What is the term for the fake tooth that is used in a dental bridge?

The term for the fake tooth that is used in a dental bridge is "pontic." In the context of a dental bridge, the pontic serves the important function of filling the gap left by a missing tooth. It is a prosthetic tooth that is supported by the adjacent teeth, known as abutments, which are typically crowned to provide stability and support for the bridge structure.

This term is specifically used to refer to the artificial tooth itself, distinguishing it from the other components of the bridge. The abutments are the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap that hold the bridge in place, while a crown refers to the covering placed over an abutment to restore its form and function. An orthodontic bracket, on the other hand, is a device used in orthodontics for aligning and adjusting teeth, which is unrelated to dental bridges.