Bridges

Bridges use existing teeth to 'bridge' a gap in the mouth, thus replacing the missing tooth with a false one (the 'pontic').

There are several types of bridge, the commonest probably being the 'fixed' bridge.
This is a bridge that is literally 'fixed' to the teeth via crowns either side of a 'pontic':

Face View		Rear View

This is a very good treatment because it not only restores a) Your looks, b) Your function for chewing, and c) The overall balance of your dentition but it is also a more affordable option if Dental Implants are not for you.

The only problem with this type of bridge is that if the teeth on either side of the gap are clean and relatively untouched teeth, it is a shame to destroy them by preparing/filing them down to accept the two supporting crowns.

When this is the case another type of bridge called a 'Cantilever' bridge may be more suitable. This uses just one of the adjacent teeth to fix the false tooth in place. Thus restoring the continuity of the dentition without destroying as many teeth.

Maryland or Acid Etch Bridges
These bridges are usually used to replace missing front or side teeth. They work by using 'wings' made from precious metals that are attached to the pontic. These wings are then glued to teeth either side of the gap using a strong cement.

The only draw-back (and not in all cases) with acid-etched bridges, is that they are only as strong as the cements we use to glue them with.  In most cases they can stay for years without any interference, and present no problems at all for the patient.  In certain cases though, such as individuals who perhaps grind or put the bridge under continued pressure (eg. the bite is wrong), they can come unstuck every now and again.  When this happens, a quick appointment is needed to clean up & re-cement the bridge.  Re-cementing every so often doesn't pose much of a problem, but if it's happening all the time, an alternative solution needs to be sought such as implants.