A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges help restore the function and appearance of your smile, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
A bridge may be recommended if you have one or more missing teeth, or if adjacent teeth are already heavily restored and could benefit from additional coverage and support. By using the neighboring teeth—known as abutment teeth—as anchors, the bridge spans the gap left by missing teeth with prosthetic teeth known as pontics.
Dental bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color, and they are cemented in place for long-term stability. Depending on the number of teeth missing and the condition of the surrounding teeth, bridges can replace a single tooth or span multiple teeth—typically covering 2 to 5 units or more.
Types of dental bridges include:
- Traditional bridges – supported by crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
- Cantilever bridges – supported on only one side, used in select situations.
- Maryland bridges – use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, often used for front teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges – anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, ideal for multiple missing teeth in a row.
Bridges can be a cost-effective alternative to dental implants, especially when the adjacent teeth already require crowns. While implants remain a popular long-term solution, bridges may be better suited to your clinical situation, depending on your oral health, bone availability, and overall treatment goals.
Dr. Ben will perform a comprehensive evaluation and discuss whether a dental bridge is the best option for you. Every case is unique, and we are committed to helping you choose the treatment that best meets your needs, lifestyle, and budget.