What Is a Dental Bridge? How Is It Made, and How Long Does It Last?
What Is a Dental Bridge? How Is It Made, and How Long Does It Last?
Tooth loss does not only affect appearance. Missing teeth can reduce chewing efficiency, alter speech, and cause neighboring teeth to gradually shift into the empty space. A dental bridge is one of the treatment options used to replace missing teeth with a fixed prosthesis.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth and is supported by natural teeth or dental implants. The artificial tooth that fills the gap is called a “pontic,” while the teeth supporting the bridge are known as “abutment teeth.”
Unlike removable dentures, a conventional dental bridge cannot be taken out and reinserted by the patient. It is permanently secured by a dentist using a special dental cement. The NHS also defines a bridge as a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Who may be suitable for a dental bridge?
Dental bridge treatment may generally be considered in the following situations:
- One or more teeth are missing.
- There are healthy teeth next to the gap that can support the bridge.
- The gums and jawbone are sufficiently healthy.
- The patient wishes to improve chewing and speech.
- Implant treatment is not preferred or cannot be performed.
- A fixed tooth-replacement option is desired.
Not every missing tooth can be treated with a bridge. If the supporting teeth have severe decay, significant bone loss, or active gum disease, these conditions must first be treated. Implant-supported options may be considered when the gap is extensive or there are not enough natural teeth to support a conventional bridge.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
The appropriate type of bridge depends on the location of the missing tooth, the length of the gap, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and the patient’s expectations.
Traditional dental bridge
A traditional bridge is one of the most commonly used types. The natural teeth on both sides of the gap are reshaped to accommodate crowns. The artificial tooth between them is attached to these crowns, completing the missing section.
This option can provide a strong and stable restoration. However, the supporting teeth must be reduced to make room for the crowns.
Maryland bridge
Also known as a resin-bonded or adhesive bridge, a Maryland bridge has thin wings behind the artificial tooth. These wings are bonded to the inner surfaces of the neighboring teeth. One of its main advantages is that it requires less removal of healthy tooth structure.
It is generally preferred for replacing a single missing front tooth. It may not always be suitable for back teeth, where chewing forces are greater.
Cantilever bridge
In a cantilever bridge, the artificial tooth is supported by an abutment tooth on only one side. It may be considered when there is a suitable supporting tooth on just one side of the gap. Because a single abutment carries the chewing forces, however, its use is limited.
Implant-supported bridge
An implant-supported bridge is anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth. It may be used particularly when several adjacent teeth are missing. An important advantage is that the neighboring healthy teeth do not need to be reshaped.
How is a dental bridge made?
The treatment process varies depending on the type of bridge. A traditional dental bridge is generally completed through the following stages:
1. Examination and treatment planning
The dentist examines the missing-tooth area, supporting teeth, gums, and bite. X-rays may be taken when necessary. If tooth decay, infection, or gum disease is detected, these conditions are treated before the bridge procedure.
2. Preparing the abutment teeth
The natural teeth that will support the bridge are reshaped under local anesthesia. This creates enough space for the crowns that will be placed over them.
3. Impressions or digital scanning
An impression or digital scan is taken of the prepared teeth and the opposing jaw. Some clinics use an intraoral scanner instead of conventional impression materials. The resulting information is sent to a dental laboratory so the bridge can be made to fit the patient’s teeth and bite.
4. Placing a temporary bridge
While the permanent restoration is being prepared, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the reshaped teeth and maintain appearance. Patients should avoid very hard or sticky foods during this period.
5. Trying in the permanent bridge
The dentist checks the bridge’s color, shape, marginal fit, and relationship with the bite. Once the necessary adjustments have been made, the patient and dentist evaluate its appearance together.
6. Securing the bridge
After its fit has been approved, the bridge is fixed to the abutment teeth using special dental cement. Temporary sensitivity or a sensation of unfamiliarity may occur after treatment. Most patients gradually become accustomed to their new bridge.
How long does dental bridge treatment take?
A traditional dental bridge usually requires at least two appointments. Because the bridge must be prepared in a dental laboratory, the overall process may take anywhere from several days to a few weeks.
