Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth — called a pontic — to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.

Missing teeth, if left untreated, can trigger a gradual chain of problems. Neighbouring teeth may shift toward the gap, opposing teeth can over-erupt, and the jawbone in the area may begin to lose density. A dental bridge addresses all of these risks by filling the space with a stable, functional restoration that becomes a permanent part of your bite.

What Is a Dental Bridge and How Is It Structured?

A dental bridge consists of three components working together as a single unit. The pontic is the artificial tooth that fills the gap. On either side sit the abutments — the supporting structures, which can be natural teeth prepared with crowns or dental implants. The crowns hold everything in place and distribute chewing forces across the whole unit.

Bridges are custom-made to match the surrounding teeth in shape, size, and colour. They can be fabricated from porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain fused to metal. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate material based on where the bridge is being placed and the functional demands it will face.

When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?

A bridge is typically recommended when one or more teeth are missing and there are healthy, stable teeth or implants on either side to act as support. It suits patients who want a fixed restoration — one that does not need to be removed — without the full surgical process of individual implants.

A bridge may also be preferred when implant placement is not suitable due to insufficient bone density or certain medical conditions. Your dentist will assess gum health, bone structure, and the condition of adjacent teeth before recommending the most appropriate option.

Bridges are generally a good fit for patients who:

• Have one or more missing teeth with stable neighbouring teeth or implants
• Prefer a fixed, non-removable restoration
• Are not suitable candidates for implants due to bone or medical reasons
• Want a shorter treatment timeline compared to implant surgery

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four main types of dental bridges, each designed for different clinical situations. The right choice depends on the location of the missing tooth, how many teeth need replacing, and the health of the surrounding structures.

Traditional Fixed Bridge

The traditional fixed bridge is the most widely used type. It replaces a missing tooth by placing crowns on the two teeth adjacent to the gap, with the pontic suspended between them.

This design provides excellent stability and suits most areas of the mouth. The main trade-off is that the adjacent teeth need to be reshaped to accommodate the crowns — an irreversible step your dentist will discuss with you thoroughly beforehand.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge uses only one adjacent tooth for support rather than two. This makes it an option when there is only one natural tooth next to the gap.

Because the pontic is anchored on one side only, this design is limited to areas that do not bear heavy chewing forces. It is not recommended for back molar regions where bite pressure is highest.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

The Maryland bridge uses a metal or ceramic framework with wings bonded directly to the back surfaces of adjacent teeth. This means the neighbouring teeth require very little preparation, making it one of the least invasive bridge options.

It is most commonly used for front teeth and is sometimes chosen as a temporary solution before implant treatment. The limitation is that the bond can loosen over time, and it is not suitable for areas exposed to heavy chewing forces.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as the abutments instead of natural teeth. This is the strongest and most durable option, particularly when multiple adjacent teeth are missing.

Because the implants are anchored into the jawbone, this type also helps preserve bone density — something conventional bridges cannot do. The trade-off is a longer treatment timeline involving a surgical procedure and a higher overall cost.

Comparison of Bridge Types at a Glance

The Dental Bridge Procedure: Step by Step

Getting a dental bridge typically takes place over two or more appointments, with a laboratory fabrication stage in between.

Step 1: Consultation and Treatment Planning

Your dentist will examine your gums, the teeth adjacent to the gap, your bite alignment, and the bone structure in the area. X-rays or digital scans are usually taken to complete the picture.

This appointment is also when the most suitable bridge type, material, and alternatives are discussed — along with expected outcomes and any potential complications.

Step 2: Tooth Preparation

The abutment teeth are reshaped to create space for the crowns that will anchor the bridge. Local anaesthesia is used throughout to keep you comfortable.

Once the teeth are prepared, impressions or digital scans are sent to the dental laboratory where your custom bridge is fabricated — typically over one to two weeks.

Step 3: Temporary Bridge

While the permanent bridge is being made, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain basic chewing function.

During this period, avoid hard or sticky foods and clean carefully around the temporary restoration. Report any looseness or unusual discomfort to your clinic promptly.

Step 4: Fitting and Cementation

When the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary is removed and the new bridge is checked for fit, bite alignment, and colour match. Minor adjustments can be made before anything is permanently fixed.

Once everything is confirmed, the bridge is cemented into place. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up to confirm the bridge has settled well.

Bridges for Front Teeth and Multiple Missing Teeth

Aesthetic Considerations for Front Tooth Bridges

When a bridge is placed in a visible area, aesthetics are a central part of the planning process. All-ceramic and zirconia materials are most commonly chosen for front tooth bridges because they closely match the translucency and colour of natural enamel.

The shape and size of the pontic are carefully designed to harmonise with surrounding teeth. In some cases, minor gum contouring may be considered to ensure the bridge integrates naturally with the surrounding tissue.

Replacing Multiple Adjacent Missing Teeth

When two or more adjacent teeth are missing, a longer-span bridge can replace them all in a single restoration. The key factor is ensuring there is sufficient structural support at each end of the span.

For patients missing three or more adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges are often preferred. They provide independent anchorage within the bone and do not rely on neighbouring natural teeth. Your dentist will assess bone volume and overall oral health to determine the most appropriate plan.

Material Options for Dental Bridges

The material chosen for a bridge affects its appearance, strength, and long-term durability. The decision is based on where the bridge sits in the mouth and the functional demands it will face.

Common material options include:

• All-ceramic — most natural appearance; ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are a priority
• Zirconia — combines strength with a tooth-like colour; suitable for both front and back teeth
• Porcelain fused to metal — strong foundation with a natural-looking surface; metal margin may become visible near the gum line over time
• Metal alloy — exceptionally durable; occasionally used in less visible areas with high bite forces

CAD/CAM digital fabrication technology is now widely used in bridge production, allowing for greater precision in fit and design across all material types.

FAQs About Dental Bridges