A bridge can be made of modern all ceramic materials, ceramic bonded to a metal base or all metal.

Missing teeth should be replaced for several reasons. Your appearance is one reason as a missing tooth is obvious in a smile! Also, the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side.

The gap can affect your bite, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease.

The disadvantage of a bridge is sometimes healthy teeth need to be cut to hold the bridge so you may prefer a dental implant which is placed into the missing tooth area.