Bridges are used to replace 1 or more missing teeth – they use other teeth for support.
What is a bridge?
A bridge is a highly successful way of replacing one or more missing teeth by using the surrounding teeth as ‘anchors’ to give the bridge support.
Sometimes the decision to have a bridge can be very easy, particularly when the adjacent teeth can offer robust and predictable support.
However it may not always be appropriate to use your other teeth for support. If the surrounding teeth are ‘virgin teeth’ (i.e free from any decay or fillings), then an implant may be more suitable than a bridge. The supporting teeth for the bridge often require removal of some of their enamel in order to make space for the bridge. This may be more justified if the supporting tooth already has a large filling or crown, otherwise, the patient should consider a dental implant instead of a bridge.