Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth: What Patients Should Know
- Dr. Sandhu
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Missing teeth can affect much more than appearance. They can interfere with chewing, speech, bite balance, and may cause neighboring teeth to shift over time.
Dental bridges are a well-established, fixed solution used to replace one or more missing teeth and restore function and stability.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis designed to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap. It consists of:
Abutments – natural teeth or crowns on either side of the missing space
Pontic – the artificial tooth that replaces the missing tooth
Dental bridges help restore:
Chewing efficiency
Speech clarity
Tooth alignment
Facial support
Smile aesthetics
✅ When Are Dental Bridges Used? (Indications)
Dental bridges are commonly recommended when:
One or more teeth are missing in a row
Adjacent teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge
A fixed (non-removable) replacement is preferred
Removable dentures are not desired
Implant placement is not planned or needs to be deferred
🚫When Are Dental Bridges Not Used? (Contraindications)
Dental bridges may not be suitable when:
Adjacent teeth are weak, mobile, or heavily decayed
Gum disease is untreated or poorly controlled
Very long spans of missing teeth lack adequate support
Oral hygiene is poor
Bite forces are excessive without protective measures
In such situations, alternative tooth-replacement options may be advised.
Types of Dental Bridges
1. Traditional Fixed Dental Bridge
Supported by natural teeth on both sides of the gap
Most commonly used type
Requires preparation of adjacent teeth
2. Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridge
Bonded to the back of adjacent teeth
Used mainly for single missing front teeth
Conservative option with minimal tooth preparation
3. Implant-Supported Bridge
Supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth
Used when multiple teeth are missing
Provides strong, independent support
Materials Used for Dental Bridges
Dental bridges may be fabricated using:
Zirconia – strong, metal-free, durable
All-ceramic / porcelain – good aesthetics for visible areas
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) – strength with moderate aesthetics
Metal alloys – high durability for back teeth
Material selection depends on tooth location, bite force, and cosmetic requirements.
What Happens During the Dental Bridge Procedure?
Clinical Evaluation & Planning Oral examination, digital X-rays or scans, bite assessment, and treatment planning.
Preparation of Supporting Teeth Abutment teeth are conservatively shaped under local anesthesia.
Digital Impression A digital intraoral scan is taken for precision and patient comfort.
Temporary Bridge Placement Protects prepared teeth and maintains appearance and function.
Final Bridge Placement Fit, bite, and comfort are verified before permanent cementation.
Dental Bridge vs Dental Implant
Feature | Dental Bridge | Dental Implant |
Support | Adjacent teeth or implants | Jawbone |
Surgery required | No | Yes |
Treatment time | Shorter (2-3 weeks) | Longer (3-6 months) |
Effect on adjacent teeth | Often requires preparation | Preserves natural teeth |
Suitability | Limited span | Single or multiple teeth |
✔️ Dentists often recommend:
Dental bridge - when adjacent teeth already need crowns or when a quicker fixed
replacement is preferred
Dental implant - when maximum longevity and bone preservation are desired
At Tricity Smiles Dentistry, we evaluate your bone levels, bite, age, gum health, and personal preferences to help determine the most suitable tooth-replacement option for long-term success.
Cost Factors for Dental Bridges
The cost of a dental bridge depends on:
Number of missing teeth
Type of bridge selected
Material used
Condition of supporting teeth
Laboratory and digital technology
Complexity of the case
A personalized consultation is essential for accurate treatment planning.
Related Services
Dental Bridges
Zirconia & Ceramic Crowns
Root Canal Treatment
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
⭐What Our Patients Say
“My bridge feels stable and natural. I can chew comfortably again, and the entire procedure was explained clearly from start to finish.”- Mrs. Gurkirat
About Dr. Sandhu & Tricity Smiles Dentistry
Dr. Sandhu is a US-trained dentist with over 20 years of clinical experience, specializing in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. At Tricity Smiles Dentistry, dental bridges are planned using digital diagnostics, precision materials, and evidence-based protocols for predictable and long-lasting results.
📍 House No. 109, Sector 28-A, Chandigarh
📞 +91-7686828000
❓FAQs
Are dental bridges removable?
No. Dental bridges are fixed restorations.
Do dental bridges damage adjacent teeth?
Supporting teeth are conservatively reshaped only when clinically required.
Can a bridge replace more than one tooth?
Yes, depending on the design and support available.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is usually painless under local anesthesia.
🔗 Related Topics
Dental Crowns Explained
Tooth Whitening
Root Canal Treatment
Dental Implants
Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
📚References
American Dental Association – Fixed Prosthodontics Guidelines
Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry – Dental Bridge Outcomes
PubMed: Clinical Performance of Fixed Dental Prostheses
WHO Oral Health Restoration Guidelines
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