A dental bridge is a fixed way to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Unlike a removable denture, a bridge is cemented in place and only a dentist can take it off. This guide focuses on bridges themselves: the different designs, what the appointments involve, and how to look after one. If you are still deciding between a bridge, an implant and a denture, start with our broader comparison of implants vs. bridges vs. dentures.
The parts of a bridge
Cleveland Clinic describes two main components:
- Abutments are the supports. Usually these are natural teeth next to the gap, but the term can also refer to the connector posts on dental implants.
- Pontics are the artificial teeth that fill the space.
A bridge can have one or more of each, depending on how many teeth are missing and what support is available.
The four main types
Traditional bridge
Cleveland Clinic calls this the most common type. Crowns are placed on the natural teeth on both sides of the gap, with the pontic suspended between them. It requires healthy teeth on each side.
Cantilever bridge
Similar to a traditional bridge, but anchored to a crown on only one side, so the false tooth extends over the gap. Dentists use it when there is a natural tooth on only one side. Cleveland Clinic notes it is not as strong as a traditional bridge because of the one-sided design.
Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge
Instead of crowns, a Maryland bridge uses metal wings bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth. It is typically used for front teeth, because, as Cleveland Clinic explains, it is not strong enough for the chewing forces on back teeth. Its advantage is that it usually requires much less reshaping of the neighboring teeth.
Implant-supported bridge
This bridge sits on dental implants rather than natural teeth. Cleveland Clinic says it can be used when three or more teeth in a row are missing, and that implants must first fuse with the jawbone, which takes three to six months on average and sometimes longer.
How a dentist decides which type fits
According to Cleveland Clinic, the choice depends on your age (bridges are typically not placed in children), how many teeth are missing, the size of the gap, the condition of the neighboring teeth, whether there are teeth on both sides, overall gum and tooth health, and your preferences. A dentist will usually take X-rays to check the supporting teeth and bone.
What happens during treatment
First visit: preparation
For a traditional or cantilever bridge, Cleveland Clinic describes the dentist numbing the area, then reshaping the abutment teeth by removing some enamel so the crowns fit over them. That step is irreversible, which is one reason some people prefer an implant if the neighboring teeth are healthy and unrestored. The dentist then takes impressions or a digital scan and places a temporary bridge.
Lab time
A lab technician makes the final bridge. Cleveland Clinic says this usually takes about two to four weeks. Some offices use CAD/CAM technology to mill a bridge in-house, sometimes during the same appointment.
Second visit: fitting
The temporary is removed, the final bridge is tried in, the fit and bite are checked, and the bridge is cemented.
Implant-supported bridges
These involve a surgical phase to place implants, a healing period while they integrate with bone, and then a restorative phase to attach the bridge. The timeline is longer and the process involves more steps.
Caring for a bridge
A bridge does not decay, but the teeth that support it can, and gum disease around the abutments can undermine the whole restoration. Good daily care matters:
- Clean under the pontic. Floss cannot slide down between the false tooth and its neighbors the usual way. Ask about floss threaders, super floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to where the crowns meet the gums.
- Keep regular checkups and cleanings so the dentist can check the margins and supporting teeth.
- Watch for warning signs: a bridge that feels loose, a bad taste or odor around it, bleeding gums near the abutments, or pain when biting. Our guide to gum disease signs explains what to watch for.
Cost factors
We do not publish a price because we have not found a reliable national figure to cite. Bridge fees are usually built from several line items: each crown on an abutment tooth plus each pontic counts as a unit. Factors that drive cost include:
- The number of units (teeth) in the bridge.
- The type of bridge and the material, such as all-ceramic, zirconia or porcelain fused to metal.
- Whether implants are involved, which adds surgical and component costs.
- Any preliminary work such as extractions, root canals or gum treatment.
- Your insurance plan’s coverage for major services, waiting periods and annual maximum. See understanding dental insurance.
Our crown cost and types guide covers the materials used for the crowns that anchor most bridges.
Questions to ask
- Which bridge type do you recommend for my gap, and why not the alternatives?
- How much will my neighboring teeth be reshaped?
- Would an implant be a reasonable option instead?
- What material will the bridge be made of?
- How should I clean under it, and what tools do you recommend?
You can compare general dentists and prosthodontists, the specialists in replacing teeth, through our dentist directory. Our guide to dental specialists explains when a referral makes sense.
Frequently asked questions
Is a dental bridge permanent?
A bridge is fixed in place and is not removed at home. It can still need replacing eventually, and the supporting teeth need ongoing care.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
Tooth preparation is done under local anesthesia. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterward is common and usually settles; tell your dentist if it does not.
How long does it take to get a bridge?
For a traditional bridge, Cleveland Clinic says the lab usually needs about two to four weeks between the preparation and fitting visits. Implant-supported bridges take longer because implants need months to fuse with bone.
Can you floss with a bridge?
Yes, but you need a floss threader, super floss, an interdental brush or a water flosser to clean under the false tooth.
Which bridge is best for front teeth?
Options depend on the case. Cleveland Clinic notes Maryland bridges are typically used for front teeth because they are not strong enough for back-tooth chewing forces.
Photo: Esma Karagoz / Pexels
Sources
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