Treatment with an implant-supported bridge takes longer because the implants must be allowed to integrate with the jawbone. The total duration depends on the patient’s bone structure, the number of implants, and whether additional surgical procedures are required.
How long does a dental bridge last?
The average lifespan of a dental bridge is generally considered to be approximately 5 to 15 years. Some bridges may last longer with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. However, describing a bridge as “fixed” or “permanent” does not mean it will last for the patient’s entire lifetime without needing replacement.
According to patient information published by Leeds Teaching Hospitals, approximately 80% of conventional bridges remain functional for 10 years or longer with relatively minor complications. This figure does not, however, guarantee the same outcome for every patient.
The main factors affecting the lifespan of a dental bridge include:
- Consistent oral hygiene
- Proper cleaning underneath the bridge
- The health of the abutment teeth and gums
- The material used and the technical fit of the bridge
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Chewing hard foods or objects, such as ice
- Smoking
- Regular dental examinations
How can the lifespan of a dental bridge be extended?
Although there is no natural tooth beneath the pontic, food particles and bacterial plaque can accumulate underneath it. Tooth decay may also develop around the margins where the bridge meets the abutment teeth. Regular toothbrushing alone may therefore not be sufficient.
The following recommendations can help maintain a dental bridge:
- Brush the teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean underneath the bridge using a floss threader or special floss designed for bridges.
- Ask your dentist to recommend the correct size if you use an interdental brush.
- Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods.
- If you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist whether a night guard is appropriate.
- Do not neglect regular dental examinations and professional cleanings.
What are the advantages of a dental bridge?
A properly planned dental bridge can:
- Replace missing teeth with a fixed restoration.
- Support chewing function.
- Improve the appearance of the smile.
- Help make speech clearer.
- Reduce the risk of neighboring teeth shifting into the gap.
- Provide a more stable and natural feeling than removable dentures.
- Offer an alternative for suitable patients who do not want implant surgery.
What are the disadvantages and possible risks of a dental bridge?
Dental bridge treatment also has certain limitations:
- Healthy neighboring teeth may need to be reshaped for a traditional bridge.
- Decay or gum problems may develop around the supporting teeth over time.
- Cleaning beneath the bridge may initially be difficult.
- If one of the abutment teeth becomes damaged, the entire bridge may need to be replaced.
- The bridge may become loose, crack, or break.
- Some abutment teeth may eventually require root canal treatment.
- A bridge does not directly preserve the bone in the missing-tooth area in the same way as an implant.
Should you choose a dental bridge or an implant?
Both treatments have advantages and limitations. A dental bridge can usually be completed more quickly and may not require surgery. An implant can provide independent support without requiring the neighboring teeth to be reshaped. However, implant treatment requires sufficient bone volume, a surgical procedure, and a longer treatment period.
The most appropriate option should be determined by considering the number of missing teeth, the condition of the bone and gums, the health of the neighboring teeth, the patient’s general health, budget, and expectations.
How can you tell when a dental bridge needs to be replaced?
You should consult a dentist if you experience any of the following:
- Looseness or movement in the bridge
- Pain or discomfort when biting
- A bad smell or unpleasant taste beneath the bridge
- Bleeding, swelling, or recession of the gums
- Cracks, fractures, or loss of porcelain
- Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold
- Discoloration or suspected decay around the bridge margins
- A noticeable change in the way the teeth meet
A loose bridge should never be secured using household adhesives. Both the bridge and its supporting teeth must be evaluated by a dentist.
Conclusion
A dental bridge is a fixed treatment option used to replace missing teeth and support chewing function. Traditional bridges are supported by natural teeth, while implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants. Treatment generally involves examination, tooth preparation, impressions or digital scanning, a try-in appointment, and permanent cementation.
Although dental bridges typically last between 5 and 15 years, their actual lifespan depends on the patient’s oral health, hygiene habits, the type of bridge, and regular dental checkups. The most suitable bridge type and its expected lifespan can only be determined by a dentist following a clinical and radiographic examination.
The images used in this content do not belong to a real patient. The visuals are stock photos obtained from online content provider image platforms.
Publication Date: 21.08.2026
Editor: Uğur Aktaş
Contact Number: +90 545 450 71 41
Contact Email: info@snyclinic.com
