A dental bridge (or pontic)
is a custom-made false tooth or teeth, that is permanently
placed between two healthy teeth, filling in the area
left by a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge is held
in place by porcelain crowns placed on the healthy teeth
on each side of space to be filled.
A bridge created by a cosmetic dentist is completely
metal-free. As a result, the bridge absorbs light, creating
a natural looking smile. (Bridges made of porcelain
fused to metal actually reflect light, creating an "unnatural"
look for the tooth or teeth.)
Bridges reduce the risk of gum disease, limit the shifting
of remaining teeth, help correct some bite problems
and help improve speech.
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