21 Mar Dental Bridge: Types and Treatment Techniques
Dental bridges are the most common dental prostheses that have been used to treat lost teeth. However, not many are aware of the conditions when a dental bridge is indicated, their types, and their horizon of functionality.
In this article, we will study how effective dental bridges are and how to know which bridges are the best choice for you.
If you have been searching for technical information about dental bridges, this article may answer all your queries.
Dental bridges: mechanism and structure
Dental bridges can be considered for the replacement of more than one missing tooth.
Parts of a dental Bridge
A dental bridge consists of three parts:
Pontic: Pontic is an artificial tooth that replaces missing tooth or teeth. These are the most vulnerable parts of the dental bridge.
Pontic is completely dependent on the abutment teeth and crowns over it.
Abutment: Dental bridges need surrounding teeth as anchors to stay in place. This support is called abutment teeth. The abutment teeth should be very strong because they share the chewing load of the dental bridge as well.
Crown: The crown covers the abutment teeth or Implant just like a single crown.
The biggest difference between a crown and a bridge is that a single crown does not need any support from the surrounding teeth or implants, but a dental bridge needs sound healthy neighboring teeth support.
Types of dental bridges
Dental bridges cover only a limited part of the dentition.
There are different classifications of dental bridges, which are categorized according to their nature, material and support.
Let’s review all the types one after the other.
Fixed partial denture/ Bridge: These are attached to the teeth and can only be removed by the dentist.
These fixed dental bridges are gain classified into different categories like:
Traditional Bridges:
It is the most common type of bridge, which consists of pontics held in place by a crown supported by healthy teeth on either side.
Maryland Bridges
These bridges are usually used for front teeth. They use resin resin-bonded metal framework.
This metal or porcelain framework is attached to the back of support teeth and hence requires minimal trimming of the support teeth.
Cantilever bridges:
This type of bridge is made when there is only one side of abutment teeth available.
This is not a frequently recommended type of bridge, but if used, it is indicated for areas with less chewing pressure.
Cantilever bridges put extra load on the adjacent tooth and can damage it as well, hence not widely indicated.
Implant-supported teeth;
Instead of natural teeth, this kind of bridge is anchored to the adjacent implant. It functions exactly like a traditional bridge. Since it is attached to the implant, it does not cause any harm to adjacent teeth.
Bridges according to the materials
| Material | Sub types | Characteristics |
| Metal based | Gold Alloy | Durable &
Biocompatible |
| Cobalt chromium or nickel Chromium | Strong but patients may be allergic | |
| Porcelain based | Porcelain fused to metal | Metal margins may get exposed after some days |
| All ceramic | Very aesthetic
Strong |
|
| Composite resin bridges | Composite is the main component | For patients who can’t undergo invasive treatment. Less durable |
How is the dental bridge helpful?
The dental bridge replaces the lost teeth primarily, but also restores the form, function and aesthetics of the facial structure.
Some of such other benefits of dental bridges are:
Restores chewing and speaking ability: Many times, lost teeth cause minor lisp in speech and bridges correct that speech insufficiency.
Facial structure correction: You may look aged or like a child because of the lost teeth. The cheeks get retracted inside due to lost back teeth. This condition frequently causes cheek bites as well. Such facial structure deformities are corrected after bridge restoration.
Prevent teeth movement: Our teeth are prone to shift towards empty spaces. A lost tooth can be a big reason for the shifting of the natural teeth and creates misalignment. Dental bridges are a big savior to prevent such conditions.
In a nutshell:
A dental bridge is a crucial dental restoration which provides an improvement in the form and function of the oral cavity.
The latest technologies like digital dentistry, 3D Scanning and milling have improved dental bridges to a wonderful extent in terms of fit and durability.
It’s important to understand your needs and case before choosing a proper type of bridge. Your dentist can help you select the bridge according to your particular requirements. Every bridge is custom made and is fabricated after an impression of your teeth is taken by the dentist. You have to keep the area surrounding the bridge clean by brushing and flossing regularly. Also visit your dentist at regular intervals to check on how your teeth and dental bridge are doing.
Hope this article helped you to understand the technicalities of a dental bridge.
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Last Updated on March 21, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD