A bridge is provided to replace one or more missing teeth, using the ones next to the gap to provide support.

Traditionally one or more teeth on either side of the gap are prepared as for a crown, and an impression taken to send to the technician.

The technician makes a crown for each of the supporting teeth, and fills the gap with the required replacements, welding all the components together. This is returned to the dentist to cement in position.

This technique is still suitable if the supporting teeth are heavily filled, or already have crowns, but other methods are now used to minimise the loss of sound tooth tissue.

If there are fillings in the teeth either side, these can sometimes be removed and an artificial tooth made to fill the gap, supported by strengthened porcelain inlays in the holes where the fillings were. This is called a lattice bridge. The x-ray shows a lattice bridge replacing an upper molar that has been in position for 15 years.

Other types of adhesive bridge can be cantilevered from a wing support stuck to just one adjacent tooth, with little or no preparation (a Maryland bridge).

As with crowns, bridges can now be made using all porcelain or zirconia construction in areas where aesthetics are vital.

Where the surrounding teeth are in perfect condition, and an adhesive bridge is not suitable it is a better option to leave these teeth untouched and provide an implant supported crown or bridge.