Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesCostShould You Get One?ProcedureCareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Cost
Should You Get One?
Procedure
Care
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental bridge is a permanent appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth. It has several pieces that are put together so they fit into the open space where your tooth (or teeth) used to be.
Dental bridges are an alternative to partial dentures. A bridge can help you eat and speak better and improvehow your teeth look.
Bridges can be made of ceramic, resin, porcelain, or metals like cobalt and gold. When replacing front teeth, ceramic is a top choice. It mimics the translucency of natural teeth and can be matched to your natural color.
This article will go over the different kinds of dental bridges. You will learn more about how much a dental bridge costs, the benefits of dental bridges, and what to expect if you need to get one placed.
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Types of Dental Bridges
The artificial teeth used in dental bridges are calledpontics. You’ll have a pontic for each missing tooth. A pontic is made to be close in shape and size to the tooth that’s missing.
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Pontics are anchored to a tooth next to the gap (abutment teeth) or to a dental implant.
The four types of dental bridges are:
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Cost of Dental Bridges
The cost of a dental bridge will depend on how much work needs to be done and the type of bridge you get.
Your overall oral health will also factor in, as you might need treatment for problems like gum disease before the process of getting a dental bridge can start.
If you have dental insurance, some or all of the cost of a dental bridge might be covered.
The cost of a dental bridge without insurance can range from $700 to several thousand dollars per tooth. It could easily cost $2500 for a dental bridge and can cost up to $5000.If you need multiple teeth with implants and a bridge, it could be over $10,000.
Should You Get a Dental Bridge?
Not everyone is a good candidate for a dental bridge. You will need to talk to your dentist about whether it would be beneficial for you to get a bridge.
Factors that make you a good candidate for a dental bridge include:
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Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can provide many benefits, including:
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Risks of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges do have some disadvantages and potential risks that you should be aware of, including:
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Getting a Dental Bridge
For most dental bridges, you’ll need to have at least two procedures performed. The process of getting a dental bridge can take a long time.
A Maryland bridge requires fewer appointments than the other types of dental bridges because the abutment teeth do not need to be prepared.
Regardless of the type of bridge you go with, your dentist will need to take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth that the lab will use to shape the components of the bridge.
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Traditional or Cantilever Bridge
The first step to getting a traditional fixed or cantilever dental bridge is preparing the abutment tooth/teeth.
During a later appointment, your dentist will:
Sometimes, the bridge is permanently cemented during this procedure. However, your dentist may choose to use temporary cement instead, which gives you time to make sure the bridge fits before it is made permanent.
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Maryland Bridge
For a Maryland bridge, all that needs to happen to your abutment teeth is a little etching on the back side, which helps the wings bond to it.
Once it’s tested for proper fit, your dentist will:
Implant-Supported Bridge
The healing time for an implant-supported bridge varies. Many dentists recommend waiting six months before mounting the new crown and bridge. This allows the implant to integrate with thejawbonebefore supporting your new teeth.
You may have a temporary bridge to wear until your next procedure when your dentist will place the permanent bridge over the implants. This procedure involves small incisions in the gums, so healing time is longer than it is with other types of bridges.
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Taking Care of a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges are considered “permanent” because you can’t take them out like you can dentures. That said, a dental bridge won’t last forever.
The average dental bridge lasts between five and seven years. With proper care, some bridges can last more than a decade. Advances in dental bridge materials and methods are likely to make them even more durable in the future.
The best way to get the most out of your dental bridge is to take care of it.
How to Make Your Dental Bridge Last
Good oral hygiene is important if you have a dental bridge because you want to keep your remaining teeth strong and healthy.
Having good oral health is also important if you want your bridge to last as long as possible.
Just as you do for your natural teeth, you’ll need to brush andflossyour bridge at least twice each day.
Your dentist or dental hygienist will show you how to properly floss and clean around your bridge.
It’s also important to see your dentist regularly fordental cleanings and exams.
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Dietary Changes
Right after your bridge is placed, you will need to be very careful about what you eat as your mouth is healing.
Your dentist will give you specific instructions to follow during that time.
In the long term, certain foods can cause problems for dental bridges or abutment teeth. If you want your bridge to last and avoid damaging it, you’ll have to avoid these foods.
Foods you should avoid if you have a dental bridge include:
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Summary
There are advantages and disadvantages to getting a dental bridge, but with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a dental bridge can be an effective, long-lasting solution to missing teeth.
Certain factors will determine who is a good candidate for a dental bridge. Your dentist can help you decide if a dental bridge is right for you, as well as which type of dental bridge will be the best choice.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsA cantilever bridge is one type of dental bridge. It has an artificial tooth called a pontic that’s connected to one abutment tooth (metal connector).Cantilever bridges are not common today. This type of bridge was mostly used for people who only had teeth on one side of a gap.A Maryland dental bridge (resin-bonded bridge) is often used if a person is missing front teeth. This type of dental bridge uses porcelain fused with a metal framework that connects to existing teeth.You may need a bone graft before you get a dental bridge if you’ve had a tooth taken out.As is the case with most dental procedures, you may have some pain and discomfort after a dental bridge procedure as your mouth is healing and adjusting.Once you’ve recovered, your dental bridge should not hurt or be uncomfortable.
