Loss of just a single tooth in adulthood can damage your mouth and the region surrounding it in many ways. Developed muscle memory and your gums’ ability to fight off disease are each affected by the loss of a tooth. Dental bridges are a common method of fixing this problem. Effectively, bridges are permanent dentures, anchored in your mouth, but unlike full dentures, only replace one or two teeth. Missing teeth fight against your facial muscles’ training, allow remaining teeth to migrate, and open your gums up to additional diseases like temporomadibular joint disorder (TMJ). Bridges allow oral continuity, both functionally and aesthetically.
Dentists use three major types of bridge: Fixed, cantilever, and resin bonded. Specific situations dictate which is needed. Most commonly fixed bridges are used; especially when natural teeth are present flaking the prosthetic. Cantilever bridges can be used when less utilized portions of the mouth and only one tooth is still present. In the case of a bridge being needed in the front of the mouth a resin bonded bridge is used. Like a fixed bridge, the resin bonded bridge also requires a tooth on either side. Constructed from porcelain coated metal, bridges are both strong and aesthetically pleasing. Front tooth bridges (usually resin based) however are constructed entirely from porcelain to maintain a natural appearance.
 
All bridges are anchored by remaining healthy teeth. Anchor teeth are examined for their viability for bridge work. Bridges hold greater strength than traditional dentures, though bridges are only as strong as their anchors. Examination for breakage, decay or disease within anchor teeth determines whether or not an anchor tooth is usable. If circumstances require, the anchor tooth will be fixed prior to a bridge. Temporary bridges are used as a stop gap while a permanent prosthesis is constructed. The permanent bridge is made from two crowns on either side of the artificial tooth. The bridge will fit like a glove when finally inserted. Continued dental visits are still required to make sure that the fit works and that maintenance is being followed. A bridge should last twenty years if treated properly.
