Bridge
Also written as: FPD — Fixed Partial Denture
A fixed prosthetic appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap and being anchored to adjacent natural teeth or implants.
Full Definition
A dental bridge (formally, a fixed partial denture or FPD) is a permanently cemented prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. The artificial teeth within the bridge are called pontics, and the bridge is supported by crowns placed over the prepared natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap, which are termed abutment teeth. Bridges may be conventional (requiring tooth preparation), resin-retained (also called Maryland bridges, requiring minimal preparation), or implant-supported. Editors must ensure that bridge components—retainer, pontic, and abutment—are described consistently and accurately, and should not substitute 'bridge' with 'denture', as these are distinct prosthetic categories.
Usage
Usage note: In formal clinical and insurance documentation, 'fixed partial denture (FPD)' is preferred over the colloquial 'bridge'. Ensure consistent terminology within a single document; do not mix 'bridge' and 'FPD' without explanation.
In Context
- "A three-unit bridge was prescribed to replace the missing lower left first molar, using the second premolar and second molar as abutments." — Prosthodontic treatment plan
- "The resin-retained bridge had debonded from the upper right lateral incisor abutment and required recementation." — Emergency dental appointment note