A cantilever bridge is one type of dental bridge. It has an artificial tooth called a pontic that’s connected to one abutment tooth (metal connector).Cantilever bridges are not common today. This type of bridge was mostly used for people who only had teeth on one side of a gap.
A cantilever bridge is one type of dental bridge. It has an artificial tooth called a pontic that’s connected to one abutment tooth (metal connector).
Cantilever bridges are not common today. This type of bridge was mostly used for people who only had teeth on one side of a gap.
A Maryland dental bridge (resin-bonded bridge) is often used if a person is missing front teeth. This type of dental bridge uses porcelain fused with a metal framework that connects to existing teeth.
You may need a bone graft before you get a dental bridge if you’ve had a tooth taken out.
As is the case with most dental procedures, you may have some pain and discomfort after a dental bridge procedure as your mouth is healing and adjusting.Once you’ve recovered, your dental bridge should not hurt or be uncomfortable.
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16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Periodontology.Single tooth implants.Narwani S, Yadav NS, Hazari P, et al.Comparison of tensile bond strength of fixed-fixed versus cantilever single- and double-abutted resin-bonded bridges dental prosthesis.Materials (Basel). 2022;15(16):5744. doi:10.3390/ma15165744Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Dental bridges: the cost of bridging the gap.Oral Health Foundation.Dental implants cost and candidacy.Oral Health Foundation.Bridges and partial dentures.Zamparini F, Azizi A, Chersoni S, Spinelli A, Giovanna Gandolfi M, Prati C.Maryland Bridge to prevent crestal bone loss during peri-implant healing phases- 6-month RCT.Clin Oral Impl Res. 2018;29:112-112. doi:10.1111/clr.7_13357Azizi A, Zamparini F, Spinelli A, Pirani C, Gandolfi MG, Prati C.Maryland-bridge application as a suitable technique to preserve marginal bone level of not-submerged supracrestal implants.Minerva Stomatol. 2020;69(6):335-342. doi:10.23736/S0026-4970.20.04309-5Alani A, Austin R, Djemal S.Contemporary management of tooth replacement in the traumatized dentition.Dent Traumatol. 2012;28(3):183-192. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01122.xMamoun J.Post and core build-ups in crown and bridge abutments: Bio-mechanical advantages and disadvantages.J Adv Prosthodont. 2017;9(3):232-237. doi:10.4047/jap.2017.9.3.232American Academy of Implant Dentistry.Implants vs. dentures and bridges.Nguyen TTH, Eo MY, Kuk TS, Myoung H, Kim SM.Rehabilitation of atrophic jaw using iliac onlay bone graft combined with dental implants.Int J Implant Dent. 2019;5(1):11. doi:10.1186/s40729-019-0163-9American Academy of Periodontology.Multiple tooth dental implants.Zaninovich M, Petrucci C.Same day implant bridge for full-arch implant fixed rehabilitation.J Esthet Restor Dent. 2019;31(3):190-198. doi:10.1111/jerd.12449Singhal, Vaishali et al.Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach. Cengage Learning, 2021.Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Dental implants cost and candidacy.North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.Managing pain after dental treatment.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Periodontology.Single tooth implants.Narwani S, Yadav NS, Hazari P, et al.Comparison of tensile bond strength of fixed-fixed versus cantilever single- and double-abutted resin-bonded bridges dental prosthesis.Materials (Basel). 2022;15(16):5744. doi:10.3390/ma15165744Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Dental bridges: the cost of bridging the gap.Oral Health Foundation.Dental implants cost and candidacy.Oral Health Foundation.Bridges and partial dentures.Zamparini F, Azizi A, Chersoni S, Spinelli A, Giovanna Gandolfi M, Prati C.Maryland Bridge to prevent crestal bone loss during peri-implant healing phases- 6-month RCT.Clin Oral Impl Res. 2018;29:112-112. doi:10.1111/clr.7_13357Azizi A, Zamparini F, Spinelli A, Pirani C, Gandolfi MG, Prati C.Maryland-bridge application as a suitable technique to preserve marginal bone level of not-submerged supracrestal implants.Minerva Stomatol. 2020;69(6):335-342. doi:10.23736/S0026-4970.20.04309-5Alani A, Austin R, Djemal S.Contemporary management of tooth replacement in the traumatized dentition.Dent Traumatol. 2012;28(3):183-192. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01122.xMamoun J.Post and core build-ups in crown and bridge abutments: Bio-mechanical advantages and disadvantages.J Adv Prosthodont. 