The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. Please consult your dentist for advice specific to your oral health.
A dental bridge looks like one or more natural-looking artificial teeth joined between two crowns. The middle tooth — called a pontic — fills the gap left by missing teeth, while the end crowns attach to your natural teeth or implants on either side. The shade is matched to your smile. This guide covers all four types of dental bridges, what each looks like, and who each type suits — whether you are weighing tooth replacement options or just want to know what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- A dental bridge uses one or more pontics held in place by crowns or a bonded framework on each side of the gap.
- The four main types are traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported.
- The best type depends on the number of missing teeth, the health of anchor teeth, and personal preferences.
- Bridges can be porcelain, metal alloy, or zirconia, shaded to match your remaining teeth.
- With proper care, a bridge can last 5 to 15 years or longer.
- Local anesthesia is used, so placement is not painful for most patients.
- Brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are key to protecting the bridge long-term.
What Does a Dental Bridge Look Like?
A dental bridge is a fixed tooth replacement that spans the empty space left by one or more missing teeth. It looks like a short row of teeth — the two crowned ends sit over the abutment teeth on each side of the gap, and the pontic fills the centre, resting gently against the gum tissue.
The unit is permanently cemented and does not come out like partial dentures. Bridges are made from porcelain, metal alloys, zirconia, or a combination of materials, with the shade chosen at the dental lab to match your natural teeth.
The Four Different Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges, and the right choice depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of adjacent teeth, and your overall dental health goals.
What Is a Traditional Dental Bridge?
A traditional bridge — sometimes called a three-unit bridge — is the most common type. It replaces one to three missing teeth in a row, anchored by dental crowns placed over the healthy teeth on each side of the gap. The pontic is fused between those crowns and permanently cemented as a single unit.
To fit the crowns, the dentist reshapes the abutment teeth by removing a layer of enamel — a permanent change that means those teeth will always need a crown. Traditional bridges are strong and work well in most areas of the mouth.
What Is a Cantilever Bridge?
Cantilever bridges are used when adjacent teeth exist on only one side of the gap. They rely on a single anchor tooth for support, making them less stable than traditional bridges and generally not recommended for back teeth where chewing forces are higher. Your dentist will assess whether the remaining tooth is strong enough to carry the bridge before recommending this type.
What Is a Maryland Bridge?
A Maryland bridge — also called a resin-bonded bridge — is typically used to replace missing front teeth. Instead of full dental crowns, it uses a metal or porcelain framework with small wings that bond to the back of the adjacent natural teeth, so little to no enamel needs to be removed.
The wings stay hidden at the back. Only the pontic is visible from the front, shaped to match the natural teeth beside it. Since the bond is less rigid than a cemented crown, Maryland bridges are limited to areas with lower bite forces.
What Is an Implant-Supported Bridge?
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors rather than natural abutment teeth. Two or more implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone, and the bridge is secured to those implants. This avoids reshaping healthy neighbouring teeth and helps prevent bone loss, since the implant stimulates the bone much like a natural tooth root. This type requires oral surgery and a longer timeline, but it is generally the most stable long-term tooth replacement option.
What Does a Front Tooth Bridge Look Like?
A bridge for front teeth is designed with appearance as the top priority. The pontic is shaped and shaded to match the size, colour, and contour of the natural front teeth on either side. All-porcelain or zirconia materials are typically used because they look closest to natural tooth enamel.
Maryland bridges are commonly chosen here because the bonded wings stay hidden behind the adjacent teeth. Traditional bridges with all-porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are used when more structural strength is needed, and a well-made bridge from a skilled dental lab is difficult to distinguish from a natural front tooth.
What Does a One-Tooth Bridge Look Like?
A one-tooth bridge fills the gap left by a single missing tooth. It is made up of three connected units: the pontic in the middle and one crown on each side, permanently cemented over the abutment teeth.
The pontic mimics the lost tooth — matched in shape, width, and shade to the remaining teeth. After placement, the gap is no longer visible. This is one of the most common bridge configurations and works well in most areas of the mouth.
What Is a Temporary Bridge?
Once the abutment teeth are reshaped, they are left exposed until the final bridge arrives from the dental lab. To protect those teeth and allow you to eat and speak properly, your dentist places a temporary bridge made from acrylic or composite resin.
A temporary bridge looks similar to the final result but is not built for long-term use. Most patients wear one for two to four weeks. Mild sensitivity during this period is normal.
How Is a Dental Bridge Placed?
The process typically involves two appointments. At the first visit, local anesthesia is administered while the dentist reshapes the abutment teeth, takes impressions, and places a temporary bridge. Impressions go to a dental laboratory where the final bridge is custom fabricated.
At the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and the final bridge is checked for fit, colour, and bite before being permanently cemented. Mild sensitivity afterward usually settles on its own.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
With proper care, dental bridges can last from 5 to 15 years or longer. Longevity depends on oral hygiene habits, diet, and whether the abutment teeth stay healthy. Regular professional cleanings, brushing, and flossing help extend the bridge’s life.
One risk is decay developing in the abutment teeth beneath the crowns. If those teeth weaken, the bridge may need to be replaced. Your dentist will monitor this at routine check-ups as part of your oral health care.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
Bridge pricing depends on the type of bridge, the material, the number of pontic units, and whether preparatory treatment is needed. For a full breakdown of Ontario costs and what insurance covers, see our dental bridge cost guide.
For more, visit our dental bridges Brampton page.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters for Your Oral Health
Missing teeth affect more than your smile. Surrounding teeth may drift into the empty space over time, causing misalignment and bite problems. Without a tooth root stimulating the jaw, bone loss can occur beneath the gap.
Dental bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting, restore the ability to chew and speak properly, and support the facial structure. Many patients notice a meaningful improvement in self-esteem after replacing missing teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dental bridge painful?
Local anesthesia is used during placement, so the procedure is not painful for most patients. Mild sensitivity afterward is common and typically resolves on its own.
Can missing teeth cause bone loss?
Yes. Once a tooth root is gone, the jaw bone in that area gradually resorbs. Implant-supported bridges help prevent this because the implant stimulates the bone. Traditional and Maryland bridges do not prevent bone loss beneath the gap.
Do dental bridges require oral surgery?
Traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges do not involve oral surgery. Implant-supported bridges do, since the implants are placed into the jaw bone.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
There are four main types: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported — each suited to different clinical situations based on missing teeth count and the condition of adjacent teeth.
How do cantilever bridges work?
Cantilever bridges anchor on only one side of the gap. Because they rely on a single support tooth, they are less stable than traditional bridges and are generally used in areas with lower chewing forces.
Can a Maryland bridge replace a missing front tooth?
Yes. The bonded wings attach to the back of adjacent natural teeth without requiring full crowns, so more natural tooth structure is preserved.
Are dental bridges better than dental implants?
The better option depends on the individual. Implants preserve jaw bone and tend to last longer but require oral surgery. Bridges are faster and less invasive but rely on healthy neighbouring teeth. Your dentist can walk you through both.
How do adjacent teeth affect a dental bridge?
The abutment teeth must be strong enough to support the bridge. If neighbouring teeth have significant decay or structural issues, other treatment options may be considered first.
Book a Consultation at Delta Park Dental
If you have a missing tooth or want to understand your options, reach out to the team at Delta Park Dental.
Delta Park Dental — 215 Delta Park Blvd #104, Brampton, ON L6T 0H9 📞+1 905-494-0094 | 📧 info@deltaparkdental.com Hours: Mon: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Tue–Sat: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Every smile is different. For accurate information and personalized treatment options,
book a consultation with the team at Delta Park Dental.
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