A gap in the mouth due to missing teeth can be closed by a bridge. Existing teeth are used as abutments for the bridge.

Advantages:

• Fixed reconstruction
  
• Excellent  aesthetic results
• Affords enhanced chewing comfort

Disadvantages:

• Only possible on periodontically  ‘healthy’ abutments
• Healthy substance of tooth must be sacrificed ( space for reconstruction needed )
• Bone recession  cannot be avoided in the replacement area
• Bridge cannot be extended at a later date
• Cleaning difficult – formation of pockets possible