Another option for replacing missing teeth is a bridge. Unlike partials that can move around when you chew, bridges are cemented permanently in place. They look and feel natural. In order to do a bridge, the teeth adjacent to the space are prepared and shaped for the bridge. Since the teeth will be filed and shaped, a bridge is a good option when the teeth already have crowns or large fillings present. Implants may be a better option if the teeth are healthy with no fillings or crowns. After the teeth are shaped, a bridge is made to fit over them and cemented into place.  In some cases the bridge can be made and cemented the same day. Sometimes a bridge needs to be sent to a laboratory, so a temporary bridge is placed and used for a couple of weeks while the permanent bridge is fabricated. Once it is complete, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is cemented in.