What term describes a prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and is supported by adjacent teeth?

What term describes a prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and is supported by adjacent teeth?

• A. Denture
• B. Dental bridge
• C. Implant
• D. Crown

Answer: (B)

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces missing teeth by spanning the gap between two or more adjacent teeth. The neighboring teeth are prepared to receive crowns, which act as anchors (abutments) for the bridge, while a pontic fills the space where the tooth is missing. This creates a single, cemented restoration that is supported by the adjacent teeth rather than by implants or the gums. Denture differs because it’s usually removable and rests on the gums, not fixed to adjacent teeth. An implant-based prosthesis relies on implants placed in the jawbone for support. A crown only covers a single tooth and does not replace missing teeth.

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces missing teeth by spanning the gap between two or more adjacent teeth. The neighboring teeth are prepared to receive crowns, which act as anchors (abutments) for the bridge, while a pontic fills the space where the tooth is missing. This creates a single, cemented restoration that is supported by the adjacent teeth rather than by implants or the gums.

Denture differs because it’s usually removable and rests on the gums, not fixed to adjacent teeth. An implant-based prosthesis relies on implants placed in the jawbone for support. A crown only covers a single tooth and does not replace missing teeth.