Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, which may result in a bad bite. Dental bridges or dental implants offer the best means of improving smiles by filling in gaps or replacing missing teeth. Missing teeth can cause a change in occlusion (bite), shifting of the teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), speech impediments, an increased risk for periodontal disease and a greater chance of tooth decay.

Bridges span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or dental implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges