Dental Bridges: Types, Procedure, and What to Expect

If you're missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge is one of the most reliable ways to restore your smile without the wait time that comes with dental implants. A dental bridge "bridges" the gap left by a missing tooth using crowns anchored to the teeth (or implants) on either side, with a replacement tooth suspended in between. At Equinox Dental in Monroe, NC, we place bridges regularly for patients throughout Union County and South Mecklenburg County, and we know that walking in informed makes the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming. Here's what you need to know about the types of bridges available, how the procedure works, and how to make yours last.

What Is a Dental Bridge, and When Do You Need One?

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using the healthy teeth (or implants) surrounding the gap as anchor points, called abutments. The false tooth that fills the space is called a pontic, and it's fused to crowns that fit over the abutment teeth. Bridges are typically recommended when you're missing a tooth but don't want — or aren't a candidate for — a single dental implant, or when you're replacing several teeth at once and need a more stable option than a removable partial denture.

Leaving a gap unaddressed isn't just a cosmetic issue. Neighboring teeth can shift into the empty space over time, your bite can become unbalanced, and you may develop new pressure points that lead to jaw discomfort or uneven wear on your other teeth. A bridge keeps your bite aligned and restores your ability to chew comfortably on both sides of your mouth.

The Four Types of Dental Bridges

Not every bridge is built the same way, and the right type depends on your specific situation.

Traditional bridges are the most common option. A crown is placed on each of the two teeth surrounding the gap, with the pontic suspended between them. This works well when you have healthy, strong teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.

Cantilever bridges are used when there's only one healthy tooth next to the gap rather than two. The pontic is supported by a single abutment tooth, which makes this option less common today since it places more stress on that one tooth.

Maryland bridges (also called resin-bonded bridges) skip full crowns entirely. Instead, the pontic is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the neighboring teeth. This conservative approach preserves more of your natural tooth structure, making it a good option for front teeth where a lighter touch matters cosmetically.

Implant-supported bridges rely on one or two dental implants instead of your natural teeth for support. Rather than reshaping healthy adjacent teeth to hold crowns, the bridge is anchored directly into your jawbone. This is often the strongest and most durable option, particularly when you're missing several teeth in a row.

What Happens During the Dental Bridge Procedure

Getting a traditional or cantilever bridge typically takes two visits. At your first appointment, we prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping them slightly to make room for the crowns, then take an impression or digital scan that's used to custom-fabricate your bridge. We'll place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and keep you comfortable while your permanent restoration is made.

At your second visit, usually a couple of weeks later, we remove the temporary, check the fit and bite of your custom bridge, and cement it permanently in place. If you're getting an implant-supported bridge, the timeline is longer, since the implants need several months to fuse with your jawbone before the bridge itself is attached — but the result is a restoration that feels and functions like your natural teeth.

Caring for Your Bridge and How Long It Lasts

With good care, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Because the pontic sits above your gumline, regular flossing takes a bit more attention — a floss threader or a water flosser can help you clean underneath the false tooth where a normal floss strand can't reach. Keeping up with your regular cleanings and exams also lets us catch any issues with the abutment teeth early, since those teeth still need to stay cavity-free and healthy to keep supporting your bridge.

Is a Bridge the Right Choice for You?

Whether a bridge, an implant, or another restoration makes the most sense depends on how many teeth you're replacing, the condition of your surrounding teeth and jawbone, and your overall treatment goals. Every patient's mouth is different, and the right recommendation really does come down to a case-by-case evaluation.

If you're missing a tooth and wondering whether a dental bridge is the right fit, the team at Equinox Dental is here to walk you through your options. We proudly serve patients in Monroe, Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel, Weddington, Fort Mill, and the surrounding Union County and South Mecklenburg County communities. Call us at 980-290-7016 or visit equinoxdentalnc.com to schedule your consultation today.