2017;9(3):232-237. doi:10.4047/jap.2017.9.3.232American Academy of Implant Dentistry.Implants vs. dentures and bridges.Nguyen TTH, Eo MY, Kuk TS, Myoung H, Kim SM.Rehabilitation of atrophic jaw using iliac onlay bone graft combined with dental implants.Int J Implant Dent. 2019;5(1):11. doi:10.1186/s40729-019-0163-9American Academy of Periodontology.Multiple tooth dental implants.Zaninovich M, Petrucci C.Same day implant bridge for full-arch implant fixed rehabilitation.J Esthet Restor Dent. 2019;31(3):190-198. doi:10.1111/jerd.12449Singhal, Vaishali et al.Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach. Cengage Learning, 2021.Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Dental implants cost and candidacy.North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.Managing pain after dental treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Periodontology.Single tooth implants.Narwani S, Yadav NS, Hazari P, et al.Comparison of tensile bond strength of fixed-fixed versus cantilever single- and double-abutted resin-bonded bridges dental prosthesis.Materials (Basel). 2022;15(16):5744. doi:10.3390/ma15165744Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Dental bridges: the cost of bridging the gap.Oral Health Foundation.Dental implants cost and candidacy.Oral Health Foundation.Bridges and partial dentures.Zamparini F, Azizi A, Chersoni S, Spinelli A, Giovanna Gandolfi M, Prati C.Maryland Bridge to prevent crestal bone loss during peri-implant healing phases- 6-month RCT.Clin Oral Impl Res. 2018;29:112-112. doi:10.1111/clr.7_13357Azizi A, Zamparini F, Spinelli A, Pirani C, Gandolfi MG, Prati C.Maryland-bridge application as a suitable technique to preserve marginal bone level of not-submerged supracrestal implants.Minerva Stomatol. 2020;69(6):335-342. doi:10.23736/S0026-4970.20.04309-5Alani A, Austin R, Djemal S.Contemporary management of tooth replacement in the traumatized dentition.Dent Traumatol. 2012;28(3):183-192. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01122.xMamoun J.Post and core build-ups in crown and bridge abutments: Bio-mechanical advantages and disadvantages.J Adv Prosthodont. 2017;9(3):232-237. doi:10.4047/jap.2017.9.3.232American Academy of Implant Dentistry.Implants vs. dentures and bridges.Nguyen TTH, Eo MY, Kuk TS, Myoung H, Kim SM.Rehabilitation of atrophic jaw using iliac onlay bone graft combined with dental implants.Int J Implant Dent. 2019;5(1):11. doi:10.1186/s40729-019-0163-9American Academy of Periodontology.Multiple tooth dental implants.Zaninovich M, Petrucci C.Same day implant bridge for full-arch implant fixed rehabilitation.J Esthet Restor Dent. 2019;31(3):190-198. doi:10.1111/jerd.12449Singhal, Vaishali et al.Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach. Cengage Learning, 2021.Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Dental implants cost and candidacy.North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.Managing pain after dental treatment.
American Academy of Periodontology.Single tooth implants.
Narwani S, Yadav NS, Hazari P, et al.Comparison of tensile bond strength of fixed-fixed versus cantilever single- and double-abutted resin-bonded bridges dental prosthesis.Materials (Basel). 2022;15(16):5744. doi:10.3390/ma15165744
Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Dental bridges: the cost of bridging the gap.
Oral Health Foundation.Dental implants cost and candidacy.
Oral Health Foundation.Bridges and partial dentures.
Zamparini F, Azizi A, Chersoni S, Spinelli A, Giovanna Gandolfi M, Prati C.Maryland Bridge to prevent crestal bone loss during peri-implant healing phases- 6-month RCT.Clin Oral Impl Res. 2018;29:112-112. doi:10.1111/clr.7_13357
Azizi A, Zamparini F, Spinelli A, Pirani C, Gandolfi MG, Prati C.Maryland-bridge application as a suitable technique to preserve marginal bone level of not-submerged supracrestal implants.Minerva Stomatol. 2020;69(6):335-342. doi:10.23736/S0026-4970.20.04309-5
Alani A, Austin R, Djemal S.Contemporary management of tooth replacement in the traumatized dentition.Dent Traumatol. 2012;28(3):183-192. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01122.x
Mamoun J.Post and core build-ups in crown and bridge abutments: Bio-mechanical advantages and disadvantages.J Adv Prosthodont. 2017;9(3):232-237. doi:10.4047/jap.2017.9.3.232
American Academy of Implant Dentistry.Implants vs. dentures and bridges.
Nguyen TTH, Eo MY, Kuk TS, Myoung H, Kim SM.Rehabilitation of atrophic jaw using iliac onlay bone graft combined with dental implants.Int J Implant Dent. 2019;5(1):11. doi:10.1186/s40729-019-0163-9
American Academy of Periodontology.Multiple tooth dental implants.
Zaninovich M, Petrucci C.Same day implant bridge for full-arch implant fixed rehabilitation.J Esthet Restor Dent. 2019;31(3):190-198. doi:10.1111/jerd.12449
Singhal, Vaishali et al.Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach. Cengage Learning, 2021.
Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Dental implants cost and candidacy.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.Managing pain after dental treatment.
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