How a Dental Bridge Works
A dental bridge has two main components: the abutment teeth and the pontic. The abutment teeth are the natural teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap that support the bridge. The pontic is the artificial tooth that fills the space where the missing tooth was.
To place a traditional bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared by removing a layer of enamel so that crowns can fit over them. The bridge is then a single connected piece: crown, pontic, crown. It is cemented permanently and functions like natural teeth.
Who Needs a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more consecutive teeth and the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy enough to support crowns. Bridges are also an option for patients who are not candidates for dental implants due to health conditions, insufficient bone, or personal preference.
Replacing a missing tooth is important for more than appearance. A gap in your teeth can cause the neighboring teeth to shift out of position over time, change your bite, and make chewing difficult. A bridge prevents these problems by filling the space and holding adjacent teeth in place.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges. The right type depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of your remaining teeth, and your overall treatment goals.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional bridge is the most common type. It consists of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) held in place by dental crowns cemented onto the abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. This type works best when you have strong, healthy natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
The main trade-off is that the abutment teeth must be permanently reshaped to accommodate crowns, even if those teeth are otherwise healthy. Once enamel is removed, those teeth will always need crowns.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but is supported by a crown on only one side of the gap instead of both sides. This type is used when there is only one natural tooth available next to the missing tooth.
Cantilever bridges place more stress on the single supporting tooth and are generally used only for areas of the mouth that experience less chewing force, such as front teeth. They are not recommended for replacing back teeth (molars) due to the higher bite forces in that area.
Maryland Bridge (Resin-Bonded Bridge)
A Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth instead of full crowns. This preserves more of the natural tooth structure because the abutment teeth do not need to be significantly reshaped.
Maryland bridges work best for replacing front teeth where bite forces are minimal. They are less durable than traditional bridges and may not be suitable for replacing molars. The bonded wings can debond over time, though they can typically be recemented.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, an implant-supported bridge anchors to dental implants placed in the jawbone. This type is used when multiple adjacent teeth are missing or when the teeth next to the gap are not strong enough to support a traditional bridge.
Implant-supported bridges do not require reshaping healthy teeth and provide a very stable, long-lasting restoration. They typically require two implants for a three or four-unit bridge. The process takes longer because implants need 3 to 6 months to integrate with the bone before the bridge is placed.
Dental Bridge Procedure: Step by Step
Getting a traditional dental bridge usually requires two to three dental appointments over two to four weeks.
First Appointment: Preparation
Your dentist prepares the abutment teeth by removing a portion of enamel to create room for the crowns that will support the bridge. This is done under local anesthesia. After reshaping the teeth, impressions (or digital scans) are taken of the prepared teeth and the gap. These are sent to a dental lab where the bridge is custom-made.
A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain the space while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. The temporary bridge is not as strong as the final version, so you should avoid sticky or hard foods on that side.
Second Appointment: Fitting and Cementation
At the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is tried in. Your dentist checks the fit, bite, and color match. Adjustments are made as needed. Once everything looks and feels right, the bridge is permanently cemented in place.
Some cases require a third visit for final adjustments to the bite or fit. Your dentist will let you know if a follow-up is needed.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
A well-made dental bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and many last 20 years or more with proper care. The lifespan depends on the quality of the materials, the health of the supporting teeth, and how well you maintain oral hygiene around the bridge.
The most common reasons a bridge fails are decay in the abutment teeth, fracture of the bridge material, or loss of the cement bond. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to catch early signs of problems before they lead to bridge failure.
Dental Bridge Cost and Insurance
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge, the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, and your geographic location. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity.
A traditional three-unit bridge (one pontic and two crowns) typically costs $2,000 to $5,000. All-porcelain or zirconia bridges tend to be at the higher end of the range. Implant-supported bridges cost more because they include the surgical placement of implants, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the number of implants needed.
Most dental insurance plans classify bridges as a major restorative procedure and cover 50% of the cost after deductible, up to the plan's annual maximum. Financing plans are available at many dental practices.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge requires consistent daily care to last as long as possible. The bridge itself cannot get cavities, but the abutment teeth underneath the crowns can. Gum disease around the bridge can also lead to bone loss and eventual failure.
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, paying close attention to the gum line around the bridge.
- Use a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser to clean under the pontic (the false tooth). Regular floss cannot pass between the connected units of a bridge.
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very hard items that could crack the bridge material.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings at least twice a year.
- If the bridge feels loose, if you notice a bad taste or odor around it, or if you feel pain in an abutment tooth, call your dentist promptly.
When to See a Prosthodontist
A general dentist places most dental bridges. A [prosthodontist](/specialties/prosthodontics) is the specialist with the most advanced training in replacing and restoring teeth. Consider seeing a prosthodontist if you are replacing front teeth where aesthetics are critical, if the case involves multiple missing teeth, if you are comparing a bridge to other options like implants or a partial denture, or if a previous bridge has failed and you want a second opinion.
Prosthodontists complete 3 years of additional residency training beyond dental school focused on complex tooth replacement, full-mouth rehabilitation, and materials science.
Find a Prosthodontist Near You
Every prosthodontist listed on My Specialty Dentist has verified specialty credentials. Search by location to find a prosthodontist in your area and discuss whether a bridge is the right option for your missing tooth.
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