Missing a tooth and wondering what your options are?
Dental bridges are a natural-looking way to replace one or more missing teeth. By “bridging” the space between healthy teeth or implants, they restore your bite, improve chewing and speaking, and keep your smile looking complete. In this article, we’ll walk you through how dental bridges work, the types available, their pros and cons and what to expect if you’re considering one.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a simple but effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. It fills the gap in your smile, helping restore both function and appearance.
Bridges are made up of two main parts:
- The pontics: artificial teeth that fill the empty space
- The abutments: natural teeth or implant posts that support the bridge next to the pontic
Depending on the type of bridge, your abutments might need to be reshaped slightly to fit dental crowns, or they may only require minimal adjustments if using a Maryland bridge. Once crafted in a dental lab to match your teeth and bite, the bridge is cemented into place, giving you a seamless, natural-looking smile.
What Are The Types Of Dental Bridges?
There are four main types of dental bridges, each with its own design and method of support: traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
Traditional bridges are the most common type, using crowns on the natural teeth on either side of a gap to support one or more artificial teeth. They are strong and durable, suitable for replacing molars or front teeth, but require the removal of some enamel from the adjacent teeth.
Cantilever bridges are supported by a single adjacent tooth, usually at the end of a gap. They are generally used when there is only one natural tooth next to a missing tooth, often in the front. While they allow restoration of a missing tooth, they are less stable than traditional bridges and carry a higher risk of complications, such as fractured supporting teeth.
Maryland bridges use metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, rather than full crowns. This conservative option avoids enamel removal and is typically used for front teeth. However, they are less durable than traditional or cantilever bridges and may not withstand strong biting forces in the back of the mouth.
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, making them ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth. They provide strong, long-lasting support and prevent excessive pressure on individual implants. Placement requires multiple surgical steps and several months for the implants to fully integrate with the jawbone.
How To Choose The Right Dental Bridge
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable type of bridge based on several factors, including:
- Number of missing teeth: The size of the bridge depends on whether you are replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth.
- Location of the gap: The position of the missing tooth/teeth can affect the type of bridge used.
- Condition of surrounding teeth and gums: The health of the adjacent teeth and gums is important for ensuring bridge stability and thus the type of bridge that you can get.
- Your bite: How your upper and lower teeth meet will influence the design of the bridge.
- Personal preferences: Aesthetic goals, comfort, and lifestyle considerations also play a role in the type of bridge your dentist will recommend.
Considering these factors ensures your bridge is not only functional but also designed to complement your smile and daily life.
When Do I Need A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges can be a helpful option for anyone looking to replace missing teeth, whether to restore your smile, improve chewing and speech, or prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.
You might consider a dental bridge if you:
- Are already missing a tooth and need long term replacement
- Have a problematic tooth that may need extraction and replacement
- Have small to moderate gaps of 1–2 missing teeth
- Have healthy supporting teeth that can hold a bridge
- Cannot get dental implants due to medical conditions or insufficient jawbone
- Are under 18 and waiting to get dental implants later
- Need a quick or temporary replacement after sudden tooth loss, such as from trauma
What Are The Benefits Of Getting A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges offer both practical and cosmetic advantages, helping to restore your smile and oral function.
Dental bridges fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and restore your smile with an appearance that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Replacing missing teeth helps you eat comfortably and speak clearly without gaps affecting your pronunciation.
A bridge keeps surrounding teeth in place, avoiding misalignment or bite issues caused by empty spaces.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Dental Bridges?
While effective, dental bridges also have some limitations and potential risks to be aware of.
If decay or trauma affects the supporting abutment teeth, it can compromise the stability of your dental bridge.
Weak supporting teeth may break under the pressure of holding a bridge, requiring additional dental work.
Plaque buildup around the bridge or under the gums due to improper cleaning can cause inflammation, infection, or tooth decay. This may result in further dental maintenance being required.
What Is The Process Of Getting A Dental Bridge?
Getting a dental bridge may seem like a big process, but it’s actually straightforward when broken down into clear steps. Here’s what you can expect:
What Is The Cost Of Getting Dental Bridges?
The price of dental bridges in Singapore can vary from $600 – $2,000, depending on factors like the type of bridge, the materials used, the complexity of your case, and whether you’re visiting a public or private clinic. At i.Dental, the cost of dental bridges ranges from $763 to $1,417 per tooth (inclusive of GST). Before starting treatment, our dentists will provide you with a detailed quotation tailored to your needs.
MediSave and CHAS subsidies offer partial coverage for dental bridge treatments:
- CHAS subsidies can be used for bridges that involve crowns, as in traditional and cantilever bridges)
- MediSave can be claimed for insertion of dental implant of up to $1,950 per tooth
- However, pontics (the false tooth in the bridge) and Maryland bridges are not claimable under MediSave or CHAS subsidies
What Are The Alternatives To Dental Bridges?
