Dental Bridges: Replacing Missing Teeth Without Surgery
A dental bridge literally "bridges" a gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap. No surgery, no bone grafts — but it does require the neighboring teeth to be permanently altered.
How a Bridge Works
The two teeth flanking the gap (called abutment teeth) are reduced in size, just like in crown preparation. Crowns are fabricated for these teeth with the artificial tooth (or teeth) fused between them in one connected piece. This bridge is cemented permanently — it's not removable. Bridges typically consist of 3 units (two crowns + one pontic) for a single missing tooth, or more units for multiple adjacent missing teeth.
Types of Bridges
Traditional bridge: The standard — two crowns supporting a pontic. Requires preparation of healthy adjacent teeth.
Maryland bridge (resin-bonded): A pontic with metal or ceramic "wings" bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth without full crowns. Less invasive but less durable. Used mainly for front teeth in specific situations.
Implant-supported bridge: Implants are placed at each end (or more for longer spans) instead of grinding natural teeth. This is often the preferred approach when multiple teeth are missing.
Pros and Cons vs. Implants
Advantages of bridges: No surgery, lower upfront cost ($3,000–$5,000 vs $6,000–$10,000 for two implants), faster completion (2–3 weeks vs 4–8 months).
Disadvantages: Healthy adjacent teeth must be permanently altered. The jawbone under the pontic continues to resorb because there's no tooth root stimulating it. Bridges typically last 10–15 years before needing replacement. If a supporting tooth fails, the entire bridge fails.
Is a Bridge Right for You?
Bridges make sense when the adjacent teeth already need crowns, when surgery is not an option, or when budget or timeline are limiting factors. If the neighboring teeth are healthy, your dentist will likely discuss implants as the preferred long-term solution. Both are valid — your specific anatomy, health, and priorities guide the decision.