How a bridge works
A conventional bridge is a single piece: a crown on each tooth next to the gap, joined to a false tooth in the middle. The crowns are cemented onto the supporting teeth, so the whole bridge stays fixed. You brush it like your other teeth, plus a little extra cleaning underneath.
Types of bridge
| Type | How it is held | When to discuss it |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Crowns on the teeth either side of the gap | Back or front teeth, especially when the neighbours already need crowns |
| Resin-bonded (Maryland) | Thin metal or ceramic wings glued to the back of the neighbouring teeth | Front teeth with healthy neighbours; very little drilling |
| Cantilever | A crown on one side only | Small gaps at the front with little biting force |
| Implant-supported | Implants instead of natural teeth | Two or more missing teeth in a row, where you would rather not involve natural teeth |
The supporting teeth need assessment for decay, existing restorations and gum support. The length of the gap and the forces on the bridge also affect the choice. A design suitable for one front-tooth gap may not suit a long gap at the back.
Bridge or implant: how to decide
Ask yourself three questions:
- Are the teeth next to the gap healthy and unfilled? If yes, an implant avoids drilling them. If they already have large fillings or crowns, a bridge can cover and protect them at the same time.
- How quickly do you need the gap filled? A tooth-supported bridge may be fitted over a few appointments once the supporting teeth are ready. Implant treatment usually involves a longer healing period; your assessment determines the timeline.
- Is surgery an option for you? Some health conditions and medicines affect implant planning. A tooth-supported bridge generally avoids implant surgery; an implant-supported bridge does not.
Our implant vs bridge guide walks through this in more depth.
What happens with a tooth-supported bridge
- Assessment and X-rays to check the supporting teeth, their roots and the gums.
- Preparation. Under local anaesthetic, the supporting teeth are shaped. We take an impression or scan and choose the shade. A temporary restoration may be used while the laboratory makes the final bridge.
- Fitting. About a week later, we check the fit, contacts and bite, then cement the bridge.
Looking after a bridge
The space under the false tooth is where food and plaque collect. Clean it once a day with a floss threader, super-floss or a small interdental brush, and we’ll show you which fits. Brush twice daily, keep sugary snacks between meals to a minimum, and come in every six months so we can check the edges of the crowns.
What affects the cost
The number of teeth in the bridge (each crown and each false tooth counts as a unit), the material (zirconia, E-max or metal-ceramic) and whether any supporting tooth needs root canal treatment or a build-up first. We give a written estimate before starting.
Risks and limitations
- Shaping healthy teeth is irreversible. This is the main reason we often suggest an implant when the neighbours are untouched.
- Load on the supporting teeth. If one of them develops decay or a nerve problem, the whole bridge may need to be replaced.
- Bone under the false tooth continues to shrink slowly, which can leave a small gap under the bridge over time.
If a bridge isn’t right for you, the alternatives are an implant, a partial denture, or leaving a back gap and monitoring it.
Questions patients ask us
Bridge or implant: which is better?
If the teeth either side of the gap are healthy and unfilled, an implant is usually the kinder choice because it leaves them alone. If those teeth already have large fillings or crowns, a tooth-supported bridge may restore them and fill the gap without implant surgery. It can take less time than an implant, but any decay, gum disease or root canal needs must be addressed first.
Bridge or implant for a front tooth?
For a front tooth, appearance decides a lot. An implant can look excellent if there is enough bone and gum; if the gum has shrunk, a bridge sometimes gives a better-looking result. A resin-bonded (Maryland) bridge can also replace a front tooth with very little drilling.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Commonly 10–15 years, often longer. Bridges usually fail because of decay or gum disease in the supporting teeth, so cleaning under the false tooth every day is what makes them last.
Is getting a bridge painful?
The supporting teeth are numbed while they are shaped, so you shouldn't feel pain. They may be a little sensitive to cold for a few days or weeks afterwards.
What are common problems with dental bridges?
Food trapping under the false tooth, sensitivity in the supporting teeth, decay at the edges if cleaning is poor, and occasionally a bridge coming loose or porcelain chipping. A supporting tooth may need root canal treatment later.
Can a bridge replace a back tooth?
Yes, if the teeth either side are strong enough to take the chewing load. For a gap at the very back with no tooth behind it, a conventional bridge isn't usually advisable; an implant or partial denture is better.
Sources
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS: bridges ↗ADA MouthHealthy: bridges ↗NHS: dental treatments ↗Manchester University NHS: risks of crowns, veneers and bridges ↗Last updated 24 October 2026. This page explains options in general terms; your own plan comes from an examination.