Replacing a missing tooth does more for you than restore the aesthetics of your smile. When you lose a tooth, the teeth on either side of the gap start to migrate towards the gap. This causes problems with your bite and can lead to complicated jaw problems down the track. By replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge, you can ensure a healthy smile.

A dental bridge is three or more dental crowns fused together to replace a missing tooth. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared and shaped for the dental crowns to be bonded in place. This provides your smile with support, stability and improves dental health.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge fills a gap between your teeth with false teeth, but without ‘implanting’ them into your jaw like a traditional dental implant. Instead, as the name suggests, a bridge connects a false tooth to your natural teeth on either side of the gap.

They can be a good option if you prefer not to have a dental implant, or if your gums or jaw are not in the right condition to receive an implant.

Bridges are usually made from metal, porcelain, zirconia (a very hard substance), or a mix of any of the three, and there are three types of dental bridges; traditional, cantilever, or the Maryland bridge.

• A traditional bridge is the most common and involves placing dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap and attaching a ‘pontic’ (a false tooth) between them.
• A cantilever bridge is less common. This is when there is only one tooth next to the gap, so the crown is placed over that tooth and the pontic is attached to it. It’s less sturdy than being attached at both sides, so is not a good option for back teeth that need to deal with a lot of pressure.
• The Maryland bridge style, named on behalf of the University of Maryland, involves a similar concept to the traditional style by connecting a false tooth to the teeth on each side of the gap, but instead of using crowns for the attachment, it uses ‘wings’.

Traditional dental bridge

Cantilever bridge

Maryland bridge

How does a dental bridge work?

The exact procedure of your dental bridge may vary depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, and the type of bridge you get.

Typically, however, your dentist will start by doing an examination and x-ray and treat any gum disease or tooth decay before starting. The site and two abutment teeth must be in good condition to support the bridge.

Next, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth. The dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from each one to make space for the crowns, then make impressions of those teeth to send away to a lab. This lab will create custom-made crowns and a false tooth for your smile.

To finish this appointment, your dentist will add a temporary bridge. This will protect your teeth and gums and help you eat and drink normally until your permanent bridge is ready.

During your next appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and affix the permanent one in place with a special dental cement. They will shape the tooth to suit your bite and ensure you are comfortable with it.