WHAT IS A BRIDGE/PARTIAL AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?

When a tooth is missing the teeth on either side of the space tip over/shift into it. Additionally, the tooth above the space will move down because it doesn't have anything to bite against. This is called BITE COLLAPSE.

BITE COLLAPSE can cause the following:
1. Damage to the jaw joint (TMJ)
2. Decay in the teeth next to or above the space
3. Gum disease involving the shifting teeth

A BRIDGE that is permanently cemented or a PARTIAL that is removable will keep the bite from shifting. Therefore, a BRIDGE/PARTIAL will prevent any problems associated with a collapsed bite.