For instance, in the photo at right, the 5-unit bridge will only be supported on three abutment teeth.

During the first visit for getting a dental bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared.

The amount and type of reduction done to the abutment teeth varies slightly with the different materials used.

Thus, the taper of the abutment teeth must match, to properly seat the bridge.

However, there is an added dimension when it comes to bridges, because the bridge must be able to fit onto the abutment teeth simultaneously.

"the total periodontal membrane area of the abutment teeth must equal or exceed that of the teeth to be replaced."

With the two bridge abutments individually seated on their prepared abutment teeth, the resin is applied to the location of the sectioning to reestablish a proper spatial relationship between the two pieces.

A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap - these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth - and a false tooth/teeth in between.

The dimensions of the bridge are defined by Ante's Law: "The root surface area of the abutment teeth has to equal or surpass that of the teeth being replaced with pontics".

If the abutment teeth onto which the RPD is supposed to clasp do not possess the proper dimensions or features required, these aspects can be built into what is known as a surveyed crown.

In other words, the abutment teeth are reduced in size to accommodate the material to be used to restore the size and shape of the original teeth in a correct alignment and contact with the opposing teeth.