Missing teeth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. A gap may change how you chew, how your bite feels and how nearby teeth sit over time. For some patients, a dental bridge may be one option for replacing one or more missing teeth without using a removable denture.
However, not all dental bridges are the same. There are several types of dental bridges, and each works differently. The most appropriate option depends on factors such as the position of the missing tooth, the condition of surrounding teeth, your bite, gum health and your overall treatment goals.
This article explains the main types of dental bridges, including traditional fixed bridges, Maryland bridges, cantilever bridges and implant-supported bridges, so you can better understand the options your dentist may discuss during an assessment.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth.
It usually includes an artificial tooth, known as a pontic, which fills the gap left by the missing tooth. Depending on the bridge design, the pontic may be supported by nearby teeth, dental crowns, bonded wings or dental implants.
The bridge effectively spans, or “bridges”, the space between teeth.
A dental bridge can restore support for chewing and reduce the open space created by a missing tooth. In suitable cases, replacing a missing tooth may also help limit movement of neighbouring teeth into the gap.
However, not every missing-tooth situation is suitable for a bridge. A dentist needs to examine your teeth, gums and bite before recommending treatment.
At Digital Dental Surgery Sydney on York Street, your dentist can assess the missing-tooth area, surrounding teeth, gums and bite before discussing whether a dental bridge may be appropriate for your individual needs.
For independent patient information, Healthdirect Australia also provides an overview of dental bridges and how they are used to replace missing teeth.
Why Are There Different Types of Dental Bridges?
Different mouths require different treatment approaches.
Replacing a missing front tooth can involve different considerations from replacing a molar. Someone with healthy, unrestored neighbouring teeth may need a different approach from a person whose nearby teeth already have large fillings or crowns.
Some bridges rely on crowns placed over teeth beside the gap. Others use wings bonded to the back of nearby teeth. Some receive support from only one side, while others may be supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth.
The aim is not to choose the most popular type of bridge. Treatment planning should consider the missing tooth, surrounding teeth, bite, gum health and long-term maintenance requirements.
Traditional Fixed Bridge
A traditional fixed bridge is one of the established types of dental bridges.
It is commonly considered when there are suitable natural teeth on both sides of the missing-tooth space. These neighbouring teeth are known as abutment teeth.
The supporting teeth are prepared so that crowns can fit over them, with an artificial tooth positioned between the crowns to replace the missing tooth.
Once fitted, the bridge remains fixed in the mouth and is not removed by the patient like a removable denture.
A traditional fixed bridge may be considered when the supporting teeth are healthy and strong enough to carry the restoration and the bite allows the bridge to function appropriately.
One important consideration is that preparing a traditional bridge generally requires reshaping the teeth beside the gap. This may be a reasonable option when these teeth already require crowns or extensive restoration. If the neighbouring teeth are healthy and largely untouched, your dentist may discuss alternatives that involve different amounts of tooth preparation.
When Might a Fixed Bridge Be Considered?
A traditional fixed bridge may be considered when:
- One or more teeth are missing
- Suitable supporting teeth are present on both sides of the gap
- The supporting teeth are healthy and strong enough
- A fixed tooth-replacement option is preferred
- Dental implants are not preferred or are not suitable for the individual
- The bite can accommodate the restoration appropriately
A fixed bridge may provide stable tooth replacement because crowns on neighbouring teeth support the artificial tooth.
The restoration can also be designed to coordinate with surrounding teeth in shape and colour, although the final appearance varies according to the individual case, available materials and clinical conditions.
Careful treatment planning is important because the supporting teeth carry additional responsibility. Decay, gum disease or damage affecting an abutment tooth may also affect the bridge.
Regular dental examinations and good home care therefore remain important after a bridge is fitted.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge is also known as a resin-bonded bridge.
It is often considered for selected missing front teeth, although suitability depends on the individual case.
Rather than covering neighbouring teeth with full crowns, a Maryland bridge generally consists of a replacement tooth attached to one or more small wings. These wings are bonded to the back surfaces of the supporting teeth, making them less noticeable from the front.
Depending on the design, the wings may be made from metal, ceramic or other appropriate dental materials.
One potential advantage of a Maryland bridge is that it may require less preparation of the neighbouring teeth than a traditional crown-supported bridge.
However, this does not mean a Maryland bridge is suitable for everyone. Its suitability depends on factors including available enamel for bonding, bite forces, the position of the missing tooth and the condition of the supporting teeth.
When Might a Maryland Bridge Be Considered?
A Maryland bridge may be discussed when:
- A front tooth is missing
- The neighbouring teeth are healthy
- Reducing preparation of surrounding teeth is desirable
- The bite is suitable for a bonded restoration
- There is sufficient suitable enamel for bonding
- The area is not exposed to excessive biting or chewing forces
Maryland bridges may be useful in carefully selected cases where preserving surrounding tooth structure is an important consideration.
They can also have limitations. A resin-bonded bridge may not be appropriate in areas exposed to substantial chewing forces, where supporting teeth have extensive restorations or where bonding conditions are unsuitable.
If a Maryland bridge becomes loose or debonds, a dentist will need to assess the bridge and supporting teeth to determine whether rebonding, repair or another treatment is appropriate.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge receives support from only one side of the missing-tooth space.
Unlike a traditional bridge, which commonly uses supporting teeth on both sides of a gap, a cantilever bridge uses an abutment tooth or support on one side, with the artificial tooth extending into the space beside it.
This design may be considered when there is no suitable supporting tooth on the other side of the gap.
Because support comes from one side, careful planning is particularly important. Biting forces on the artificial tooth can place additional leverage on the supporting tooth.
For this reason, cantilever bridges are not appropriate for every tooth position or bite.
When Might a Cantilever Bridge Be Considered?
A cantilever bridge may be discussed when:
- There is suitable support on only one side of the gap
- The missing tooth is in an area where biting forces can be appropriately managed
- The supporting tooth is healthy and strong enough
- The patient’s bite does not place excessive pressure on the bridge
- Other bridge designs are not appropriate for the individual situation
Your dentist will consider the position of the missing tooth, supporting tooth, bite and expected forces on the restoration before determining whether a cantilever design is suitable.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Another option for replacing multiple missing teeth is an implant-supported bridge.
Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, this type of bridge is connected to dental implants placed in the jawbone.
An implant-supported bridge may be discussed when several teeth are missing or when surrounding natural teeth are not appropriate for supporting a conventional bridge.
Using implants for support may avoid the need to prepare neighbouring natural teeth specifically to carry a traditional bridge. However, dental implant treatment involves surgery and is not suitable for everyone.
Before recommending implant treatment, a dental professional needs to consider factors such as:
- Oral and gum health
- The available jawbone
- Medical history
- Medications
- Smoking or vaping
- Healing factors
- The location of the missing teeth
- Treatment goals
Implant treatment can also involve a different and potentially longer treatment process than some tooth-supported bridges.
Healthdirect Australia provides additional information about dental implants and their use in supporting crowns, bridges and dentures.
How Your Dentist Chooses a Dental Bridge Type
Choosing between the different types of dental bridges involves more than simply filling a gap.
Your dentist may consider:
- How many teeth are missing
- Where the missing teeth are located
- The condition of the surrounding teeth
- The health of your gums
- The strength of potential supporting teeth
- Your bite and chewing forces
- Whether you grind or clench your teeth
- The amount of suitable tooth structure available
- Your oral hygiene
- Existing restorations
- Your preferences and treatment goals
For example, a traditional fixed bridge may be considered when neighbouring teeth would benefit from crowns. A Maryland bridge may be discussed for selected front-tooth situations where suitable neighbouring teeth are available. A cantilever bridge may be an option in certain situations where appropriate support is available on one side.
No single type of dental bridge is automatically suitable for every patient.
The Digital Dental Surgery Sydney dental team can examine your mouth, discuss the available options and develop recommendations based on your individual clinical circumstances.
What Happens During Dental Bridge Treatment?
The treatment process depends on the bridge design, materials and individual clinical requirements.
Traditional Fixed Bridge
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are generally prepared first. Impressions or digital scans may then be taken so the restoration can be designed.
Depending on the treatment process, a temporary bridge may be used while the final restoration is being produced.
Once the final bridge is ready, your dentist checks factors such as fit, bite, appearance and comfort before it is bonded or cemented into place.
Digital technology may be used for parts of bridge planning, design or production. You can find further information about digital crowns and bridges at Digital Dental Surgery Sydney.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge may require less preparation of the supporting teeth than a traditional crown-supported bridge.
