Dental bridges are a common and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, a dental bridge can restore your smile, improve chewing function, and prevent other oral health issues. But not all bridges are the same, different types are suited to different clinical needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the types of dental bridges, how they work, their pros and cons, and what patients should consider when choosing the right one.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It typically consists of:
- Pontics – the artificial teeth that fill the gap.
- Abutments – the supporting teeth (natural or implanted) that anchor the bridge in place.
Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramics, metal alloys, and composite resins. The best choice depends on the location of the missing teeth, the function of the teeth, and aesthetic considerations.
Why Dental Bridges Are Important
When a tooth is lost, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, leading to:
- Misaligned bite
- Jaw joint problems (TMJ disorders)
- Difficulty chewing
- Speech problems
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Facial structure collapse over time
Dental bridges not only fill the gap but also help maintain the shape of the face and distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges, each with its unique design and purpose:
- Traditional Dental Bridges
- Cantilever Bridges
- Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges
- Implant-Supported Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridges
Description:
Traditional dental bridges are the most common type. They consist of one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth (abutments) on either side of the gap.
Best For:
Patients who have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth.
Materials:
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM), all-ceramic, or all-metal options are available.
Procedure:
- The abutment teeth are filed down to accommodate the crowns.
- Impressions are taken to design the custom bridge.
- A temporary bridge may be placed while the permanent one is made.
- The permanent bridge is then cemented in place.
Advantages:
- Strong and durable
- Excellent aesthetic result, especially with porcelain
- Ideal for replacing one or multiple consecutive teeth
Disadvantages:
- Requires alteration of healthy adjacent teeth
- Risk of decay under crowns if not properly maintained
- Fixed, not removable
Longevity:
With proper care, traditional bridges can last 10-15 years or longer.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Description:
Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but they are anchored by a crown on only one adjacent tooth rather than both sides.
Best For:
Cases where there is only one natural tooth next to the missing tooth, typically used in areas with less bite stress (like front teeth).
Materials:
Same as traditional bridges: PFM, ceramic, or metal.
Procedure:
- The single abutment tooth is prepared for a crown.
- A custom bridge is created with a pontic supported by the single crown.
Advantages:
- Requires less preparation than traditional bridges
- Useful in areas where only one adjacent tooth is present
Disadvantages:
- Less stable than traditional bridges
- Increased risk of damage to the supporting tooth due to leveraged pressure
- Not suitable for molars or areas with high chewing force
Longevity:
Slightly less than traditional bridges; typically around 5–10 years with good care.
Maryland Bonded Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges)
Description:
A Maryland bridge consists of a pontic that is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth using resin. Unlike traditional bridges, no crowns are involved, and minimal tooth preparation is required.
Best For:
Replacing front teeth or when minimal alteration to adjacent teeth is preferred.
Materials:
Porcelain fused to metal, all-ceramic, or resin.
Procedure:
- Minimal or no tooth preparation is required.
- A custom bridge is fabricated with “wings” that bond to the backs of the adjacent teeth.
- The bridge is bonded in place using strong dental adhesives.
Advantages:
- Conservative – preserves natural tooth structure
- Less invasive and often more affordable
- Good aesthetics, especially for front teeth
Disadvantages:
- Not as strong as traditional bridges
- Prone to de-bonding under heavy bite pressure
- Limited to areas with minimal chewing force
Longevity:
Typically 5–8 years, though some can last longer with proper care.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Description:
Instead of using natural teeth as abutments, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone. This is the most stable and permanent type of bridge.
Best For:
Patients missing multiple teeth or without natural teeth adjacent to the gap. Especially beneficial when three or more teeth in a row are missing.
Materials:
All-ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal
Procedure:
- Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone.
- A healing period (3–6 months) is required for osseointegration (bone fusing with the implants).
- Once healed, the custom bridge is attached to the implants.
Advantages:
- Extremely stable and long-lasting
- Prevents bone loss and preserves jaw health
- Doesn’t affect adjacent teeth
- Aesthetically natural and functionally strong
Disadvantages:
- Requires surgery and a longer healing period
- Higher cost
- Not suitable for patients with insufficient bone or certain medical conditions (unless bone grafting is done)
Longevity:
Implant-supported bridges can last 15+ years and often a lifetime with excellent oral hygiene.
How to Choose the Right Type of Dental Bridge
Choosing the most appropriate dental bridge depends on several factors:
- Location of the missing tooth/teeth – Front teeth often require more aesthetic options.
- Health of adjacent teeth – Healthy abutments are needed for traditional or cantilever bridges.
- Bone density and volume – Implants require sufficient jawbone support.
- Budget – Implants are costlier but longer lasting.
- Personal preference – Some may prefer non-invasive or removable options.
- Overall oral health – Gum disease or decay must be treated before bridge placement.
A dentist will evaluate your mouth and recommend the best bridge based on clinical needs and personal preferences.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Proper care can extend the life of your dental bridge:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily, especially under and around the bridge
- Use a floss threader or water flosser for hard-to-reach areas
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that may dislodge the bridge
Conclusion
Dental bridges are a reliable, long-established solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring function and aesthetics. From traditional bridges to modern implant-supported options, there’s a type of bridge to suit almost every patient’s needs.
Consulting with a dental professional is essential to determine the most appropriate type based on your oral condition, budget, and personal goals. With proper planning and care, a dental bridge can provide a confident, functional smile that lasts for many years.