While dental bridges are a popular way to replace missing teeth, they’re not the only option. Depending on your oral health, budget, and lifestyle, your dentist may also suggest dental implants or dentures.
Dental implants are often considered the closest alternative to natural teeth. They involve placing a small titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial root. A crown is then attached on top.
Implants are durable, stable, and can last for decades if cared for properly. They also help preserve the jawbone, which naturally shrinks when teeth are missing. However, implants require surgery, a longer healing time, and tend to be more expensive.
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace several missing teeth (partial dentures) or a whole set of teeth (full dentures). They are generally more affordable and don’t involve surgery, making them a good choice for those who prefer a non-invasive solution. On the other hand, dentures may feel less stable than bridges or implants, and they sometimes need adjustments as the mouth changes over time.
What Are The Risks Of Getting Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a safe and effective treatment for replacing missing teeth, but like all dental procedures, there are some risks and complications you should be aware of. Most are rare or manageable with proper care and regular dental visits. Possible risks include:
- Temporary soreness or sensitivity: Gums or supporting teeth may feel tender for a few days after treatment, sometimes with minor swelling or numbness.
- Decay under the bridge: Supporting teeth can still develop cavities if oral hygiene is poor, which may cause the bridge to fail.
- Chipping or breakage: Biting hard foods or teeth grinding can damage or loosen the bridge.
- Pulp or nerve issues: Supporting teeth may sometimes require root canal treatment after the bridge is placed.
- Gum recession: Over time, shrinking gums can expose bridge margins and affect appearance.
- Colour mismatch: Natural teeth may darken with age while the bridge remains the same shade.
- Food impaction: Food can get trapped under the bridge if not cleaned properly.
- Jaw joint discomfort: Rarely, changes in bite may affect your jaw joints, causing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
If you notice persistent pain, swelling, looseness, or signs of decay, call your dentist promptly so they can address the issue early.
How Do I Care For Dental Bridges?
With proper care, dental bridges can last many years and keep your smile functional and healthy. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and mindful habits are key to protecting both your bridge and natural teeth. Follow the following tips to best care for your dental bridge.
- Brush at least daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss carefully around and under the bridge using floss threaders or interdental brushes.
- Avoid chewing very hard or sticky foods that may damage or loosen the bridge.
- Do not bite on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.
- Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist to monitor the bridge and supporting teeth.
FAQs About Dental Bridges
Most dental bridges are able to last more than 10 years with proper care. Their longevity depends on factors such as the material used, oral hygiene, chewing habits, and the health of the supporting teeth and gums. Regular dental check-ups help ensure the bridge stays in good condition for as long as possible.
Getting a dental bridge is generally not painful, as most individuals only feel mild discomfort when the supporting teeth are prepared. Local anaesthesia can be used if needed to further numb the surrounding gum area.
After installing your dental bridge, you may notice some temporary soreness or sensitivity, but this usually eases within a few days as you get used to the bridge. If you have concerns about discomfort, your dentist can discuss options to keep you comfortable.
There is no specific ideal age for getting a dental bridge. The key factors are the health of your gums and the strength of the teeth that will support the bridge. Many people choose to get one between the ages of 35 and 65 when tooth loss is more common, but younger individuals with injuries or decay and older adults with healthy supporting teeth can also be suitable candidates.
If you’re unsure about whether to get a dental bridge, book an appointment with us to help determine whether a bridge is the best solution for you.
If you have recently had a tooth extracted, it is usually recommended to wait about 5 to 6 months to allow the gums and the extraction site to heal before placing a bridge. For spaces where a tooth has been missing for some time, treatment can often begin immediately, provided there is enough space and the neighbouring teeth are healthy enough to support the bridge. Your dentist will advise on the best timing based on your individual case.
Yes, dental bridges are designed to look and feel very much like natural teeth. Once in place, most individuals find that their bridge blends seamlessly with their bite and appearance. While it may take a short period to adjust, especially when chewing or speaking, a well-fitted bridge quickly becomes comfortable and functions just like your natural teeth.
A dental bridge is designed to be a fixed restoration, not something you can remove on your own. In some cases, if a bridge becomes loose, your dentist may be able to remove it and recement it securely. However, if there is decay under the supporting teeth, gum disease, or damage to the crowns or false teeth, the bridge may need to be replaced entirely rather than simply recemented.
Most people recover within one to two weeks after getting a dental bridge, as the teeth and gums require some time to heal. It may take a little longer for the bridge to feel completely natural when chewing or speaking, but with proper care and regular check-ups, it should soon feel like a seamless part of your smile.
