On this page · 5 sections
01Why it matters
A missing tooth affects more than your smile. Over time, the teeth next to a gap can tip or drift into the empty space, and the tooth above or below it can shift as well. That can change your bite, make chewing harder on one side, and create new spots where food and plaque collect.
A bridge fills the gap so you can chew and speak more normally, and it helps keep the neighboring teeth in position. It is one of several ways to replace a missing tooth. Others include a removable partial denture or a dental implant. The dentist can explain which options fit your mouth after an exam.
Text version of this infographic
Three teeth in a row. The two outer teeth carry crowns that act as anchors. The middle false tooth, called a pontic, is joined to them and fills the gap. The bridge is cemented in place.
02What happens
A traditional bridge has three parts: two crowns, called abutments, that fit over the teeth on either side of the gap, and a false tooth, called a pontic, that sits in the space between them. Getting one usually follows these steps:
- Exam and X-rays to make sure the supporting teeth and gums are healthy enough to hold a bridge.
- Preparing the supporting teeth by reshaping them, with the area numbed, so the crowns can fit over them.
- Impressions or a scan so the bridge can be made to fit your bite.
- A temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth while the final one is made.
- Fitting and cementing the permanent bridge, with bite adjustments as needed.
Because the supporting teeth are reshaped, a bridge is a long-term commitment for those teeth. That is one reason the dentist will talk through the trade-offs with you before you decide. Each supporting tooth is covered with a dental crown, so the same care rules apply.
03Cost factors
The cost of a bridge depends on:
- How many teeth are being replaced and where they are in the mouth.
- The material used for the crowns and the false tooth.
- Whether the supporting teeth need other treatment first, such as fillings or a root canal.
- Your dental insurance plan and how it covers tooth replacement. Call the office to check your plan.
- Whether you want to spread out payments with CareCredit, which the office accepts.
04How to care for it
The supporting teeth under a bridge can still decay, and the gums around them can still become inflamed, so daily cleaning matters. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Once a day, clean under the false tooth using a floss threader, a water flosser, or small interdental brushes, since regular floss cannot pass between the connected teeth.
Keep your regular checkups and cleanings so the dentist can check the supporting teeth and the fit of the bridge. Avoid biting very hard objects, and call the office if the bridge feels loose, you notice a bad taste around it, or the gums near it bleed or swell.
Missing a tooth? See our dental bridges page.
05Questions people ask
How long does a dental bridge last?
Many bridges last for years with good care. How long yours lasts depends largely on the health of the supporting teeth and gums, so daily cleaning under the bridge and regular checkups make a real difference.
Should I get a bridge or a partial denture?
It depends on your situation. A bridge is fixed in place and feels more like natural teeth, but it requires reshaping the neighboring teeth. A removable partial denture usually does not. The dentist can explain the trade-offs after an exam.
Can I eat normally with a bridge?
Most people return to a normal diet once they adjust to the bridge. Cut very hard or sticky foods into smaller pieces and avoid chewing ice, since these can damage the bridge or the teeth that support it.
Dr. Sadek is the family dentist at Americana Family Dental on Americana Blvd in Orlando. He reviews the health information on this site. Review date: [date pending review]