The restoration is designed with wings that bond to the back surfaces of suitable teeth. Your dentist also needs to assess how your bite contacts the bridge because excessive or unfavourable forces may affect the bonded restoration.
Cantilever Bridge
For a cantilever bridge, the supporting tooth or teeth need to be carefully assessed and prepared where required.
The bridge is then designed so the replacement tooth extends from the supported side.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge involves additional stages because dental implants must first be assessed, planned and surgically placed.
Healing is generally required before the final restoration can be completed. The exact treatment sequence and timeframe depend on the individual case.
Caring for a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge needs ongoing care to help maintain the health of the supporting teeth and surrounding gums.
Although the artificial replacement tooth itself cannot develop tooth decay, natural teeth supporting the bridge can still be affected by decay or gum disease. Plaque may collect around crown margins, underneath the artificial tooth and near the gumline.
Good dental bridge care may include:
- Brushing twice daily
- Cleaning carefully around and underneath the bridge
- Using floss threaders, interdental brushes or other cleaning aids recommended by your dental professional
- Attending dental examinations at intervals recommended for you
- Avoiding habits that place unnecessary pressure on the restoration
- Telling your dentist if the bridge becomes loose, damaged or uncomfortable
Cleaning beneath a bridge can take some practice. Your dental team can demonstrate suitable techniques and recommend cleaning aids for your particular restoration.
The Australian Dental Association also provides patient information about crowns, bridges and veneers and the importance of ongoing oral care.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
A dental bridge may be one option for replacing a missing tooth, but it is not the only approach.
Depending on your circumstances, alternatives may include:
- A dental implant
- A partial denture
- Another type of prosthetic treatment
- In selected situations, monitoring the space
Each option has different considerations, including treatment requirements, maintenance, effects on surrounding teeth and suitability for your oral health.
If you are missing a tooth, an individual dental assessment is the appropriate starting point. Your dentist can examine the gap, supporting teeth, gums and bite before explaining whether a traditional fixed bridge, Maryland bridge, cantilever bridge, implant-supported bridge or another approach may be suitable.
Key Takeaway
There are several types of dental bridges, each designed to receive support in a different way.
A traditional fixed bridge commonly uses crowns on teeth beside the gap. A Maryland bridge uses bonded wings and may involve less preparation of neighbouring teeth in suitable cases. A cantilever bridge receives support from one side and therefore requires careful assessment of bite forces. An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants rather than natural teeth for support.
The most appropriate choice depends on your missing teeth, surrounding teeth, gums, bite, general circumstances and long-term oral health needs.
If you are considering a dental bridge in Sydney CBD, contact Digital Dental Surgery Sydney to arrange an assessment and discuss which tooth-replacement options may be appropriate for you.
FAQs
What are the main types of dental bridges?
The main types include traditional fixed bridges, Maryland or resin-bonded bridges, cantilever bridges and implant-supported bridges. They differ mainly in how the artificial tooth or teeth are supported. The appropriate design depends on your teeth, gums, bite and individual treatment needs.
What is a traditional fixed dental bridge?
A traditional fixed bridge is a restoration that is bonded or cemented in place and is not removed by the patient. It commonly uses crowns fitted over suitable teeth on either side of the gap to support an artificial replacement tooth.
What is a Maryland dental bridge?
A Maryland bridge, also called a resin-bonded bridge, generally uses one or more wings bonded to the back of neighbouring teeth to support an artificial tooth. It is often considered for selected front-tooth cases, but suitability depends on the available enamel, supporting teeth and bite.
What is a cantilever dental bridge?
A cantilever bridge is supported from only one side of the missing-tooth space. Because this design can place additional leverage on the supporting tooth, a dentist needs to carefully assess the tooth, location and bite before recommending it.
Which type of dental bridge may be suitable for me?
There is no single bridge type that is suitable for everyone. The appropriate option depends on factors including the location of the missing tooth, health and strength of potential supporting teeth, gum health, bite forces and your treatment goals. A dental assessment is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Are dental bridges removable?
Most dental bridges discussed in this article are fixed in place and are not designed to be removed by the patient. Removable replacements for missing teeth are generally classified as dentures or partial dentures.
How do I know if I am suitable for a dental bridge?
A dentist needs to assess the missing-tooth area, potential supporting teeth, gums and bite. They can then explain whether a dental bridge may be appropriate or whether another tooth-replacement option should also be considered.
