A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring a false tooth to the teeth or implants on either side of the gap. There is not one type of bridge but several, and the right one depends mostly on what sits next to the gap and how strong those neighbours are. Choosing well means understanding the four main designs and what each asks of the surrounding teeth.
Key takeaways
- A bridge fills a gap by attaching a false tooth to supports on one or both sides.
- The four main types are traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported.
- Traditional bridges are the most common and rely on crowning the neighbouring teeth.
- Maryland bridges preserve more natural tooth but suit lower-force front teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges avoid altering healthy neighbours but cost more and take longer.
The one question that guides the choice: what is next to the gap?
Before comparing designs, the deciding factor is what borders the gap. If the neighbouring teeth are strong and would benefit from crowns anyway, a traditional bridge makes sense. If they are healthy and untouched, a design that preserves them, such as a Maryland or an implant, is often better. If there is only a tooth on one side, a cantilever may be the answer. The teeth around the gap, more than anything else, steer the decision.
The four main types of bridge
Traditional bridge
This is the most common design. The teeth on each side of the gap are shaped and crowned, and a false tooth is fixed between them as one connected unit. It is strong and well suited to gaps anywhere in the mouth where the neighbouring teeth are sound. The trade-off is that healthy neighbouring teeth must be reduced to take the crowns.
Cantilever bridge
A cantilever bridge anchors the false tooth to a supporting tooth on only one side of the gap. It is useful where there is a tooth on just one side, but because the support is one-sided it places more leverage on that anchor tooth. For this reason it is generally reserved for areas of lower biting force rather than the molars.
Maryland bridge (resin-bonded)
A Maryland bridge uses a false tooth with thin wings that are bonded to the back of the neighbouring teeth, rather than crowning them. Its great advantage is that it preserves almost all of the natural neighbouring tooth. The trade-off is that it is less strong, so it suits front teeth and lighter biting loads, and the bond can occasionally come loose.
Implant-supported bridge
Instead of relying on natural teeth, this design is supported by dental implants placed in the jaw. It is the choice for larger gaps of several teeth, and it avoids touching the neighbouring natural teeth altogether. It also helps preserve the jawbone, which natural-tooth bridges do not. The trade-offs are a higher cost, a surgical step, and a longer overall timeline. Our guide to implants versus bridges versus dentures compares these routes in detail.
Comparing the types at a glance
| Type | How it is supported | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Crowns on both neighbouring teeth | Most single-tooth gaps with sound neighbours | Reduces healthy neighbouring teeth |
| Cantilever | Crown on one neighbouring tooth | Gaps with support on only one side, low-force areas | More leverage on the single anchor |
| Maryland | Wings bonded to neighbours | Front teeth, preserving natural tooth | Less strong, bond can loosen |
| Implant-supported | Dental implants in the jaw | Larger gaps, preserving neighbours and bone | Higher cost, surgery, longer timeline |
Bridge or implant?
For a single missing tooth, the common decision is between a traditional bridge and a single implant. A bridge is usually quicker and avoids surgery, but it relies on altering the neighbouring teeth and does not stop the bone under the gap shrinking over time. An implant leaves the neighbours untouched and preserves bone, but it costs more, needs surgery, and takes longer. Neither is simply better; the right answer depends on the health of the neighbouring teeth, the bone, your timeline, and your budget. Our pillar on replacing a missing tooth walks through this in full.
What about cost?
Bridge costs vary with the type, the materials, and the number of teeth involved, and a Maryland bridge sits at a different price point to an implant-supported one. General market ranges are wide, and the only reliable figure is a written quote after an assessment. Health fund rebates often apply. To understand your options and any current offers, see our deals page or get a written quote at your consultation.
Looking after a bridge
A bridge can last many years with good care. The vulnerable spot is underneath the false tooth and around the supporting teeth, where plaque collects. Cleaning under the bridge daily with a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser is essential, and our guide on water flossers versus floss covers the tools that reach these areas. Regular dental checks let your dentist catch any decay on the supporting teeth early, since a problem there can affect the whole bridge.
Common questions
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good cleaning and regular checks, many bridges last well over a decade. Longevity depends on the type, the bite, and how well the supporting teeth and gums are maintained.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
The work is done under local anaesthetic, so it should not be painful. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterwards is normal and usually settles quickly.
Is a Maryland bridge as strong as a traditional one?
No. A Maryland bridge preserves more natural tooth but is less strong, which is why it is generally used for front teeth and lighter biting loads rather than molars.
Can a bridge be whitened?
The false tooth and any crowns are made of materials that do not respond to whitening. If you are considering whitening, it is best done before the bridge is made so the shade can be matched. See our notes on teeth whitening.
Why do I need to clean under the bridge?
Plaque collects beneath the false tooth and around the supports. If it is not removed, the supporting teeth can decay or the gums can become inflamed, which threatens the whole bridge. Daily cleaning underneath is the key to making it last.
The takeaway
Dental bridges come in four main designs, each suited to a different situation. The teeth and bone around the gap usually decide which one fits, from a strong traditional bridge to a tooth-preserving Maryland or a bone-friendly implant-supported design. An assessment is the only way to know which is right for you and to weigh a bridge against an implant.
If you are missing a tooth and weighing your options, the team at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park can talk you through what suits your mouth. Get in touch, see our general dental care, or view current offers on our deals page.
