of the area where teeth are missing, with an artificial tooth fused between the crowns.
Placement of a bridge is similar to that for placing crowns. The teeth on each side of the missing tooth (or teeth) are filed down to allow placement of the bridge overtop. An impression model of your teeth is taken to create a custom bridge to fit the space. At this point, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums until the permanent bridge is fabricated. During your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and replaced with the custom made bridge. The crowns are then cemented to your two existing adjacent teeth to hold the bridge firmly in place.